Sgurr na Feartaig & Beinn Tharsuinn

Decided to head North to do these Corbetts in addition to the 3 Munros, if conditions permitted. They did not. Having left Achnasheen and driven down the road to excellent visibility and 17 degree C, about a mile along the land rover track, I realised that the wind had picked up with consequent tumbling of temperature. By the time I had my way up on to the Pollan Duibhe, Sgurr Choinnich and partner were covered in black cloud and the wind had really begun to pick up. I could see a small figure descending quickly off Sgurr na Feartaig and I spied the path wending its way up. I crossed the fantastic little bridge beside the tree and met a wee lad, who was waiting for his mum. He posed for a snap.

The ascent up on the first objective was excellent and made for quick progress though by 600m, the wind was pretty ferocious. I met his mum at this point who was a little worried but I reassured her he was fine. The immediate area before the summit of Sgurr na Feartaig offers tremendous views over to Ceannachain, a Munro that was demoted to a Corbett. Recently, I had done another Corbett without doing anything; Cnoc Coinnich having been promoted from Graham to Corbett status. This point beside the large lochain would be an excellent point for a camp. I hit the large summit cairn and stopped to assess the descent down to the bealach bhearnais, with great views over to the Munro (still covered in ominous cloud) and Beinn Tharsuinn.

I descended to the bealach and began the climb to an area just short of the ascent on to Tharsuinn. Weather permitting, I'd set up camp here for the approach to the Munros. It took me some time to erect the tent due to the wind conditions. Having secured the tent, I began the ascent up on the Tharsuinn but the clag and dropped and it was just a case of checking the map over the various undulations, before the unusual summit area - a nice crevasse, which would be desperate in Winter and the summit area that looked like it had been eroded away to the East. I sent texts to my wife and Darren (who i intended to meet later that weekend). The descent was uneventful and I was glad to see my tent was in once piece. I got in, de-cloaked and tucked into a lovely focaccia with some fluids. Despite my intentions however, this spot would not do as the tent caved in knocking me flat. Desperate measures. I would pack up, descend to the Pollan Duibhe and re-consider.

At this point, I made a decision to return home proper. I had been having doubts about the trip and what with various home and work issues, decided I would be better at home resolving these than sitting in a tent with no reception and no way to hear from Emma. The walk back out saw me reach the car at 2135, barely without use of head torch. I got in the car and drove the long road home arriving at 0155. Good to get these two Corbetts done in this remote area but I have unfinished Munro business here, which can wait for better times.