Tom Bailgeann and Creag nan Clag ∞
With the weather somewhat brighter than forecast this morning, I decided that I needed to get out in the hills. I had not planned anything, the higher tops are covered in deep snow, and a fresh dusting had fallen overnight with more forecast. Therefore I thought it wise to do something local and low.
I opted for two small hills at the southern end of Loch Duntelchaig — Tom Bailgeann and Creag nan Clag.
Tom Bailgeann
The hill has a radio mast at the top, and therefore a track leading up to it on the eastern side, which I followed. However this was pretty steep, and rather icy in places, which made for interesting walking. The track is not that prominent in places, so I ended up taking a bit of a detour, but after about 20 minutes walking I had reached the mast (464m). The views from the top were good, but not spectacular, although it offers an interesting perspective on Dores, the River Ness and Inverness, and south along Loch Ness.
Creag nan Clag
Having moved the car round to the cattle grid to the north of this hill, I followed the fenceline up through the woods, then broke southwards up the shoulder of the hill, keeping away from the conglomerate cliffs. A steep ascent through thick heather, before an easier walk across the plateau to a small cairn (407m). By this time the sun was blasting down on me, as I walked southwards. There were good views across a frozen Loch Ruthven and towards the upper end of Strath Nairn, made more beautiful by the bright winter sun on the fresh covering of snow.
Total time taken: 1½ hours (~45 min ea.); Distance 4km; Height Climbed 380m; Photos Taken 25.