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Walk review from Lesley Jones 19th September 2010 Mhalagain Bridge to Cluanie Hotel (about 16 Miles)

It was a very wet start to the day as 5 members set out on their long distance trail walk from the Mhalagain Bridge. There was a good path following the Allt Mhalagain, which was very swollen with rain, so made some spectacular waterfalls, but also some difficult crossings. When we reached the point where the path crossed the river, we had to wade through water about a foot deep (sensible people removed their boots!) We then followed the path, which climbed steadily to just over 700 meters into the mist on the ridge at Bealach Duibh Leac. The descent down the other side was pathless but easy going (if wet). The weather became dry as we had a very welcome break for lunch in a beautiful spot by the Wester Glen Quoich Burn.

We then joined a good path, which followed the length of Glen Quoich. The weather was alternately wet or drizzly with only occasional short dry spells, but the glen had a wonderful atmosphere, stretching into the distance forwards and back. The ruins we passed made us imagine what an isolated place this would have been to live. We passed Alltbeithe House and a herd of Highland cows and saw lots of beautifully coloured, large frogs and some voles. At last, we followed the path around Creag Liathtais and climbed up to join the hill path from Creag a`Mhaim to pick up the metalled road back to Cluanie. As dusk came down there were many deer on and beside the road, really close. It was a very welcome site to see the lights of the Cluanie Inn come in to view. A long and extremely wet day but still very enjoyable.