Loch Broom and Ullapool from a bit higher up

Today the clouds were high and the outlook mixed but promising. We first had to tackle the Tesco in Ullapool and only managed a late start up on the hill. With E complaining of a dodgy toe the prospects of a decent walk looked bleak as we headed for the nearest top.

The long walk up the valley from Inverlael forest towards the towering edifice of Beinn Dearg led into the steep walled Inverlael valley which was chiming to the sounds of Ring Ouzels and Cuckoos and our spirits were lifted easily to the first top of Eididh nan Clach Geala (927m) amongst a veritable sweetie shop of Munros. The view here is taken from the second top on the Beinn Dearg horseshoe 'Meall nan Ceapraichean' (977m). We are looking back the way we have come down the Inverlael valley, Loch Broom and Ullapool. The western isles are out of sight in the distant murk.

The third top 'Cona Mheall' (978m) just proved to be irresistable, but with the sure knowledge that we would be useless the following day. It was a very long walk back on sore feet and limbs with the Ring Ouzels calling from the cliffs, the dippers singing in the stream bed and the pipits and larks in evening air.