I'm spending a few days at Dornie before signing out from Shiel Bridge. I thought I'd warm up with an over-nighter from Dornie, going via the Falls. However, the sites I've visited suggest the walk/scramble to the top of the Falls might be more than a solo elderly gent with a start-of-the-Challenge loaded pack would sensibly undertake. I certainly wouldn't attempt it in poor conditions, and don't have a problem about turning back if things get a bit hairy. Any comments or advice would be welcome. Is there an alternative 2-dayer between Dornie and Shiel Bridge worth considering?

Chris

Chris, two years ago I started my challenge from Dornie. I took de minor road via Carr Brae (with stunning views). Then I took the path into Coire Dhuinnid and,from where this path takes a sharp turn north, climbed the Corbett Sgurr an Airgid.
From there I went over Beinn Bhuide and Beinn Bhreac and camped on the bealach between Beinn Bhreac and theGraham Carnan Cruithneachd, with great views to the Five Sisters range and Beinn Fhada. This first day was about 16 kilometers.

The second day I climbed Carnan Cruitneachd, from where you can have splendid views into Glen Elchaig. From there I walked the short distance to the Falls of Glomach. Watch out not to take the spur north of Allt na Laoidhre then!
Then you could take the paths via Bealach na Sroine and Morvich. From the Falls of Glomach to the sign-out point at the Kintail Lodge is about 12 kilometers.

Hein

Hein,

Thank you for this information. I've been wondering about plotting an alternative route from Dornie to the Falls. My Vetter's comments were that the path up beside the falls is quite degraded and slippery, requires great care.

Mike

Thanks for that route, Hein. Added to Mike's comment, I think I shall give some serious thought to an alternative route to the one I planned.

Chris

Hi Chris

I have a really rotten head for heights (for example, I just can't *do* wire bridges) but even I managed the path up the Falls of Glomach. The occasional drops are quite challenging for the vertically challenged and there are one or two spots where it feels a bit "iffy", but they are matters of just a moment or so.

Having got up to the Falls, both Phil Lambert and I thought it wouldn't have been a very pleasant experience in gusty wet weather. Because of this, when I planned my LEJOG going in the opposite direction, I went down into Glen Elchaig via the path down alongside Allt Coire Easaich, a couple of km to the NE.

However! This was not so great either, as there was a section alongside the waterfalls where the path had been washed away by a landslip, and I resorted to sliding down on my backside. I seem to recall from reading other Challengers' reports that this path is still in a poor condition.

Perhaps the safest way up in crappy weather would be to take the path that branches off the Allt Coire Easaich path and then dropping back down to Loch Lon Mhurchaidh.

Good luck - sounds like a great warm-up.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for that info. I've now got Plans A, B, C, D and E, so I should be alright. I suspect the weather will have the final word. On the other hand, Plan F is to research the accuracy of the claims all those hotels along the shores of Loch Alsh and Loch Duich make about their bars being the very epitome of Scottish hospitality. Should get me nicely warmed up. Decisions, decisions.

Chris