Mullach Fraoch-coire

A few years ago I had tried to do this via A'Chralaig on a Winter's day. At the summit of the first Munro, I was caught in a white-out and made a quick descent down a steep coire. I am so glad I didn't contemplate going on as I now had a fine evening to see what would have been ahead of me. Death most likely. As it was, this time, I arrived at the lay-by at 1750 to a warmish evening with good views to look forward to. Judging by the forecast, it would be clear and cold night so I was prepared with all my Winter sleeping bag and gear. I fairly romped up A'Chralaig and was at the summit within 1 hr 30. Looking back, Ben Nevis could be seen in the distance, as well as the obvious South Glen Shiel ridge. Am Bathach now seemed very small, just across the glen. Beyond lay Munro no. 246 and a beautiful ridge walk.

I battered on and made it to my camping spot, the Munro top of Stob Coire na Craileag. I set up camp and then donned gloves and duvet top to grab the 2nd Munro before dinner. It was an enjoyable trek over and the wee path hung over some large drops. Care needed but all too soon, I was round the main crag of difficulty and up to the summit cairn and shelter. I could see down to Loch Affric, which was in gloom as I was privy to the last rays. I made a quick return so I could snap some decent sunset shots but also a wee pot of extra chilli noodles and Heineken were waiting for me. I got settled, had some dinner and beer and watched the sun go down, the Cuillin just visible on the horizon. The temperature by now had really dropped and I shivered as I drank the last of my beer. I got into my shelter and listened to some ambient tunes before one last pee and bed. It would be a decent wee sleep with an alarm set for 0400. At 0200, I got up to pee (damn beer) and took a snap of the moon, with the big dipper straight above.

Once up proper, I had breakfast, packed up my ice-covered tent and returned to the bealach between the Top and the 2nd Munro. A small cairn highlighted the way down and it was a nice walk back out amongst the massive herds of deer. I was at the car for 0630 and home by 1000, to earn brownie points. These summit camps are the business.