Magnus the Munro-bagger

The kids could not resist taking Magnus, although sadly we will not be bagging any munros in the near future. We will try to drop him off somewhere appropriate though for him to continue his quest!

I thought Magnus had probably had enough of Ben Chonzie, so brought him home to East Lothian. I hope to do the odd one or two Munros over the next year or so, so will keep him for such occasions! Hopefully will find a Monro-cache to leave him in...

Beinn Sgritheall today, what a magnificent mountain! Well worth another visit some day, maybe from the North, to better explore its ridges and corries.

The walk started almost from sea level, up a steep wooded slope. The start of the path was not at all obvious (and not maked on the map) but once found it was easy to follow. Well, easy apart from the gradient.

The path came out onto a ridge just by a small lochan. The gradient eased up the ridge for a while, then became scrambly just before the top.

And what fantastic views from the top they were. Over the sea to Skye, Rum, Eigg, Canna. Over Loch Hourn to Knoydart. Over Glenelg to the Shiel Munros.

Magnus thinks this is definitely the best Munro so far...

Even though the weather was excellent again, Magnus felt in need of a rest today, and so went to visit Fort Augustus. There isn't much of a fort to be seen these days, but there was still plenty to do and see. Magnus tried haggis for lunch - yum yum! He then relaxed watching the boats pass up and down the locks, and when he got bored with that, he wandered up the jetty to look out for Nessie.

Magnus also took the opportunity to learn a bit about the local history. Apparently, the "Battle of the Shirts", which took place in 1544, was so called because it was so hot all the combatants removed their kilts and fought in just their shirts. Which gives even more importance to the perennial question, what does a Scot wear under his kilt?

Just down the road at Glengarry is the "Well of the Seven Heads". This is a monument to a particularly gruesome revenge attack for the murder of two brothers during a quarrel.
in 1812.

The weather was rather worse today, but Magnus and Squeak set off undaunted up Beinn a' Chaorainn and Beinn Teallach, just across the road from yesterday's exploits. They disappeared into the cloud soon after leaving the forest, and apart from a brief spell at the col, didn't get a view again until they were almost back at the car.