The Great Outdoors Spring 2019

the day before, returning to the bealach. From there a short ascent
took us to a raised plateau scattered with lochans. Some slightly
unnecessary cairns appeared from time to time marking ‘the way’
but we wandered freely, hopping over streams, across rock slabs and
through boulder-ields, enjoying the continuingly improving views
back to Beinn Alligin.
At the far western end of Loch Toll Nam Biast we stopped to pitch
the tent not far from a beach of golden sand. hese loch-side beaches
are relatively common in the north-west, the Torridonian Sandstone
decaying over time back into sand, and being deposited by waves on
windy days. But there can’t be many that claim such an incredible
backdrop with the Horns of Alligin and the ridge of Beinn Dearg
beyond. It made me think of Elgol on Skye, a much photographed
coastal location with an inspiring mountain view. In marked
contrast, here we were alone. We spent the aternoon hunting down
the perfect location for another photograph.

he following morning began in dramatic fashion, with early

sun inding its way through heavy clouds overhead to illuminate the

beach. A little later we made our way further north-west, up to Creag

a’ Chinn Duibh, yet another outstanding viewpoint over the hills of

Torridon, but as the clouds closed in once more, so a steady drizzle

began to fall and we returned to camp to pack up.

he inal part of the route completed our circumnavigation of

Being Alligin by walking below its western slopes, following a deer

fence most of the way. he ground was boggy in places and the

landscape somewhat featureless, but we found our way back to the

car without much diiculty. Ultimately on a later visit I opted to

return the way I came. Nevertheless it had been a remarkable couple

of days in one of the UK’s most treasured mountain areas.

Alex Nail's photographic book of the Scottish Highlands, Northwest, is

available from his website at http://www.alexnail.com.

[Opening spread] Sandy beach at Loch Toll Nam Biast, with Beinn Dearg in the distance and Na Rathanan ahead [above] Beinn Dearg

The Great Outdoors Spring 2019 47