Sgorr na Diollaid.

Setting off - beside the Glen Cannich road and Muchrachd (NH283333)

We set off in cloud, with sunny spells, but with excellent visibility, with high hopes of excellent views.

Views south east along Glen Cannich from NH280339

We weren't disappointed!

Views west along Glen Cannich from NH280339

This was our first outing for a while, after a very snowy winter in the Scottish hills, so we had chosen a Corbett as an easy starter, in the hope that there wouldn't be so much snow to wade through at the slightly lower altitude.

Tom a' Choinnich from the ascent of Sgorr na Diollaid

The going was steep from the start, with hardly anything in the way of paths, so the heather and babies heads was hard going.

Rafe and Jim near the summit of Sgorr na Diollaid West Top

The views improved with altitude in every direction, snowy peaks dominating, the snow line being at about 600m.

We headed out of Coire Gorm to pick up the West Top and came across our first proper snow. This increased, as did the rockiness of the terrain, as we slogged higher.

Sgorr na Diollaid summit

Rafe loved playing in the snow and we had to watch that he didn't end up in a deep drift or dislodging any cornice.

Views to the Mullardoch Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid West Top

The wind was also increasing, so it was time for an extra layer to be donned.

Views to the Mullardoch Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid West Top

The views from the West Top summit were amazing, particularly to the west and north, where the Glen Affric, Glen Shiel and Mullardoch hills, in full winter splendour, were shining out in the occasional ray of sunshine.

Sgorr na Diollaid summit from the West Top

Views west from the West Top - Sgorr na Diollaid

Rafe taking in the views from Sgorr na Diollaid West Top

The walk from the West Top to the main summit of Sgorr na Diollaid was through drifts of snow, deep in places.

Rafe and Jim near Sgorr na Diollaid summit

Jim - Sgorr na Diollaid

Views south west from Sgorr na Diollaid

The summit was a bit of a scramble. In the summer we would hardly have noticed it, but in the snow, ice and wind it was fairly hairy!

Views south from Sgorr na Diollaid to Beinn a Chairein

Many photographs were taken from the rocky summit.

Jim and views to the Mullardoch Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid

Views to the Mullardoch Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid

Views south west from Sgorr na Diollaid

Views to the Mullardoch Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid

We headed off to find shelter for a first lunch, but the wind seemed to be blowing from every direction, so a quick sarnie whilst standing behind a rock was all we got, before heading for lower ground.

Descent from Sgorr na Diollaid with views to the south east

Toll Creagach and Tom a' Choinnich over Glen Cannich

Once off the snowfields the temperature increased and gloves and hats were stowed away. By the time we had second lunch at 400m it felt almost balmy and we were able to enjoy the superlative views from the comfort of a sun warmed rock.

We indulged in coffee and cake at the Bog Cotton Cafe at the campsite in Cannich village. Great day !!

Toll Creagach and Tom a' Choinnich

Route: Park at the side of the Glen Cannich road by the Muchrachd track (NH283333). NNE across the moor on pathless terrain to spot height at 496m (NH278345). Continue N into Coire Gorm. At approx 650m contour head NW to Sgorr na Diollaid West Top (Corbett Top, 777m) . NNE to Sgorr na Diollaid (Corbett, 818m). Descend S over unnamed summit, 786m and into Coire Gorm, spot height 496mand return to start.

Statistics:  Distance: 8km  Ascent: 790m  Time: 4 hours

Views to the Glen Affric Munro's from Sgorr na Diollaid