Beinn a'Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich

An Autumnal Double Header with my brother

Setting off just past Allt Mhoille

It had been almost six weeks since my last outing - September and October always seem to be very busy personally and I was raring to go, delighted that it promised to be a clear, crisp and cold Autumn Day in Argyll. Beginning at Castle's Farm the Cruachan Dam Hydro Track was easily picked up and followed on a reasonable gradient. Crossing Allt Lairig lanachan this rises steeply and the usual early struggles kicked in! However, the frequent and short stops allowed for turning back and admiring the views back towards the head of Loch Awe

Meaning 'Hill of the Shell', presumably for its shape, Beinn a' Cochuill (3215ft) lies on a long ridge running between Glen Strae and Glen Etive. Sharing the ridge is Beinn Eunaich (3224ft) meaning 'Fowling Hill'

The final pull to the main ridge was again, far harder than it ought to have been as I cursed may lack of training in between these trips. Fortunately the worst of the day was over as the traverse along the narrow grassy ridge to the first summit was gentle and forgiving. The views down to Glen Kinglas adding immeasurably to the value of the vista.

Looking back to Loch Awe on the initial ascent

The whisps of white cloud set into the clear blue skies earlier were now beginning to pull together, merge and morph into a more ominous looking mixture. White clouds took on a grey pallor and the once silver clouds took on the complexion of concrete. The result of which conspired to make us quicken our pace as we retraced our steps towards the bealach Lairig Lanachan with the route up Beinn Eunaich rising before us.

From Bealach Lairig Lanachan towards the 2nd summit

Of the 282 listed Munros Beinn a' Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich sit at a modest 172nd and 156th respectively on the height table

A fairly substantial Cairn sits atop Beinn Eunaich and the views in all directions were fantastic as the weather held off immediately around us but was clearly playing out dramas in distant hills where other walkers were clearly getting soaked. The walk off is fairly gruelling but my disdain for descents is well known and this was not a favourite at all, balancing as it did steep enough to hurt and long enough for it to hurt more.

As always though, it's forgotten in an instant as soon as the boots come off back at the car. This day left me with a lovely and lasting sense of satisfaction for days afterwards