Leading the Inverness Ramblers up two Munros in Glen Affric

I’m just a couple of months away from taking my Mountain Leader assessment and earlier this month I took a group out on what can probably be regarded as my first ‘proper’ solo mountain leading experience. A group of 10 from the Inverness Ramblers turned up for my walk up Tom a’ Choinich and Toll Creagach in Glen Affric, despite the poor forecast.

There was certainly a deep sense of satisfaction in getting everybody safely up and down these two Munros, some of them pushing themselves to achieve both summits. A number of the walkers had only done one or two Munros before, so this was no easy outing for them.

It was a different experience for me, being conscious of keeping the group together despite a range of experience and fitness levels. But I soon got into a stride, and even managed to discuss a little bit of local history, geology and talk about some of the wildflowers we saw on the way. We also spotted deer and a beautiful emperor moth.

Here are a few photos from the hike. Thanks to the Inverness Ramblers again for the opportunity to lead another walk for them and I look forward to seeing you out on the hills again – hopefully in better weather next time!

Through Gleann nam Fiadh with Tom a’ Choinich ahead.

Heading up alongside the Allt Toll Easa.

On the old path to the Bealach Toll Easa.

Starting up the east ridge to Tom a’ Choinich.

Making their way up Tom a’ Choinich’s east ridge.

The group at the summit of Tom a’ Choinich.

On the descent from Tom a’ Choinich.

Pausing for a break on final ascent to Toll Creagach.

Approaching the summit of Toll Creagach.

Emperor moth with eggs.