We tried this walk in a very mild January arriving at the car park to find a dozen or more cars ahead of us and plenty of people preparing to go up. It was a little embarrassing seeing virtually all of them in their finery, ice axes and all while we had nothing. The first 1000 feet is a straightforward slog, first through forest then open ground, up a straight path, supposedly the remains of some kind of rail or pulley system. There are big concrete blocks all the way up. After about 1000 feet the path split and all those going to the Cobbler went left. Apart from one other person we were the only ones going to Beinn Narnain and for the rest of the day on this hill the lone stranger was the only other person we saw. The path was straightforward if occasionally steep, muddy at first but gradually icing up as we got higher. Frost started to appear on rocks and we had to be careful where we put our feet. This was particularly so when at one point after threading our way through crags we came across a snow field. This was hard packed and was very icy and we had to cross it diagonally for about 20 feet. Fortunately previous walkers had gouged large footholds so with a lot of care we crossed easily. The field went for about 40 feet down on a steep slope and it could have been extremely dangerous if we had slipped. No doubt we should have been wearing crampons and had ice axes but still we made it OK. This was the last we saw of anything as the mist started to come in. By the time we reached Cruach nam Miseag, a rocky knoll, it was freezing and a gale was blowing. Fortunately the wind was pushing us against the rocks so we did not feel too concerned when in semi exposed spots. After a short dip we started the final climb up, wondering if we ought to continue with such a thick mist and threatening snow. The way was steep and the crags looked awful when seen emerging from the mist. The Spearhead in particular looked desperate, like jagged teeth with no apparent way up. However, it was easier than it looked as there was a pathway all the way up.
To the right of the Spearhead was a gully which at first Graeme did not believe we had to go up. It involved some easy scrambling but the wind was horrendous, with it funnelling up through the gully. Just as well it was blowing up-not down and this made it easier. At the top we stood bemused as with the mist thickening we could only see 10 yards at most. To our left we could just see the cairn on the Spearhead so could at least pinpoint our position. The books say the summit cairn is about 300 feet SW, so pointing the compass that way we marched ahead. There was no path, or if there was one we had missed it, and I was keeping my fingers crossed as I had no real confidence in what I was doing. All I kept thinking was that there was a plateau and even if we missed our spot we could walk around the rim. As it was the summit cairn did loom out of the mist to our relief, a trig point.
After two very quick photos we again aimed SW on the compass hoping to find the two cairns which are supposed to lead to the way down towards Beinn Ime. No way were we going to take our lunch on the summit. The wind was blowing a gale, the frost was blowing about and the mist was freezing on our clothes which were rapidly frosting up. More I suspect by good luck than judgement the two cairns appeared, followed by a pathway which took us down, first through rocks and then down grass. Part way down we found shelter behind some boulders and had soup for lunch. Although warm I could not enjoy it as it was so cold sitting down and not moving. No way would I even attempt to have my Guinness as this would probably have frozen to my lips.
The grass was very slippy and more than once I went sliding on my backside. The further we climbed down the thinner the mist became until at about the col it disappeared altogether. This was the point to decide whether to go up Beinn Ime or return to the car park. We elected for the latter and headed for the path leading to the start of the Allt a'Bhalachain. This is where we joined the crowds again as a number of people had descended the Cobbler from the rear down to this path. The path is very well defined and although it does go on for a while it makes for a very easy, gentle descent from the mountains.
