This week’s walks
LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS
The walk leader is to be contacted beforehand for meet-up and start times. Car sharing usually possible and people can try before they buy. Further information at www.lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk. Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group can be contacted by email on info@lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk
Saturday March 16: Beinn a’Chaorainn by the East Ridge, Glen Spean
The shortest and most interesting route up this Munro and includes a grade 1, two-star scramble.
Start from the A86 just E of the bridge over the Allt na h-Uamha at NN400818, where parking is available. Follow the W bank of the river N up through the conifer plantation to its boundary fence.
Turn W for 200m to reach a track and follow it N to emerge onto the open hillside at NN398850. Turn W and head for the toe of the E Ridge at altitude 695m, on the N side of the Allt Ban where it issues from a rocky corrie. Scramble up the ridge, which leads directly to the summit of Beinn a’Chaorainn, 1052m. Visit the N Top, 1043m, then head S over the summit plateau to the S Top, 1049m. Descend S, following the rim of the steep E aspect to reach the minor summit of Meall Bhaideanach, 606m. Turn E and descend to the Allt na h-Uamha and follow the outward route back to the start.
Distance: 13km; height to climb: 1023m; map(s): LR41/42, EX401, OL55. Meet at Fort William WM at 8.45am for start of walk at 9.30am. Leader: Ian Moir 07973 836498.
Thursday March 21:
Beinn Mhich Chasgaig, Glen Etive
A shapely Corbett with an impressive approach and good summit views.
Start from Alltchaorunn bridge, NN198512. Limited parking is available in the vicinity. Cross the River Etive and follow the track to Alltchaorunn lodge. Avoid the lodge garden on the E side of its perimeter fence then pass through a gate and a few trees to reach the path leading S on the E bank of the Allt a’ Chaorainn. The single-plank bridge over the tributary Allt Coire Ghiubhasan is deemed unsafe. It may be possible to cross below the bridge at a ford used by estate ATVs to reach the stalkers’ path leading SE into Coire Ghiubhasan. Follow it to NN206496 and re-cross the burn to its N side. If it is not possible to cross the burn, stay on the N side to reach the same point.
Climb NE up the E side of a prominent gorge on the SW flank of Beinn Mhich Chascaig, following the fall-line. When the gradient eases, curve E to reach the summit plateau and cairn, 864m. If the River Etive is fordable, descend the NE ridge and cross it where suitable in the vicinity of NN223523. Transport required, or return to the start down the road. Otherwise descend SE steeply down to the col between Beinn Mhic Chasgaig and Clach Leathad, then traverse around Coire Odhar to pick up the path in Coire Ghiubhasan. Cross the Allt Coire Ghiubhasan where fordable and retrace steps to Alltchaorunn bridge.
Distance: 9km; height to climb: 750m; map(s): LR41/50, EX384. Meet at Glencoe village car park at 9am for start of walk at 9.30am. Leader: Toril Frantzen 07788 264007.
NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB
Full walk details at www.nevishillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go out on the walk please contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club.
Sunday March 17: Binnein Beag, Binnein Mor, Glen Nevis
An adventurous route, much of it well off the usual approaches to these fine hills, isolated at the eastern end of the Mamores. Binnein Mor is the highest in this range.
Start from the CP at the end of the public road in Glen Nevis, NN167691. Follow path beside the Water of Nevis to safe place to cross the river at approximately NN230694. Climb Binnein Beag, 943m, then descend to saddle between Binnein Beag and Binnein Mor. Climb Binnein Mor by the fine north-east ridge or if conditions dictate climb the north ridge which is more straightforward.
Descend the north ridge, find a safe crossing of the Water of Nevis, and return by the outgoing route.
Distance: 20km, height: 1230m ascent. Suggested by Rick Atkinson.