In the footfall...a ramble across Ardgour

By definition, the Corbetts tend not to lend themselves to multiple summit ticks when compared to the Munros since they tend to be more individual in nature.

Since last September, a trip which would link eleven Corbetts (also taking in a Graham) had been jumping out the map at me. A bit of discussion with Manny Gorman confirmed the plan was achievable and he gave some valuable advice on a northerly direction being sensible with the hard day being the first.

I was pleased when ultra running / mountain marathon pal Jason Harrison confirmed he was up for joining me on the trip. We met in Perth before heading west and catching the Corran Ferry over onto Argour. Since it was dark, we were able to camp at the start of the route in Glen Gour without anyone noticing (not sure if anyone would have cared anyway but it is nice not to be challenged).

Left the van around 7am and made good time down the track before starting up the slopes of Beinn na h-Uamha where we came across a slow worm – no wonder these are often mistaken as snakes ! With the first summit done, Glenfinnan looked a very long way off indeed. The route continued over Sgurr a’ Chaorainn before ascending Sgurr Dhomhuill, Carn na Nathrach and the long descent to the forestry at the west end of Lochan Dubh. Here it was good to spend a bit of time rehydrating at a good water source since many of the hill streams were bone dry.

Jason opted for a traverse line directly to Druim Tarsuinn whilst I also took in the summit on Meall Mor. We continued onto Sgurr Ghiubhsachain where the wildfires on the opposite side of Loch Shiel were clearly visible. With the last summit of Sgorr Craobh a’ Chaorainn all that was left to do was drop down into the glen and along the road to the bunkhouse at Glenfinnan Station.

With my previous record of missing trains on the West Highland Line, I persuaded Jason to be up and out by 05:30am (better to kill time than try to find it) !

The underfoot conditions along the loch side and up onto Meall a Bhrodainn were actually pretty good and by the time we were on the summit of Beinn Odhar Mhor my legs were feeling good again. The wildfires were still burning but far enough away not to cause too much concern. As we descended towards the bealach below Beinn Mhic Cedidh I noted that Croit Bheinn was certainly worth a visit …on a future trip.

The biggest drop of the day also gave another opportunity to fill water bottles at the outflow from the twin lochans. I made good time up onto Druim Fiaclach whilst Jason took the decision to give the last three Corbetts a miss and drop down into the glen and onwards to the road.

The run along the ridge of Druim Fiaclach and An t- Slat-bheinn was simply impressive and something anyone who loves the Scottish mountains should experience!

I was confident that sufficient time was available to complete the full round but made a bit of a push onto Rois Bheinn (and it’s westerly top) just to make sure – paid for this extra effort big style on the subsequent climb up An Stac and had to stop for some food and what was left in my waterbottle.

Made it out to Lochailort with 90 minutes to spare before the train …what else could I do other than install myself in the hotel bar for food & ale ?

Huge thanks to Jason for the company, not many would have been mad enough to accompany me on this route.