For this trip I based the route on a new book - Scotlands Mountain
Ridges by Cicerone.
It started at the very busy car park at Corrie Hallie on the A832. In
fact it uses the same right of way that Lindsay's walk into Fisherfield
went along.
So along the land rover track where after a few km a well worn walkers
track branches off when then soon splits with the right hand fork being
our route onto the mountain (the left being the track to Shenavall).
Your last chance to take on water is near here too.
This path took us steeply up the south of Sail Liath over heathery
ground and then quartz boulders. The weather was very hot so any cooling
breeze was very welcome on the climb.
The top of Sail Liath gave us a good view of An Teallach's array of
pinnacles.
A rough track took us to the foot of Corrag Bhuide where we consulted
the guide and made our way up the first slabs. Ahead of us were another
party who were roped up on the 1st pinnacle. The guide advised this was
a grade 3 scramble and not wanting to wait for the other group to finish
we took a small path round to the start of the 2nd pinnacle.
From here onwards I found the scramble to be superb. Never really felt
exposed as the weather was so good and the rock seemed very grippy.
After a round of photos on the final pinnacle its a very short wander up
to the summit of Sgurr Fiona.
The 2nd munro of the mountain is not much more than a hill walk although
the hot weather did add an extra element of fatigue. Being adventurous
we scrambled over some of the smaller crags alongside the path whic hto
be honest were easier than the eroded alternative.
Quite windy on Bidean a' Ghlas Thuill which alleviated the heat somewhat.
Our descent took us past more pinnacles which we sadly ignored and via
the top of Glas Mheal Liath. More shattered quartz made the descent
unpleasant until finally we regained heathery ground.
After all the climbing the route back to the car is over what would be
boggy ground but after so little rainfall was bearable.
A superb day out and bettered only by Skye so far.
Pictures here -
http://www.prog99.com/Hillwalking%20in%20Scotland/An%20Teallach%20-%20June%202006/index.html
--
Mike
Some pictures of the Scottish highlands here http://www.prog99.com