Gleouriach & Spidean Mialach

We didn't have many guests at the hostel last night, but after a busy weekend it comes as a bit of relief. The guests we did have were all planning early starts so we took the opportunity to get out and about ourselves. We decided to head down to Loch Quoich about 15 or so miles from the hostel (the finest independent hostel in the Great Glen!) down a stunning single track road, to tackle a couple of the local munros.

After a hasty start (only one cup of tea in bed) we left the car about 9.30am. We made fairly quick progress thanks to a stalkers path which led us 3/4's of the way up the first summit. Looking back the way we had come we were rewarded with great views across to the south side of the Loch.

From the summit of Spidean Mialach, the first munro of the day, the route became much more dramatic, following the ridge of the steep northern cliffs over a series of steep rocky corries. We made swift progress along the ridge, unfortunately we both happened to forget that there were three summits, not two. After scrambling and sweating our way up to the second our spirits temporarily dropped as the third came into view. The cake we promised ourselves on the final peak would have to wait an extra 20 minutes.


As we got to the summit of the final munro, Gleouriach, we were surprised to actually see some other people out and about. After a quick chat and the promised cake we were ready to head down. Now, anyone that's done any walking with Jen will know not only is she like a mountain goat on the way up, she's also got an inexplicable habit of wanting to run down the hills, big boots or no big boots. 45 minutes later and we were back at the car. 4 and a 1/2 hours, 12 km and two munros, a great day out.

Not much else has happened really, our friend Trigger popped in yesterday after running the Cuillin Ridge in about an hour (it might have been more like 5 hours but nothing would suprise me about Trigger "the machine"). This has had the effect of re-awakening Jen's ambition to do the same. Better get training!


--Matt