184, 185. Conival (158), Ben More Assynt (141) (P600 36). 06/08/2017.

During my paternity leave stint, I took Elodie to the far north of Scotland for a look at some hills. It was a very successful trip and for this walk we were joined by Chris. It looked like being our best day weather-wise and so, since Elodie seemed to be happy in the backpack for at least 5 hours, we thought we'd attempt one of the more ambitious walks in the area and see how we got on. The guidebook put it at 6 hours, although in the end we took a shade over 7, but Elodie was happy all the way until the last half an hour or so. Even then she was pacified by numerous rounds of 'Old MacDonald had a farm...' (little did she know it was more likely to be Old Mcleod in these parts).

We anticipated the odd shower, but in the end only experienced about 10 minutes of drizzle - the rest of the time the cloud was clear of the tops. And it really is a great location for views. We had unimpeded views of all the famous hills in this part of the country. Suilven and Quinag being particularly impressive.

The walk starts with a long approach on a track through a glen that becomes a path further up and only after an hour do you really start to climb. There was a good dry path the whole way up the side of Conival and onto its summit ridge. From here the ridge was great. The ascent over the top of Conival and all the way to Ben More Assynt is quite gradual, although the fact you have to retrace your steps back over Conival makes you think this should count as 3 Munros. Elodie particularly like the rocky top of Ben More Assynt, perhaps because we seemed to arrive there at the same time as several other walkers. The rest of the time she did some babbling and some sleeping, but generally had a good time. Thanks to Chris for his assistance in entertaining and pacifying when she laterally became slightly less happy.

 Babbling on the approach to the summit ridge of Conival

 The ridge from Conival (R) to BMA (L)

 Elodie pleased to reach the top. Chris in the background calling a cab(?)

Elodie enjoying views across Assynt, including Quinag