Mullach Clach a'Bhlair

Our ascent of Geal Charn Mhor had given us food for thought on what was to be our next hill target. We'd had notions on either Braeraich or Beinn Mheadhoin but the lack of winter equipment and uncertainty on the true extent of the snow cover put those ideas on hold for the time being.

So maps were scoured and the Glen Feshie hills were winning out. Steve had already done both Munros, Rob and I had done one (though not the same one) and Kate hadn't done any of them. A cunning plan was hatched that meant we could all start at the same point but we would split into two groups. Rob and Kate would head for Sgor Gaoith while Steve and I would go for Mullach Clach a'Bhlair.

The Glen Feshie Estate have done an amazing amount of path work which makes the ascent up Coire Fhearnagan to the beallach an absolute pleasure. We hit the snow line around 700m but thankfully it wasn't too steep.

The traverse over to Mullach Clach a'Bhlair required a wee bit of cross country nav over the snow covered plateau to hit the landrover track which was also snow filled. The views back over to Sgor Gaoith, Braerich and Carn Toul were amazing.

The winding landrover track

We were soon over to the final flanks of Mullach Clach a'Bhlair which amounted to a 20m ascent to the summit cairn.

Summit Mullach Clach a'Bhair

They had forecast showers and of course they decided to come in as we were trying to get some summit shots back north. So no fantastic panorama into the heart of the Cairngorms from this summit but we did get some views south.

Looking north from Mullach Clach a'Bhair summit

Looking south from Mullach Clach a'Bhair summit

Originally we intended to do this as an out and back but the thought of going back into a headwind of hail and snow was less appealing than potential wet feet from two river crossings via the circular route. So off we trotted down the track with great views down into the twisting cleft of Coire Garbhlach.

Coire Garbhlach

Looking down to Glen Feshie

Once on the glen floor we were into the glorious woodland beside the River Feshie. Thankfully for me, both river crossings that required negotiation to get back to Achlean were both really low so no wet feet for me 😁

Amazing Scots pine

The River Feshie

A thankfully relatively dry river bred to cross

Suffice to say, this was one of the best winter walking days I've had in May.

Comments

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