[Trip Index] [Munro Index] [Home] 25th June 2007   Gairich Map Today the intention was to do the Loch Arkaig trio but when I looked out of the B&B window first thing in the morning there was a patina of light raindrops on the glass and the Ben was hidden in roils of grumpy looking cloud. Not actually angry as yet but definitely threatening. I didn't want to set out on such a long, tough expedition in those conditions, knowing I'd have to slog my way over a load of rough, tricky ridges amidst cloud and rain. Instead I opted to do Gairich and motored round to it, up the Great Glen to Invergarry, along the A87 for a while and then up the unclassified road to the Loch Quoich dam where I parked. Gairich seen from the dam - a 5 mile walk Happily although the day remained overcast the top of Gairich was now clear of cloud so I set off at 8.45 and after climbing over the locked gate I walked along the top of the dam to the south side of the loch. There was then a boggy walk south for a while until a decent path appeared which took me the remaining 2 miles to the start of the Druim na Geid Salaich, the long eastern ridge extending from Gairich. I climbed an easy gradient to get onto the ridge and then commenced the long walk, about another 2 miles, over the broad, grassy, peat-hag-riddled expanse, to the base of the mountain. Walking along the ridge By the time I got to it I was at about the 560 metre level so a good part of the ascent was already done, but it had been so gradual that I still felt pretty fresh. Gairich was now looming steeply in front of me with its eastern face covered in crags and steep rocky outcrops. Cameron McNeish, for some reason, says 'don't be tempted' by the path and to 'continue climbing on the crest of the ridge to the summit'. I have to say this advice is absolutely crackers as the path is far and away the safest way up the hill. It's well-trodden and obviously used by just about every climber who passes that way. Sticking to the crest is definitely not for the average hill-walker. Even taking the path the hillside is very steep and anyone without a head for heights might feel a little uneasy in several places. There is also one step of about 12 feet in height which must be scrambled up using hands - it feels a little exposed but is easy enough. On the way back down you need to face the rock and climb down. Path alongside steep drop The 'step' where hands are needed Carrying on up the path eventually the ground started to level off and the cairn came into sight, alongside a small stone windbreak. Sitting on the broad grassy area at the top I enjoyed the rewards of my labour by taking in the fine views all round, especially over to the west where lay the unknown, to me, Rough Bounds of Knoydart. There Ladhar Bheinn, Luinne Bheinn and Meall Buidhe await me on another trip. Looking West from the summit I got to the top at 12.22 and left at 12.45, retracing my steps. It was a straightforward descent with just one brief spot of drizzle which had blown over by the time I got back to the car (14.52). With the climb over the day got better then as I drove south for home and it seemed I'd have been OK on the Loch Arkaig three after all. Not to worry, eh. Drove down to the northern tip of Loch Lomond and booked in at McGregor's Landing - £23 B&B. Saw no-one at all on the hills, either today or yesterday.