I had long eyed this one from near Fain, and a MTB to break up the distance. I got to the parking area for about 1420 and got the bike set up, as well as packing as much as I could into the day-pack. The forecast was to improve as the day progressed but it was very wrong. I fair motored along the Land Rover track to Loch a Bhraoin bothy and beyond that, perhaps another kilometre. At this point, the path deteriorated so it was with much regret, that I abandoned the bike and started the walk down to Loch an Nid. The Munro soared above me but this was a point of absolute remoteness. It would be lovely to take the tent here on a warm summer's day, with a breeze to keep the midges away. I began the plod up past the massive granite cascade of rock and looked back as the rain moved in. A rainbow lit up the glen below. Beautiful.
From here, conditions worsened and the clag moved as well as some persistent snow showers. I was glad I had all the gear on and once up the steepening slopes, it was a case of careful boulder-hopping to the surprisingly small summit cairn. I didn't fancy the return the way I came so I headed South and down the ridge to the point below Meall Garbh. From here, it was a boggy return through Coire Mhic Fhearchair and then to the Bealach na Croise. From here, I headed back to the path just East of Loch an Nid, and found my bike. It was a slow bike ride back to the car and I made it just as dusk was setting in. All that remained was the long drive home but I felt energised by my 272nd Munro - 10 to go!
