Ardverikie Munros, Creag Dubh Mhor and Geal-Charn Mor, 9-10 May 2026
Ardverikie Munros, 9 May
Eleven eager souls and three dogs convened at Luiblea to visit the Ardverikie Munros (Beinn a’Clachair, Gael Charn & Creag Pitridh) before the Loch ha n-Earba pumped hydro scheme gets built. Seven set off to walk the five kilometres into the loch, with Agnes, Katy, Martin and Nick following on bicycles, reconvening at the works compound.
The group set off for Beinn a’ Clachair, crossing rough ground to the steeper western arm of the corrie to avoid a double traverse of the boulders on top.
Shortly afterwards the group reassembled on the summit of Creag Pitridh wondering how this small rise was actually a Munro, at least compared to the previous two! A damp track led back to the stalkers path and shortly afterwards Loch na h-Earba, with only a compound and signs of raising the lochside track higher up the hillside. It seems hard to believe that a high (20-30m) wall will shortly be raised across the glen, changing the view completely.
While the main group stepped out down the access track, the cyclists gratefully climbed onto their steeds and sailed rapidly down to the cars, saving at least half an hour and ten kilometres in all on the feet. A long, but enjoyable day, with good company and big views. Optional cycle routes have merit if they can be well-planned.
Clear skies and sunshine contrasted with a cool wind and occasional flakes of snow, but most showers missed the group. The summit yielded views far and wide, to Ben Nevis and Schiehallion, with snow on many summits still after recent late snowfall. The quartzite traverse wasn’t too rough as we descended to the main stalkers path, with short breaks to throw snowballs for the dogs!
Geal Charn seemed endless, with a number of false summits, and the actual top was then out East on a small stob, rather than the main rocky-covered landmass. Soon after reaching the summit another group came straggling in, congratulating each other, making for a busy summit with 25-30 people on it! On heading down from Geal Charn, the group took a semi-direct line towards Creag Pitridh, cutting down a snow slope on the way, which ended in a deep bog at its foot. The bog filled both of Ewen’s boots, but didn’t steal them too.
Taking part: Agnes, Ewen, Graham (and Skye), Katy, Kieran, Lindsay, Lucasz, Martin, Nick, with prospective members Jon and Maryann (with their two dogs).
Words: Martin; Photos: Graham, Lucasz & Martin
Geal-Charn Mor, Aviemore, 9 May 2026
A compact team of four - Catherine, Fiona, Michael and Ewen - decided on an ascent of Geal-Carn Mor from Lynwilg by Aviemore. So compact that we all fitted in one car! We walked up through some wonderful pine and birch scenery on the Burma road, supposedly built by prisoners of war in the 1940s but now better known as a mountain bike route. We were overtaken by several on their way to Carrbridge, to return to their starting point by the tracks in the national park. Easy going if you're walking, though! At the top of the pass - around 700m - we turned off the track just before the memorial to a local gamekeeper, and made our way up the stony path to the top at 824m. Great views of the Cairngorms and amazing cloud formations.
After admiring the view over lunch sheltered from the cold wind, we decided to head south east off the summit to intercept the path to Ballinluig and back to the starting point through more superb woodland scenery. A good sociable day out was rounded off by a visit to Tiso's coffee shop.
Taking part: Catherine, Ewen, Fiona & Michael
Words: Ewen; Photos: Michael
Creag Dubh Mhor, Strathcarron, Sunday 10th May
The B walk this week headed to Strathcarron to climb Creag Dubh Mhor. Richard and Anne were able to park by the electricity substation, while Mel and Martin opted for Strathcarron station. Setting off under overcast skies the initial discussion was around which of the stalkers paths to follow, with an anti-clockwise route being opted for. This turned out to be a good decision as blustery winds and some driving rain was predominantly behind the group over the traverse of the hill, rather than in the face. Quickly leaving the Strath, the path climbed into an undulating landscape with knolls and lochans.
The hill ascent had many lumps and bumps to explore, with distances deceptive in the cloud. After several false summits, the trig point came into view. Oddly this was on a different mound to the main summit, which was reached after a 150m descent to a pair of lochans and a re-ascent to the main top. Glimpses of views were seen as the cloud briefly broke and reformed. Descending steeply to the second stalkers track, Anne found a good overhang for lunch. On picking up the stalkers path the walk out seemed longer than expected. A hydro track was reached, and then the paths diverged shortly after a Merlin & Cuckoo flypast. Anne and Richard headed back to their car, while Martin and Mel followed the main track down to the station. Creag Dubh Mhor is full of interest, with some complex micronavigation, but it would have been nice to see more of the scenery and views to the coast.
Taking part: Anne, Martin, Mel & Richard (and Orla).
Words: Martin; Photos: Martin & Mel