Trevor Littlewood: After a rather tediously contrived traverse from Beinn nan Cabar we climbed steeply from the col to the north-east. As the angle eased, a series of small rock-impounded lochans was passed then vast areas of rock rose to the summit boss, itself surrounded by further small lochans. One pair of these in particular was immensely attractive, lying just below the high point and divided by a low yet steep slab whose sharp arete formed the watershed between them (LR40 shows none of these lochans). When there's good light and visibility (for us periodically there was), there are few finer summits to land upon, with views of the Rois-Bheinn group of Corbetts, Streap and the Glenfinnan Munros, whilst further off were Eigg and Rum, Ardnamurchan and even a well-snowed Ben. A photographic paradise.
Jon Metcalf: Top tick, biting ticks notwithstanding. A tremendous Wyvis-like 2km ridge round Coire Mhuilinn, with box-seat views of the Ben and neighbours.
Jon Metcalf: Knoydart über-Corbett in foul conditions. Local gorge, sharp ridge, and false cairn topography brilliant despite the day. Knowing the scenery thereabouts, this hill has to be revisited on a day of fitting clarity. This has nothing at all to do with the call of the langoustine supper in the Old Forge inn.
Sgurr Coire Choinneachan
Leslie Barrie: Shown on the OS map as almost entirely surrounded by a band of crags, the way to the summit of this gem of a hill is through a chink in its armour to the west. The shortest, most direct approach is from the edge of the forestry plantation at the SE end of Loch Doire nam Mart, where a rather fine path heads in just the right direction. Had I looked further upward and also reminded myself of the hill name, I would have realised where the path was leading. The cave itself was similar to many others - shallow, dripping ceiling and a wet muddy floor. However, the interesting part was the many carvings on the cave walls, mostly initials and dates from the 19th century. The summit may be nothing out of the ordinary, but the walk along the edge of the crags is very fine indeed. As for the views, pick a fine clear day, and stay awhile to savour the peace and tranquility of this wee gem of a hill in wildest Morvern.
Colin Crawford: I expected little from this modest eminence other than a toil through the trees, yet it really is a star, and straightforward to ascend. The map shows a track heading north from Glen Lonan, which forks just after entering the conifers. The right fork, though very overgrown, offers a pleasant and firm stairway for a few hundred metres. A vague path continues uphill, marked occasionally by orange ties on trees. Once clear of the forest, a thin trod winds up to the summit with an all-round view. To the west one looks over low-lying coastal land to Kerrera and Mull, to the east Cruachan looks truly awe-inspiring. One to save for sunset.
Leslie Barrie: On 20 July 2001 I was privileged, without the need for binoculars, to have fine clear views out to St Kilda from Chaipaval on Harris. This is truly a gem of a hill, with the machair on the approach a carpet of wild flowers. By virtue of its location, Chaipaval has to be one of the finest viewpoints from any of the Marilyns I've climbed so far. On that particular day the clarity of visibility was exceptional. The tide was out, showing the surrounding white beaches in all their splendour. The peaks of Skye and Torridon were sharp in the excellent light, as was the equally fine view down the chain of islands that forms the Uists.
Colin Crawford: It's probably not news to South Walians, but the view from this hill is truly impressive. To both north and south, the larger hills of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons are viewed to perfection. The national park authorities are clearly aware of this peculiarity, given the summit seat and panoramic plates, yet this easy walk was a revelation to me.
