Carn Bhac, Beinn Iutharn Mhor, An Socach from Glen Ey (Inverey)

Wednesday was the only day this week with a break to the stormy weather. The plan was to tackle two smallish munros accessed from Inverey. Stalking could be an issue here - the estate responded to our email advising us to check the board outside at the start of the walk for the latest information. Strange the estate didn’t know what stalking was talking place the day before, but clearly a case of left hand, right hand. We didn’t fancy finding out on the day that we might not be able to continue, so drove out to the lodge the night before to check the latest stalking information, but frustratingly there was no information for Wednesday! The following morning when we returned at 7.30am, the board information had still not been updated so hoping our route was away from any shooting taking place.

Another long approach - we followed the estate road into strong headwinds for 8km to reach Altnatour Lodge. The mountains remained in cloud so decided to go anti-clockwise hoping the larger Munro might clear by the time we got to it. The road quickly turns into muddy landrover tracks leading us up to the south ridge and onto Carn Bhac. No views today, just clouds. We descend the ill defined spur to cross the extensive peat hags before rising steeply up the scree covered slopes to the summit of Beinn Iutharn Mhor. Again no views as clouds stubbornly clinging to the summit. It was still early so we decided to push on to extend the walk to include An Socach on the return as only a short detour. We headed south, skirted Mam nan Carn, dropped to Loch nan Eun and cut across more peat hags to join the path rising steeply to An Socach; our third summit in cloud. We dropped below the clouds on the steep north slopes of An Socach and eventually found somewhere to cross the river with dry feet. A final refuel at the Altnatour Lodge before grinding out the last 8km in glorious sunshine. As expected, the stalking information had been updated by the time we got back to the car!

Quite a long walk today with no views, few paths and a fair share of peat hags. Pleased we returned over An Socach as it kept things interesting.