Walk Report for Sunday 19th June 2011 by Audrey

Sgurr na Fairtaig : (805m) 10 mls

On Sunday 19th June, six intrepid walkers assembled at Auchtertyre to car share and proceed to Craig in Glen Carron. Although the published walk was the circuit of Sgurr na Feartaig, after discussion it was agreed to make a slight variation to include Beinn Tharsuinn. The walk in was the same, over the railway and a steady climb up the landrover track through the ancient woodland of Scots pines, on the track which leads past Glenuaig Lodge. Once out of the woodland, we skirted round the bottom of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, which was declassified as a Munro in 2010. We passed the rickety bridge which we would have taken if heading up Sgurr na Feartaig directly. After a further 2 km, we crossed the river – four took advantage of the ‘bridge’ which consisted of two wires; one waded in bare feet (the water was very soothing and not too cold), whilst the sixth member of group hopped nimbly over some well positioned stones. We picked up the track and headed westerly towards Bealach Bearnais. Turning back we had great views eastwards past Glenuaig Lodge all the way to Strathconon. On our left, rose the impressive massif of the two Munros - Sgurr a’ Chaorachain and Sgurr Choinnich.

Although the OS map indicated that the path would peter out before we reached the Bealach., there was a reasonable track to follow. Beinn Tharsuinn rose directly in front of us. We veered left and rose slightly to reach the Bealach Crudhain to enjoy the views south into the next glen.

We scrambled up the slope onto Beinn Tharsuinn, reaching the first top at 817 m before walking along the wide ridge to reach the rocky summit itself. The views were spectacular – we looked at its immediate neighbours - Bidean a’ Choire Sheasgaich and the remote Lurg Mhor to the south and Sgurr Choinnich to the west, as well as seeing the various layers of hills stretching out in all directions. We also looked along the length of Loch Monar with glimpses of the wood at Pait Lodge. Loch Monar is where Iain Thomson lived with his young family for a few years. He has written a very interesting book (Isolation Shepherd) about his experience of living in such a remote place and it is well worth the read.

Up till now, the weather held up with good visibility and we had 360o views, with only a few clouds to add to the atmosphere. But we could see more clouds forming around us and with a last look at the panoramic view, we retraced our steps back to Bealach Bearnais. It was at this point that we had a great view of single ptarmigan which seemed to sit and pose for us for ages. It was good to see this attractive bird. I have seen more in the last year than in the previous few. Is this a sign that they are on the increase? I would like to think so.

Back at Bealach Bearnais, we headed north-west up a steep slope of grass and boulders. It was a slow but steady climb (it was noticeable how the conversations were much reduced during this part of the walk!) until we reached the ridge of Sgurr na Feartaig very close to the summit. By now the clouds had closed in on us and we lost any of the views. It was then an exercise in navigation to get us onto the track and wind our way north–east off the hill. We came out of the clouds and made for the rickety bridge to cross Allt a’ Chonais and join the landrover track of the start of our day. Retracing our steps, we returned to the car park. It had been a good day reaching a more remote hill than normal and with great views. And, apart from a short time walking through mist, we had enjoyed dry and pleasant weather conditions.