This trip was Beinn Liath Mhor (GM/WS-097) and Sgorr Ruadh (GM/WS-077), with my sister and her friend. I was visiting her since she moved to Beauly, and after much debate on hill options, Tim @G5OLD said these two were a must. Fingers crossed the clouds would be above the peaks. At a middle ground of 19km (of the routes I’d looked), I thought we’d be fine to meet at lunchtime and be back for tea.
Beinn Liath Mhor
Our start was a little delayed, as the friend was coming down from Thurso and the traffic was slow, but we got the last parking space, and headed off, with seemingly matching rucksacks and watches, around 12:30.
Starting out, looking at Fuar Tholl (recently activated!)
Overcast day
BLM summit in the far distance
Starting the steeper climb
Looking back the way came on the climb up
The walk in is straightforward along the clear path, and we were pleased to see the cloud above the summits. The climb up to the BLM ridge is quite steep at times and plenty of loose stones to negotiate. Everyone was excited to reach the first top, although less so when I pointed out the actual summit was way in the distance! With the steep part done, it’s an enjoyable walk along the ridge with great views all around. It’s hard to keep going as you want to stop and admire it all.
BLM ridge and SR on the left
More ridge walk
BLM ridge and summit on left, and Liathach on the right
Ridge walk
Just a bit further
Me. Waiting.
Our climb to the top took a lot longer than I expected. It’s not a gently rounded hill like my local Cairngorms and takes longer to traverse, we also stopped a lot to look around and chatted. It didn’t matter, but my usual worry over the schedule to be back for xyz is a hard habit to break! 
It was about 4pm by the time we were at the summit and not wanting to delay us more I tried to be quick on the radio. I’d setup the usual 41’ random wire and first tried 40m but it was extremely noisy and not one contact was made. 20m was better and had a quick run there before packing up.
Spectacular Views
Of course, my photos do no justice to the fantastic vistas, so I encourage you to go yourself!
Onwards to Sgorr Ruadh
Down to the bealach and then climb up again to the next summit. Again, a slow descent which is quite steep and bordering on a bit of a scramble on the rocks. Some nice views down the glacial valley of Coire Lair.
A steep descent
A calm hare
Looking back down the valley
BLM Range
The climb resumes
The final climb of Sgorr Ruadh
Across to Beinn Damh, and maybe Skye somewhere out there
Sgorr Ruadh summit has a nice cairn for those waiting and a nice grassy area for those on the radio. I had a little try on 40m and 20m, plus listened on 17m to a 9M2 and CU station but they couldn’t hear me. By this time, it was coming up 7pm, and thought we’d better get going!
The walk back
For the majority of the day there was a clear path, with only this descent down to the main path is a choose your own adventure style, but you can see where you want to go, just to navigate the various lochens. As we got down off the summit the cloud was starting to roll in across the tops, so we’d done well with the weather. It’s about 6km or so back to the car, and whilst we enjoyed the light evening, it was 10pm when we did get back and pitch black! 
Cloud coming in on the summits
The long walk back, and looking across at the BLM ridge
Stream crossing discussions
A speedy trip back to the rendezvous point, as the road works on the A9 up to Thurso was working on amnesties - i.e. if you’re not there by midnight, you’re waiting until 2am to get past! Luckily the friend made it! We were back in Beauly for dinner at midnight.
Shopping trips
The next day we spent pottering about the area, including visiting the amazing ffordes camera store, and a wee walk around Reelig Glen, before some DIY-ing at my sister’s new house.
Kingussie visit
On my way home, we stopped off at Kingussie and had a nice walk up Creag Bheag (GM/CS-111), and then into the village to look at the secondhand bookstore and have lunch in the Sugarbowl Cafe. Plenty of vegan cake options there. A lovely wee hill and would make a nice stop off the A9 for anyone passing by.
A book for Ben @GW4BML and Tim for this weekend.
