Walk Report for Sunday 17th April 2011 by Ruth Fisken

Diabeg Circular : Torridon 7.5 miles

Wester Alligin to Diabeg circuit was, as stated, a fairly challenging walk - it looked like a simple circuit but had so many ups and downs that it could have been a couple of Munros. The varied terrain, wonderful views over Loch Torridon and signs of spring made it a delight. It was cloudy and surrounding tops were mostly covered but the light was bright; the sun even broke through occasionally.

We started steeply downhill from the car park then climbed gently up through old birch woodland to heath and rock. Violets and primroses and other tiny flowers amazed us with their tenacity in tough conditions. A hidden croft house surprised us; access was by sea but although the house was empty both it and the surrounding land were clearly loved and cared for, a green haven amid the rock and heather. Then higher up the headland calls for a tea-break were deemed too early - until the sudden appearance of a Golden Eagle brought us all to a halt. It was hunting almost directly above us for several minutes so sensible walkers lay on their backs to watch, while others got cricks in their necks - followed by the desired cup of tea. There was no sense of urgency - "only a seven-mile walk" said the book - so time was taken to enjoy changing views as we rounded the rocky peninsula. At one point we were fairly high up a cliff watching an otter in the sea below while a pair of ravens played overhead. But absolutely the best form of wildlife was an absence - of midges - which made it possible to walk or stop to talk or examine small plants in comfort. Having passed the two lochs Dubh and a'Bealach Mhoir, both of which were still pre-spring and rather bleak, we climbed on up a rocky pass to round a corner and see Lower Diabeg a long way below. Lunch was a pleasure, lounging on huge rocks admiring the view across Loch Thigh up before the very steep descent. Another form of wildlife was evident there - a rock climber, ropes and all, but he soon disappeared upwards while we headed down an almost vertical gully which nevertheless had an adequate path and even a rope at a particularly damp and slippery (although quite short) drop. One member felt it safer to sit and slide rather than dangle, which left her with a large wet patch for the remainder of the walk. As we descended the vegetation grew more and more green and luscious, and down in Lower Diabeg the sun came out to make the lichen glow on rocks at the pier - time for another break. None of the houses down by the sea is permanently occupied, but they are mostly well maintained and one garden in particular was spectacular with tulips and primulas.

The return took us inland: a long slog uphill to the Pass of the Winds - just a gentle breeze that day, followed by a small anti-climax of an adventure with a herd of cows and calves beside Loch a'Mhullaich then up to the road for a gentle half mile stroll before turning off on to the ancient crofters' track which was just visible in the heather, skirting Loch Diabaigas Airde and heading to the top of the pass. Dee found a beautiful five-pointed antler which promptly blessed her with a tick or two and we met quite a number of beautifully marked hairy caterpillers (what do they become - amazing colourful butterflies or unidentifiable brown moths?). At the top we rejoined the road then split into two groups - one stayed on the road to visit a renowned viewpoint while the other turned off onto a rocky path which descended sharply and cut a corner or two. The road then took us all back to the car park, having experienced quite a strenuous walk in relative leisure and pleasant weather: a good day out.