Bob’s last Munro: A’ Ghlas-bheinn,

9th April 2022

DHC members Jane, Jeff , Althea, Ken, Iain, Sandy, Tim, Irene, Hamish, Susan and Steve, Anna and Tony joined me for the weekend along with some other friends and family to help me climb and celebrate my Last Munro, A’ Ghlas-bheinn.

I’d booked the whole of Ratagan Hostel for the weekend. This is a great location and ideal for a big group to celebrate in. It also had great views of A’ Ghlas-bheinn across Loch Duich.

A’Ghlas-bheinn from Ratagan

My original plan had been to do up circular route starting from Morvich, up Gleann Choinneachain on the good stalkers path to Bealach an Sgairne, and up to the summit of A’ghlas bheinn, with a more gentle descent down the west ridge to join the Falls of Glomach path back to Morvich. Winter returned to the hills during the week and there was fresh snow above 400m. I’d had a good look at the ascent up A’ Ghlas-bheinn from the Bealach an Sgairne when I’d done Beinn Fhada a few weeks earlier and decided that the steep grassy slope covered in fresh snow wouldn’t be a good option so decided on going up and down the west ridge. This is less steep but was still quite challenging in the fresh snow.

We set off from the small car park at Morvich. As with any large group there was a spread of walking speeds and we regrouped at the bridge over Abhainn Chonaig. My daughter, Jillian, and grandson, Charlie, split off here and went for a play in the stream and a gentle valley walk.

Setting off

Group at the bridge over Abhainn Chonaig

The path and track to Falls of Glomach was followed to where the west ridge comes down to it at the edge of the forest. The route became a lot steeper, initially on grass with a vague path, then grass covered in fresh snow which was quite slippery. The weather wasn’t too bad with the occasional wintery shower and bursts of sunshine. As we got higher the snow got a deeper but fortunately there were some fit volunteers to break trail.

Ascending the west ridge

There were a few more wintery showers but as we approached the summit the sun came out again and we had some great views of the surrounding hills. An arch of walking poles and iceaxes awaited me for the final few metres to the summit cairn. Summit pics and congratulations followed and then we descended a few hundred metres to get out of the chilly breeze and had a picnic and a glass of fizz.

My original plan h

ad been to go up a circular route starting from Morvich, up Gleann Choinneachain on the good stalkers path to Bealach an Sgairne, and up to the summit of A’ghlas bheinn, with a more gentle descent down the west ridge to join the Falls of Glomach path back to Morvich. Winter returned to the hills during the week and there was fresh snow above 400m. I’d had a good look at the ascent up A’ Ghlas-bheinn from the Bealach an Sgairne when I’d done Beinn Fhada a few weeks earlier and decided that the steep grassy slope covered in fresh snow wouldn’t be a good option so decided on going up and down the west ridge. This is less steep but was still quite challenging in the fresh snow. .

We had a good celebration back at the hostel. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the meal, helped set up, and do all the dishes afterwards. And thanks to everyone who came along to help me celebrate my last Munro.

Bob