Plan was to do these two, and Beinn a' Chisgein Mor on the way back - no chance! This turned into the hardest day.
Started off okay, nice cycle over to nearly Carnomre where there is a barn you can sleep in. Beinn a' Chisgein Mor on the left.
Beinn Lair, which I had pencilled in for tomorrow - again no chance!
View back along the path. Campsite just over the horizon. Clegs getting active again every time I stopped.
First sight of the causeway. Not too hot yet.
From just before the causeway, looking back to Meall Mheinnidh and down Fionn Loch.
And said causeway. Nicest bit of cycle track all day.
From the other side, looking to the cliffs of Beinn Lair.
Bike dumped, starting to climb. Dubh Loch, with Beinn Airigh Charr in the distance. 3 miles down.
Path beginning to climb
At the top of the pass I got a first view of Beinn Dearg Mor on the left, and some of the Fisherfield six on the right
Nearing the high point of this path, looking back to Beinn Lair
And after about six miles I finally got sight of Beinn Dearg Bheag just visible on the left, next to Beinn Dearg Mor. It was hot and the water was getting scarce. Shenevall is straight ahead though I couldn't make it out.
Skirting round Loch Beinn Dearg, and starting to really feel the heat.
Really not looking forward to the return ascent from here to the plateau, even though it's only 500 feet.
But this makes it worthwhile - An Teallach from the saddle between Beinn Dearg Mor and Beag
Beinn Dearg Beag
and Beinn Dearg Mor . Opted to do this one first, and it was becoming a struggle.
Summit cairn, with An Teallach behind
And another high point - was not sure which one was the real top, so had to do both.
Looking back south - Lochan Feith Mhic Illean marking where the route down to Dubh Loch sits. Top of yesterday's hill just visible on the right.
And the next hill is just over there.
From the other high point.
If only it wasn't such a long way back!
I was struggling to get up Beinn Dearg Bheag, water just about done and heat increasing, but I made it (slowly).
Looking back to Beinn Dearg Mor.
More An Teallach over Loch na Sealga. What a place.
Plenty to see.
Loch Ghiubhsacgan below, and Gruinard Bay in the distance.
Now to retrace my steps. Even coming down was becoming tiring.
Tried a different line coming down - much worse than on the way up!
Finally reached the high point on the track back. So pleased to see the downhill bit. Having to stop and rest whenever I could find shade. Made for slow progress, and no water to be had.
And back to familiar territory. Had to stop for rests on these downhill sections. Done in. Struggled to cycle back to the tent. Didn't manage to eat any tea, drink any whisky, or even finish
off the beer! Plans for next day changed from Beinn Lair to Get Out Of Here.
Saturday - the Get Out Of Here leg. Somewhat erratic cycling/pushing, but I got out alive. Not trying that again!
Saturday morning - another scorcher. Pushed the bike an awful lot of the way back.
Guess I will be back to do those other hills, but not in this weather!