Friday 5 August 2011

Cul Mor

We've just come back from another trip down south. An unexpected one for me. It was my Aunt's funeral in Sussex. A sad occasion  but made much more bearable by the opportunity to catch up with cousins, uncles, remaining aunts and people you feel you may be related to but aren't altogether sure.
I couldn't wait though to come home. We've grown used to the space, and as pretty as Sussex and Surrey are,  it felt crowded; the roads busy. Yes, I know it's a  holiday time - but just getting anywhere took for ever. We're not used to traffic lights, junctions and queues! So after arriving back home we took the first opportunity to rush out in the open and enjoy a great big dollop of space!
Cul Mor is where we're headed the peak on the right.  From a distance both Cul Mor and Cul Beag the smaller peak to the left look for all the world like a pair of slag heaps. Not very impressive and easy to wonder what all the fuss is about.
Finally Cul Mor stands still, for ages it appeared to be moving away from us. It doesn't look difficult, but there are  boulders to clamber over nearer the top.
The best thing about going up is being able to see the surrounding loveliness, bit by bit it comes into view
Suilven appears
Are we really going up there?
Yep, looks like it. I'm with the funny little chap in the hat!
Now, I'm actually not that good with heights. It doesn't help much to look up
but it helps even less to look down! So I concentrate on my feet and climbing over boulders.
 we're on the top, we've done it,  and  can look over to the ridge below the summit.
And this is why I keep going and battle through the tingly and unnerving bits because the feeling of getting to the top and seeing this overrides all fear!
and builds up an appetite!
Isn't it lovely?
Eyebright
and Wild Thyme grow here in what must be at times such a harsh environment.
but lunch is finished and we head out onto the ridge
Looking back at where we've been
Stac Pollaidh  where our two boys and their friends climbed in May
Not feeling hemmed in. It's such a good feeling. I love the emptiness, the absence of a road, a car park a tea room a gift shop. This is as it is, a vast nature reserve that will stay unspoilt, and to reach it takes effort.
 I don't know what this is and didn't notice the small insect until I uploaded the pictures onto the computer.
Tiny little plants that thrive up here sheltered in amongst the rocks
I do appreciate I'm lucky and that I'm fit enough (just!) to be able to get up here
It's late afternoon early evening and the cloud is building up. Time to head back down
 We sat up there and had lunch
We didn't choose the best way to come down and ended by doing a large detour to avoid peat bog and waterfalls
But eventually we made it back to the car and the cloud rolled in hiding our mountain top

12 comments:

Mac n' Janet said...

Love the empty spaces, room to move and think. That's why we left Calfiornia, too many people.
Your walk was wonderful, will be glad when it cools down enough here for us to do more than our morning walk.

Ann said...

Wow! I was right there with you and that view was truely captured in your photographs. I moved from Scotland 7 years ago to Derbyshire having spent the best part of 30 years amongst the hills - how I miss those views and yes I agree with ou too much traffic and people everywhere down here.
Enjoy
Happy Weekend

ju-north said...

So wish we were there! another one to add to the list!

Anna at the Doll House said...

Hello Annie

What spectacular scenery and head-spinning photo shots.

I am quite lost in admiration of your move and house-building project. So, I have become your newest follower.

Anna

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about the reason for your unexpected trip South. But what a fabulous walk you've shared with us - wide open spaces indeed. Like you, I feel very crowded when down in England. Aberdeen seems homey and manageable, but it might feel impossibly congested to other people! I appreciated your beautiful photographs of the smallest things, as much as the stunning vistas. Thank you.

Lucille said...

I so enjoy these walks/ climbs you take us on. So that's what eyebright looks like. I use it a lot in eye drops.

old_black said...

I'm just sitting here with my mouth open in wonder, envy, and amazement. The places you've shown us are so beautiful and powerful, but as Christine suggested, those images are brought to our attention through the wonderful lens of your eye. Your brilliant demonstration of the breadth and depth of the beauty has made my day! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

The air looks so clear and what wonderful views. Well worth all your effort. What a lovely day out. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us.
Penny

rachel said...

What a lovely post! And so much nicer that you did all the hard work for us, and we just needed to sit somewhere comfortable and admire the view.....

Ollie Hoffmann said...

Interesting to see the area from a different vantage point. This is my first comment on your blog in 4 years :) thought it was about time I showed some appreciation of your blog. I do read it often...honest I do

Anonymous said...

I love your beautiful photos, and I'm envious of the walks you take. I love to come here to see where you've been and the progress you've made on your home. It's always a refreshing visit.

Susan

S. Etole said...

What incredible scenery. The air must be so refreshing as you climb.

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