8th June 2009, Beinn Dearg, Ullapool Walking Trip

 

We had a fantastic walk into the Scottish Highlands last weekend, very lucky with amazing sunny skies for four days in a row.

 

India & Finland were great, this being one of our toughest walks both in distance and exhausting high temperatures, but they coped admirably showing their fitness and resilience throughout.

 

Day 1; travelled up to Ullapool, Scotland 425 miles away, this took 8 hours, left the car and walked into the Highlands for 4 hours, climbing to 425m, setting up camp for 8pm with still 2 hours left before the sun went below the horizon. (At this latitude the sun sets 40 minutes later than Manchester, and a full 1 hour later than London!).

Already feeling the effects of a very steep climb, and the weight of the rucksacks pulling on the shoulders. Our rucksacks weigh around 28kg, mine slightly heavier as I have the pleasure of carrying 3kg of dog food! The weight makes us slow compared to other hill walkers, but then we are carrying our home on our backs for 4 days.

The first camp was not good, in fact a  midge nightmare. Out came the nasty blood sucking little buggers at around 8:30pm and then stalked us wherever we were, the respite being when the wind picked up later in the evening which forces them to land as they cannot cope with even gentle breezes. Walked a total of 6km, with 425m of ascent.

 

Day 2; broke camp and climbed for 4 hours up to the summit of Beinn Dearg at 1,084m, had lunch on the top with absolutely stunning views all round. India & Finland treated with Matheson’s sausages which were consumed rather quickly! No water at the summit so they went over to the nearest snow field and ate snow, India remembering from previous walks and Finland soon learning.

Left the summit and walked for another 5 hours, descending for 250m and then climbing Meall nan Ceapraichean at 977m, walking off the summit for another 2km to make camp next to a small lake at 760m. The dogs have the advantage of drinking water at any stream or lake along the way, we have to carry our water at all times!

Everyone very tired, India & Finland crashed out after dinner, sunshine beaming down on us until 10:03pm. Walked a total of 11km, with 1,100m of ascent.

 

Day 3; the sun came up at around 4:30am, we got up at 6am, as soon as you moved in the tent India starts her talking and grunts to let you know she is waiting. They are tethered outside the tent only 5m away, but as soon as you get out of the tent they greet you as though you have been away for a week! So adorable. Break camp for 9am, head for the summit of Seana Bhraigh at 927m. The day is very hot, unbroken sunshine with only the occasional slightest of breezes to take the heat away. India sitting in each stream that we past onto the summit! Reached the summit at 3pm and what stunning views. The summit sits next to a 150m cliff edge, rather spectacular, the dogs wander up to the sheer drop and look around nonchantly. They are completely un-phased by cliffs. I get more nervous watching them get close to the edge than they do.

Rather unusually came across some feral goats on the summit. Tall, long haired animals, 1m at the shoulder, had to restrain India who always likes to say ‘hello’ in these circumstances, whereas big and woosey Finland just stood and watched at a safe distance!

Finland loves running downhill, lovingly biffing your side with his muzzle as he rushes past, then stops, looks up as if to say “come on, hurry up!”.

We descended from the summit, walked for another 4 hours to find a suitable camp spot, which we found next to a lovely little lake at 460m. Unfortunately, with less height, you get more midges so out they came again in the late evening.

Walked total of 13km, with 800m of ascent

 

Day 4; early start again, feeling somewhat sunburnt and tired, yet elated. India a bit stiff getting going this morning, similar to me, but then we are around the same age!! Finland as fit as a fiddle, full of go in the morning, but then he is a mere youngster at 23 months! Just a downhill walk back to the car of around 8km.

 

We at Leonmoor often get asked can Leonbergers cope with long walks …. if you keep them fit and trim, then the simple answer is most definately! If they are allowed to become slightly overweight then you will notice their energy and fitness drop off considerably. Leonbergers without doubt love the adventure and excitement of new experiences as much as we do.

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