Corbetts An Dun and A'Chaoirnich
28-29 April 2007
The starting point for this outing was the A9 Perth to Inverness Road
at the junction with the unclassified road to Trinafour. This is on
the west side of a section of dual carriageway near to Dalnacardoch
Lodge. Parking is available on this unclassified road but extreme
care is required crossing this very fast section of the A9 on foot or
on a bike.
The weather forecast was for a pleasant weekend although the east
coast was to be plagued with haar so I decided on an overnight trip
further west to climb these two Corbetts.
It was early Saturday evening when I set off up the vehicle track to
the deserted Stronphadruig Lodge where I found a suitable spot to
pitch my tent looking north towards the next day's hills.
Low cloud shrouded the hills when I woke in the morning but during
breakfast it slowly disappeared and I left my tent and set off up the
steep north ridge of An Dun. After an hour I was on the summit in
the sun taking in the views of the surrounding mountains.
I descended the steep south ridge of An Dun which was relatively easy
as visibility was perfect and I could pick the most suitable route.
En route I disturbed some mountain hares and grouse. Once on the
valley floor I crossed the Allt Loch an Duin, which was very low, and
climbed steeply up the west side of A'Chaoirnich. The heather on the
hillside had been burnt by the estate staff so the going was a lot
easier than on my previous expedition with lots of animal trails to
follow to gain height.
Eventually the going became very easy as I approached the summit of
A'Chaoirnich at the same time as another walker who was doing the
circuit in the opposite direction. Again in the sun there were some
good views but there was now a cool breeze so I headed over to Creag
an Loch and commenced the descent back to my tent at Stronphadruig
Lodge. I did take what I thought was a short cut but it was very
steep and awkward in heather and boulders so descending to the bealach
above Stronphadruig Lodge, which I did last time, is much preferred.
Once back at the tent I had a brew and my lunch sitting in the sun
before I packed up my gear and cycled back down the glen after a
pleasant outing.
Time taken:
Day 1 - one hour.
Day 2 - 4.25 hours plus 40 minutes cycling.
Distance:
Day 1 - 8.5 kilometres.
Day 2 - 17 kilometres.
Height climbed -
Day 1 - 145 metres.
Day 2 - 770 metres.
Photographs taken on outing can be viewed at:
http://www.caledoniahilltreks.com/galleries/an_dun_apr07/index.htm
Lindsay
www.caledoniahilltreks.com