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

Saturday January 18, Meall an t-Slamain, Camusnagaul.

Like a sentinel above The Narrows between Loch Eil and Lochaber, this hill offers great views of familiar places, from a different perspective.

Start from Camusnagaul ferry slip at NN094750. Follow a way-marked path up through the woodland to the viewpoint, then continue up the hillside to the mast and trig point, 291m. Follow the ridge SW to the summit of Meall an t-Slamain, 467m. Continue SW, descending to Gleann Sròn a’Chreagain and follow the path down to the road at Stronchreggan. Return NE along the road to Camusnagaul. Return ferry to Fort William at 1635.

Grade: M. Distance: 10km. Height to climb: 485m. Map(s): LR41, EX392. Meet at: Camusnagaul ferry slip at NN094750. Start of Walk 0930. Leader: TBC.

Thursday January 23, Achnacarry circuit and Invermallie Bothy, Loch Arkaig.

A walk with woodland, river and lochside scenery.

Start at the CP by the waterfalls at NN176888. Follow the path N steeply up to the forest track at NN180893. Turn right and follow the track E to its end shortly before the Allt Bhàn. Descend SE through mixed woodland to the bridge on the B8005. Follow the B8005 round to the bridge at Bunarkaig and take the path on the N side of the River Arkaig. Cross the river on a footbridge to arrive at Achnacarry. Head NW to the foot of Loch Arkaig and follow its S shore on the track to Invermallie Bothy, NN135887. Return to foot of the loch, turn left and cross the bridge at NN170885. Turn E on to the B8005 and return to the CP. This walk may have to be modified if the work on the bridge at the end of the walk is still under way.

Grade: L. Distance: 16km. Height to climb: 300m. Map(s): LR34 EX400. Meet at: Fort William Woollen Mill 0900. Start of Walk 0930. Leader: Trevor Jones 07831 437454.

NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB

Full walk details at www.nevis hillwalking.club. If anyone would like to go on a walk, contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@nevishillwalking.club

Sunday January 19, Meall an Uillt Chaoil, Stob Coire nan Cearc, Streap, Streap Comhlaidh, Gleann Dubh Lighe.

Streap is the highest point on a long, rocky massif, steeply flanked on all aspects, that separates Glen Finnan from Gleann Dubh Lighe. A Corbett with no less than five tops, it is a fine sight from any angle. This route omits the two Tops of Beinn an Tuim. *A complete traverse is a tougher prospect.

Start from the small CP just W of Drocahid Sgainnir off the A830 at NM929798. Return to the main road then head N into Gleann Dubh Lighe on the forest track for 2.5km. Turn E at the junction, NM943817, and continue on the track across a bridge over the Dubh Lighe, curving N again to reach the bothy. The track deteriorates but continues N to emerge from the forest after 1km. A further 1km on a rough path finds a footbridge back over the Dubh Lighe at NM947837, not shown on the maps, close to a ruin. Head W up the fall line a distance of 800m to about 430m alt. Turn NW and climb the steep spur of Meall an Uillt Chaoil to its summit. Descend NE, curving N down to Bealach Coire nan Cearc and climb up to Stob Coire nan Cearc. A fine ridge heads NNE to the summit of Streap, distant 1.5km. Descend SE to a col at 818 alt, then climb E to the summit of Streap Comhlaidh. Descend its S ridge to reach the path in Gleann Dubh Lighe and follow it back to the ruin and footbridge. Return by the outward route.

*For the fit and swift or anyone ticking Corbett Tops, precede the above with a traverse of the omitted Tops as follows:* Turn W at the junction at NM943817. The track turns N climbing gradually. At its end, continue a further 75m through the trees and scale the boundary fence to reach the open hillside. Turn WNW and climb to a small lochan on a level spur at 580m alt, then turn N and climb to the S summit of Beinn an Tuim, 795m. The second Top lies 280m away on a bearing of 3200G. Descend N to Bealach a’ Chait, then climb N curving E to the summit of Meall an Uillt Chaoil. From here, follow the principal route described above. 18km, 1191m ascent.

*18km, 1340m ascent. Suggested by Gavin Theobald. Coordinated by Craig Beckett.