Tuesday, June 07, 2022

Lurg Mhòr and Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, from Attadale via Bendronaig Lodge

As Munroing expeditions in Scotland go - this is one of the most awkward. Not because it contains any technical scrambles, unfordable rivers or somme-like bogs; but because it is just so far from the road. we did the traditional route, from Attadale where the entrance to the gardens contains a walkers car park, all the way to the lonely Bendronaig lodge. The rather brutal looking bulldozed track makes for speedy access to the hills too.



"Never leave your ruacksack at the bealach!" were words I wished that I had heeded on our first evening. After pitching our tents on a lovely grassy platform by the river we went for a quick blast round the two Munros in glorious weather. Heading east to the loch, then turning North up to the bealach between the two hills we dumped our packs at the bealach and took minimal gear to the top. Big mistake! Tired from lugging big packs all the way into the wild we were perhaps a little too keen to shed weight. We were caught first by hail, then by rain which lashed us constantly.



The rest of the walk back to the tents was a bit miserable. I got really cold, but thankfully my walking companions threw hot food and coffee down me and sent me to my sleeping bag!

The next morning we had a wonderful walk out in glorious weather - pleased to have gained these remotest of summits. But also thinking we might have learned a lesson about mountain safety. And my wife is right - I need a warmer sleeping bag.

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