[Trip Index] [Munro Index] [Home] 2nd April 2006   Sgor Gaibhre Carn Dearg Map The local train service doesn't run at any useful times on Sundays so I decided to do these two from Rannoch instead of the more usual approach from Corrour Station. I parked on the road a short distance before Rannoch at the spot where a cart-track starts and the power lines cross over from one side of the road to the other. Peugeot and Loch Rannoch The day was fine with some cloud about but all clear of the tops again and even some blue patches in places. I set off at 9.55 on a long and arduous walk-in. The first part was straightforward enough, simply heading north along the cart-track which is very straight in places. After a mile or so I crossed over the bridge on the Allt Eigheach (the stream which runs down from the glen) and a bit further along came to a bend in the track where a notice told me to 'Keep to the Path'. The straight cart-track OK, I dutifully kept to the path for a while but then it became obvious that it was taking me further and further off to the left (West) of the Carn Dearg ridge when what I really wanted was to be passing to the right of it, in order to walk directly up the glen to the col between the two Munros. (the plan was to get to the col and then turn right to ascend Sgor Gaibhre then return to the col and ascend Carn Dearg. From there I would then be able to enjoy the fine, high-level walk of two miles or so along the southern ridge). Yomping across rough moorland I made my way back to the stream and then followed a cart-track up to near the head of the glen. About a mile and a half before the col, however, the track ended leaving me with a laborious trek over innumerable peat hags, snow banks and heather. It was a real slog and the col never seemed to get any nearer. Still, in the end I got there and was then able to make my way up the Sgor Gaibhre hillside, an easy incline of rock and short grass covered now with lots of snow. I followed a line of footprints without bothering to put the crampons on and reached the top at 1.25. There was a small cairn there and I was able to enjoy some good views of the neighbouring peaks.. Looking back from the col over the morass of peat hags and snow I'd just crossed The single line of footsteps leading up Sgor Gaibhre Sgor Gaibhre summit I made quick progress returning down the snow slope to the col and from there had an easy and uneventful ascent of Carn Dearg. A large cairn stands at the top and I was greeted with a brief flurry of hail - surprising as there was only light, gauzy cloud above me. (2.45). Ascending Carn Dearg from the col Carn Dearg summit cairn The way back was along the southern ridge, a fine, gently undulating, high-level walk, fairly firm underfoot and much easier going than the morass through which I'd struggled on the inward leg. At the end of the ridge I veered right (SW) and easily descended the grass and heather hillside to reach another cart-track which led back to my original route. Back at the car by 5.27. The South Ridge I drove to Ballinluig where I found B&B at Taymist (£20) run by Fiona, a nice, friendly blonde in her late thirties. Taymist was well-equipped and spotlessly clean, much better value than the previous two places. I walked up the road and got a meal at the nearby Motor-Grill: tempura vegetables, salad, chips and mayonnaise. Not all that good but there wasn't overmuch veggy choice. A couple of decent banana milk-shakes and an ok-ish blackberry and apple pie and ice-cream brought the bill up to £9.45. Fair enough.