Carnan Cruithneachd

I had long decided to couple this with a route up the unclaimed A Ghlas Bheinn Munro in Kintail. All books discussing this isolated Graham suggest it could have one of the best views in Scotland from its summit and having experienced it this previous Monday, I am a fan. The forecast was for a stable day once the early snow showers had settled and as I drove North, I was optimistic that I might be able to get a doubler. The Munro prize was high on my list but I knew that if I couldn't get up A Ghlas Bheinn, I would have the 'consolation' of the Graham. And so it proved. I had decided to run light but with all gear should it get cold. While I was warm for the first 5km up to the bealach, I was thankful for my fleece thereafter. Wearing trail shoes was always going to be a gamble today and by the time I got up as far as 760m and 0.5km from the summit, I encountered ice. There was no way I could go on and I had to leave the Munro for another day. Never a wasted recce however. A return to the bealach and a yomp over to Carnan Cruithneachd saw me blessed with an exquisite view down the glen and to Iron Lodge. I long to run in from Kilillan past this and tackle the remaining two Munros towards Cannich. A tremendous day out but one that highlights how prepared you have to be to tackle the hills in Winter. This was a 19km route; 1000m ascent; total time out 5 hours.