This week’s walks
LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS
The walk leader should 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 Sunday January 26, Coire nan Lochan and Coire Gabhail, Glen Coe.
An easier route does not cross the burn but continues up to the floor of Coire nan Lochan.
From the southernmost lochan, turn east and follow the contour to a small plateau astride the ridge between Gearr Aonach and Stob Coire nan Lochan, NN155551.
From here, a broad ramp leads down south-southwestwards below the crags on the right, and above the crags on the left.
The route crosses a stony couloir and continues a descending traverse until the crags on the left give way to a steep grassy hillside.
Continue the traverse until it is convenient to descend to the Coire Gabhail path below and follow this to the A82. Follow the Old Road back to the start.
Grade: M+
Distance: 7 Km
Height to climb: 674m
Map(s): LR41, EX384
Meet at: Fort William WM NN112742 at 0945
Start of walk at 1000
Leader: Ann Jones 07770 434114. Thursday January 30, Strontian Oakwoods, Strontian.
Walking with the fairies: A circuit above the Strontian (Sron an t’Sithein - hill of the fairies) Glen
From the village shops (NM815616) climb steeply through the community woodland of Phemie’s Walk to gain the high road leading to Scotstown and Ariundle.
We then make a high traverse of the Strontian Oakwoods returning along the Strontian River with a final climb back to the village along the Fairy Road.
Grade: L
Distance: 14Km
Height gained - 100m
Map(s): LR40, EX391
Meet at: Corran Ferry slip for 0915 ferry
Start of Walk: 0945
Leader: Sheila McKenzie 01967402122 or 07880891262.
NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB
Full walk details at www.nevishillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go on a walk, contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club Saturday January 25, Binnein Shuas and Binnein Shios, Loch Laggan.
Two fine hills set between Loch Laggan and Lochan na h-Earba, with grand views of splendid Munros in every direction. Delightful craggy hills with some route finding needed on the summits.
Start just E of the Moy Bridge at NN433831, where limited off-road parking is available. Cross the river Spean and follow the track SE for about 2km then turn right at the junction. After about a further 1Km at NN446812 head NE up the hillside, keeping to the crest of an ill-defined ridge.
Scramble over rocky outcrops to reach the summit of Binnein Shuas, 746m. Head NE to a WP at NN467831 which overlooks a descent route to the NE spur of the hill. Descend the steep grassy slope to WP(156) at NN467832, then continue down a steep ramp, keeping to its left side below crags, to reach easier slopes on the NE spur. Follow the crest of the spur ENE down to broad col at about 380m alt*. Climb NNE up to the long summit ridge of Binnein Shios and continue to its highest point at the far end. Retrace steps down to about 450m alt, then curving W, make across some open woodland for the track along the shore of Loch Laggan. Aim for a point opposite Eilean nan Tunnag at about NN464843. Follow the track SW for 3km, then fork right at the junction to follow the outward route back to the start.
*For a shorter day, omit Binnein Shios and, from the col**, head directly for the track beside Loch Laggan.
**For an alternative return from the col, continue NE down to the dam across the river linking the two lochans at NN48448 83719. Cross the dam and follow the track SW to the head of the lochan. Turn W and continue on the track back to the start.
18km, 810m ascent, *14km, 500m acsent, **18km, 500m ascent
Suggested and coordinated by Andrew Gilbert.