Date: Saturday 3rd June 2017
Participants: Us
Weather: Mainly sunny, cold wind.
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 850m
The last day of our Spring 2017 holiday had arrived. The forecast suggested a good morning, with a threat of poorer weather in the afternoon. Decided on a short day, with an early start to allow for the 4.5 hour drive back to Edinburgh.
Settled on Canisp – one of the few Assynt hills that we’ve failed to get a decent day for.
An uncomplicated route – parked at the north end of Loch Awe and crossed the wee bridge over its northern outflow and then wended our way up the hill.
A very pleasant morning, a light breeze and warm. We didn’t hurry, a return to Edinburgh and working life was looming in the near future.
Conditions to the south and east were looking greyer, although there was also a lower mist layer.
As upward progress was made the views south expanded to include the Beinn Dearg and Fannaich groups.
Nearing the 700m mark and we got views to Cul Mor and Stac Pollaidh:
We spent a little while looking at Suilven, climbed a few days before.
An unusual noise caught our attention and we realised a ptarmigan hen was trying to corral her chicks away from us. We stood still and watched. Happily she nestled back down about 30m away and the chicks settled in under her before we left.
Up to the summit, we noted a variety of potential camp spots, and also a potential loop including Beinn Reidhe to the north with an ascent of Canisp’s west ridge.
We dropped a little west of the summit for a nice grassy seat for some food.
Suilven and Cul Mor:
Beinn Reidhe and Quinag:
Eventually, as a little high cloud started to take the intensity from the sunlight, we headed back down.
A half day walk, but a rewarding one.
Beinn Mor Assynt:
Back to the car, and then a long drive home. Full of hope for a summer full of great hill-walking weekends (and the expectation of clag, midges and rain).
Busy Doing Nothing 