Sgurr nan Coireachan and Sgurr Thuilm - Glenfinnan2

The photos can do the talking for this one. Rarely have I had such weather in the Highlands. it was warm but clear. Often on hot days there is a haze that shrouds the distance. This time the clarity of the views were amazing.



From the tops the West Highlands unfolded - the rough bounds of Knoydart, Loch Arkaig, Glen Shiel, the Lochailort Corbetts. Then - a spectacular addition - the island. The Cuillin standing proud and rugged on Skye, Rum's own Cuillin and Egg with his strange lumps.

Could I complain? Midges and clegs ....sunburn....sweat - forget them it was all worth it.

Steve Fallon details the route we took. A long walk in to the Collyhully bothy (poking our heads in we found a bothy with electricity!), but it was sunny and the miles passed swiftly. Then - and there was even a signpost "To Sgurr nan Coireachan"- the stalkers path led in broad sweeps zigzagging up the hill.

We stopped on the way up to chat to some young guys who were on their 3rd week of an Outward Bound trip - backpacking and kayaking round the West Highlands. Some pangs of jealousy but they were minor as we continued up relatively unladen and looked at their big packs.

The first top was attained accompanied by the marvellous views. Glen Dessary below and scores of mountains all around. The ridge walk to the second Munro was interesting - knobbly, rough and up and down. The eyes continually drawn out to sea.

Then it was down.

David had explained that while doing these originally on his round of the Munros he had dropped off the second and made for Gulvain - an act of great athleticism but equal insanity. I was more measured and had suggested the addition of Streap, although in the end the descent and subsequent climb of 700m or so just was not attractive. We did not bother.

So we headed down and out along the same track, meeting the same clegs we had escaped on the way up and getting nicely sunburned on the way to the car.

Of course days like this are paid for and today was the balance......