Day 2 - Bearneas Bothy to River Meig

The rain and wind continued on and off all night. We both took advantage during a brief moment of peace around 1:00 am to get up and go to the bathroom. It took us an hour or so to get back to sleep but it was worth it. Around 6:00 we started to wake and after a few more cat naps we were up and getting ready around 7:00. We had some good fortune weather-wise and were able to gather our things and pack the tent up with no precipitation.

Sorting Out Things While Jessica Sleeps In Tye Background 😆 

Beautiful Bearneas Bothy With Our Mountain Pass In The Background

After getting sorted in the bothy, we headed out around 8:15 with Duncan and Charlie, who we would end up walking with all day, and are pitched up with tonight beside River Meig.

The first part of today’s hike I knew would likely be the toughest grind of the whole trip - a 4-km off-trail section up and over Bealach Bearneas. I think it went really well. We all took our time, searched for the best lines and footing, and despite the on/off rainfall we were over the top in under two hours, very proud of ourselves. It was a special moment for me as well, as I had done it once before with Ben and Zach in 2019 on a hot and sunny day.  

Two English Gentlemen And A Canadian Lassie With The Bealach Ahead

We had a fun time crossing Allt a Chonais after coming down from the Bealach on a two wire bridge. We all made it across dry and there were no near misses.

Mandy Making The Two-Wire Bridge Look Easy

The rest of today was easy in comparison. We did have a few sunny bits, but mostly rainy and cool. I think this is the first time I have ever had my waterproofs on all day. No matter - the conversation was great, and the views were unreal. Duncan even taught us a fun song to sing in round about William Blake going outside to his garden in the morning to dance naked. I caught both Mandy and me singing it under our breaths for the rest of the day. 😂 All of this kept our minds off our feet and made the hard bits seem easy. Meeting up with Duncan and Charlie has been good fortune for us!

Far Side Of The Bealach

Stopped Here For Lunch

Mandy has been making sure to keep up with her looks everyday, thanks to Joyce’s lipstick gift. 😆

Beautiful In The Wild!!

We have a very beautiful camp spot tonight on the banks of River Meig. The ground is flat, the grass is dry, and I will enjoy listening to the sounds of the river all night. I had a quick sit in the river before dinner to ease achy legs, and freshen up from the belly button down. Mandy soaked her feet. Dinner was rice pilaf with BBQ chicken pieces. We wolfed it down and followed up with an orange each, and a couple milk flavour oat cream biscuits. Yummy!!!

Tonight’s Camp Spot

We’re in the tent now at 7:45 getting ready for a good night’s rest.


Day 2 Thoughts:

JM - Happy everything went well over Bealach Bearneas. Really enjoyed a sip of whiskey offered up by Duncan as the sun went down behind the mountains.

Mandy - Glad it stopped raining, and enjoyed the sun at our campsite tonight. Didn’t fall today, which was a bonus. My eye still hurts…. 😆


Day 2 Route - 20.0 km, 499 m ascent