Sunak: He is always right, a devious ironist

Net Zero Activist

Like many others, I was relieved when Rishi Sunak took over as PM after the stark raving bonkers Johnson years and the dazed and confused days of Liz Truss. Surely Sunak could not be as untrustworthy or unfit to be PM as either of his predecessors who are now locked in a battle to acquire the soubriquet of Britain's worst-ever Prime Minister. I just expected him to provide some integrity, consistency, and willingness to engage in civil relations with the devolved nations, the EU, and other world leaders. I never expected to agree with most of his policies. I held no truck with his dry right-wing views on the economy and public services nor his disdain for the environment and social justice.

This week has convinced me that I was wrong about Sunak's integrity and honesty as he decided to junk the government's policy of reaching net zero. His integrity is entirely random and is jettisoned when he thinks it might not go down well with the Tory Party or the media. How he has the barefaced nerve to claim that delaying several well-established policies will not affect the achievement of net zero targets is being very economical with the truth. This is abundantly evident from this fact check on zero carbon transition. The Climate Change Committee, an independent Committee established by the 2008 Climate Change Act and chaired by an ex-Tory Minister, Lord Deben, had already castigated the government for failing to maintain progress. It is worth viewing the excellent Annual Report on net zero progress. The basic message is that the UK is far from world-beating. It is failing to meet its own targets, and government ministers must get real and show a far stronger commitment. And this report was published in June before Rishi Sunak's most recent announcements to curb progress even further.

If Sunak's cynical demotion of measures to reduce climate change wasn't enough to make him another contender for the worst PM, he then claimed that he would be scrapping a set of policies. They were a selection of what he regards as 'woke' proposals that would not play well with the electorate. Thus, compulsory carpooling, requiring seven bins for recycling, taxing meat, and taxes to discourage flying were all denounced as policies he would scrap. It was devious kite flying on his part. They were never government policies, merely a collection of ideas put forward by various lobbying groups.  Certainly, discouraging domestic flights would make a big difference as there was a 95% increase in carbon emissions from the aviation industry in the past year. But it is not a government proposal and not something that frequent flyers like Sunak would introduce. He was the Chancellor who cut existing air passenger duties for domestic flights, a two-fingered gesture to COP 26 in Glasgow. His honesty and trust are not worth a hill of beans.

So what is Sunak for? He has shown no courage in his first year of rooting out corrupt behaviour in his MPs. He has been cowardly in refusing to appear at Inquiries or PM Questions, and he has shown little interest in attending world events on climate change or the United Nations. Admittedly the Tory Party is a smorgasbord of disrupters who have a track record of bringing down their leaders. Sunak's only brave decision of integrity is not approving Liz Truss's honours nominations for peerages! His speeches and interviews are given in a condescending style and there is an unwillingness to accept any culpability or criticism. His nasally nuanced twisting of facts to substantiate whatever "world-leading" claim he is trying to sell to the electorate is seldom convincing. His smiling countenance as he delivers anodyne and factually vacuous soundbites is merely a veneer to embrace a populism that doesn't become him. 

His frequent absences from Parliament and consistent failure to call out his MPs who have transgressed corruption or other charges are evasive and cowardly. His tardiness in showing any willingness to collaborate with health professionals, trade unions, or other political parties is a measure of his insecurity. His tendency to introduce policies that are not going to be achieved by his government or anytime soon marks him out as a last-minute substitute waiting for the final whistle. The only conclusion from his first year in office is that he is every bit as unwilling to accept the truth as his predecessors. He seems to think that he is always right but that only applies to his political views.

Moo

Beinn a' Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair

Beinn a' Chreachain from its Lochan

Thursday, 7 September 2023

Ascent:     1238

Distance:   24 kilometres

Time:         7 hours 3 minutes

Beinn a' Chlachair      1081m.   3hrs. 45mins

Beinn Achaladair.       1038m.   4hrs  56mins

It was our second day of walking after 10 hours, 26 kilometres and 48.000 steps yesterday. We did not return home until 10:30 p.m. Having decided tp forego an overnight camp at Kinlochewe as it was going dark and the midges were in full rapacious eating mood. Neither John or I felt ready for a repeat but both insisted we were good for another walk. We did not leave home until after 9 a.m. having dallied over breakfast but we were really stalling for time. 

There was a morning fog that had burnt off by the time we reached the new parking spot at Achallader. We decided to walk up the Water of Tulla so we could climb Beinn a'Chreachain from its northern Corrie. It was a beautiful walk along a serene but empty Glen where few people ever venture. It involved a couple of river crossings in addition to the old bridge at Barrvourich. The final crossing at the end of the remaining Caledonia Pine Forest was a bit of a gymnastic course as we tottered over the boulders. We had ten minutes in the sun before heading through the rampant vegetation up to the railway line that crosses Rannoch Moor. Then climb is steady slog alongsisde the impressive Allt Coire an Lochan that cascades over the bedding rock. We were not moving very fast in the heat of the noon sun and we were still suffering from yesterday's long walk.

We reached the Lochan a' Chreachain that is at 700 metres and sits below the impressive cliffs that provide a shadow across the lochan even in the early afternoon. We then had a 400 metre climb up to its north-east ridge and then along to the summit. It had taken about an hour longer than we had anticipated, partly due to the long walk in, partly the heat and mainly because we are not as sprightly as we were but haven't quite factored in to our route planning. We had 15 minutes on the summit for a late lunch and then began the steep descent to Meall Buidhe. It was easy going compared to the previous couple of hours and we made good time to Beinn Achaladair. The 225 metre climb is initially up a rocky staircase that involves some scrambling but, if anything, it makes the climb quicker.

I have always loved the spectacular balcony view over Loch Tulla and to Glencoe from Beinn Achaladair and we once again took some time to refresh our memories of it. I remember sitting here in 2004 at the start of the fourth round and contemplating what next in life with our children all away and perhaps having another 5 or 6 years until retirement. It prompted a decision to attempt a fourth round of Munros achieved in double quick time - 3 years 9 months, rather than seeking a different job.

The blue skies had disappeared and clouds were gathering as ewe set off to make a quick descent down to the bealach below Beinn a' Dothaidh. We wasted no time beginning the descent from here to Achalladair as the heavens opened and we heard the thunder clouds booming in the east. It is quite a long time since I came up by this route and the rain quickly converted what was a dry path into a wet path with boggy sections. It was 4.5 kilometres back to the car and our speed was restricted by the rain and subsequent slippery path. The new large car park is a mile before the old parking close to Achalladair House and Tower. Presumably shifted there to reduce the amount of traffic in the vicinity of the house. The so called path that cuts across from the glen is a parody of the path, more a linear bog and a suitable epitaph for the loss of what was once a pleasant route to the bealach.

Water of Tulla

Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Dothaid from Water of Tulla

Highland Line at Crannach

The path up to Coire an Lochain

John beginning the descent from Beinn a' Chreachain

Beinn Achaladair from Meall Buidhe

Loch Tulla from Beinn Achaladair

Route clockwise from Achalladar

East Mamores

Binnein Mor Summit

Wednesday, 6 September 2023

Ascent:      1910 metres
Distance:   28 kilometres
Time:         9 hours 30 minutes

Sgurr Eilde Mor                  1010m
Binnein Beag                       943m
Binnein Mor                       1130m
Binnein More south top     1062m
Na Gruagaichean               1056m

Na Gruagaichean nw top   1041m

The first week in September was looking good for hillwalking with the prospect of some rare sunny days.  I had a friend in Aviemore who had suggested that I might like to join him walking in the Cairngorms, which is always glorious in late summer conditions. John then phoned and suggested a couple of days. He was keen to move closer to the completion of his fourth round. We agreed to walk on Wednesday and Thursday as he was keen to finish the Mamores and then some hills nearer to home. It was a bit misty as we left for Kinlochleven at 7:30 a.m. but the roads were quiet and we were parked in the car park close to the Falls by 10:20 a.m.

As is usually the case we made a mess finding our way onto the path to Sgurr Eilde Mor and found ourselves on the way to the Grey Mare's Tale waterfall and then the higher path to Na Gruagaichean but decided to stick on it and meet up with the more direct path higher up. The sun had broken through and the promise was of a warm day. We made good time up to the Coire an Lochain where we had our first break and enjoyed the stunning views to the north where the Binneins were displaying their best facades. I suggested that we continue across the apron below the lochan and see if we could find a route up the south side of the mountain. The path from the north-west is steep with lots of loose scree. It was a good decision and we found a faint path that scored its way up 250 metres through the grass and rocks to the summit. We arrived at the cairn with its remarkable views towards the Mamores, Ben Nevis, the Grey Corries and back south to the Blackwater Reservoir and Glencoe. We rewarded ourselves with twenty minutes to have some lunch and absorb the splendour of this summit.

Our elation was popped as we began the descent down the main path. Steep loose scree made it impossible to get a foothold and I slithered down the first hundred metres wishing I had brought some walking poles that John was using to good effect. We realised that time, like age, was not on our side as we crossed the boggy ground north of the lochan and followed the twisting and climbing path to the bealach below Binnein Beag. We passed a couple of walkers and stopped to hydrate and dump our rucksacks before the steep rocky climb of 200 metres to the pointy summit. The descent down the hill gave us a chance to identify a route up Binnein Beag. I had made a direct ascent up Sron a' Gharbh- Choire on previous visits but we sought out a gentler incline to the north of this ridge. It was probably a mistake or maybe it was just the heat of the afternoon and tiredness that made it a painfully slow climb. We met a solo woman walker on her descent and hopefully persuaded her to take in Binnein Beag, She was prevaricating and we both knew from experience that it is always better to take in that extra hill if conditions are good than to leave it for another day.

Binnein Mor was another rewarding summit topped by an exquisite mini cairn and having possibly the best  360° view of Scotland's mountains. Despite the attractions we spent only ten minutes before continuing, we were now almost a couple of hours behind the mental schedule that I had clocked at the start of the day, although in the wonderful conditions we had taken more time soaking up the views from the summits and at the bealach between the Binneins. It is always dangerous to drop rucksacks, an excuse to sit down for a drink, some more food and a few photos.

The walk from Binnein Mor to Na Gruagaichean is easy along a grassy ridge with only about 150 metres of climbing to the sharply shaped summit. It was after 6 p.m. and the hills were darkening as the sun was dropping in the west. The temperature was perfect for walking. It is a simple drop and climb to the nearby top nd then a steady descent to the 783m bealach below Stob Coire a' Cairn and the 6 remaining Munros of the Mamores. I wondered how I managed to climb them all in a day on three previous occasions, it must have been my Walsh running shoes!

It is a curious descent by what I presume is an old stalkers' path to Coire na Ba. The gradient is gentle but it takes 2 kilometres to achieve 500 metres of distance and thereafter another couple of kilometres to reach he track that leads down to Mamore Lodge. This fine old building and former hotel is now empty sitting on a south facing slope 200 metres above Kinlochewe with magnificent views down Loch Leven. It was getting dusk and whilst there was a narrow steep path down to the village we decided to continue to the West Highland Way and a more secure route back to Kinlochewe. There were quite a few WHW walkers either camping or looking for camping spots. It was almost fully dark as we reached the car and we had already considered driving home rather than camping. Any doubts were dispelled when the midges began to eat us alive as we took off shoes. It was 10:30 p.m. when we arrived home, we would drive back to Bridge of Orchy in the morning. An extra 50 miles is a small price to pay for escaping a night in a tent with the midges. 

Loch Leven from Mamaore Lodge

Coire an Lochain to Binnein Mor and Beag

Binnein Mor

Topping out on Sgurr Eilde Mor

From Sgurr Eilde Mor, Ben Nevis in distance

Coire an Lochain from Sgurr Eilde Mor

Binnein Mor from Binnein Beag

Binnein Mor arrival

The Ben from Binnein Mor

Binnein Mor from Na Gruagaichean

Na Gruagaichean

Na Gruagaichean top

Loch Leven from Na Gruagaichean

East Mamores Route 

Beinn Dorain & Beinn an Dothaidh

Beinn Dorain from Beinn an Dothaidh

Saturday, 2 September 2023

Ascent:     1208 metres

Distance:   15 kilometres

Time:         4 hours 16 minutes

m  Beinn Dorain.            1076m

t                                        993m

m Beinn an Ddothaidh   1009m

After a cloudy, rainy and generally miserable August, there was hope for some decent weather in September. I had decided to climb some hills on Saturday, Gregor phoned to say he had 7 or 8 hours whilst Emily did a 26-mile charity walk for MacMillan Cancer Support. I would have to find some hills that could be done in 5 hours within an hour's drive. I had wanted to climb the Black Mount but it would probably be too long for me within the time limits and a longer drive. I suggested Beinn Dorain, not amongst my favourite hills but a good viewpoint. This would be my first visit since I had walked four Munros from Bridge of Orchy with Mark on a gloomy, windy day in September 2010.

The traffic was okay for a Saturday, although the motorbike overtaking was a bit nerve-wracking. We stopped at Tyndrum for Gregor to buy some food, the place was like the Pitt lane for a motorbike race with many older bikers stopping for a morning fag. We drove on to Bridge of Orchy and parked by the railway station. A large walking group from Stirling had arrived and was beginning their walk and had commandeered the path beyond the tunnel under the railway line. Gregor shot off, as is his wont, and I made the best pace I could lagging well behind him as we overtook everyone else on the rocky and at times steep path up to the bealach at 744 metres. 

Gregor was there 15 minutes ahead of me and after some water we made a charge up to the summit, a 300 metre climb along a ridge with varying gradients. The sun had emerged for a brief interlude but as we reached the summit, 400 metres beyond the first cairn that many assume is the summit, some low clouds rolled across and deleted any views. We could hear the sound of motorbikes as they buzzed along the A84 900 metres below us. The number of bikes made the sound of a beehive but lacked the bucolic serenity of bees. I was only 3 minutes slower than in 2010 but Gregor wanted some faster action for the next hill. We agreed to descend to the bealach and for him to then speed up Beinn an Dothiadh and from there to descend to the east and take the track down Allt Kinglass and the West Highland Way back to the car. It would give him 11 or 12 kilometres of running. I figured we would arrive back at the car at roughly the same time.

I was slower on the ascent of Beinn an Dothaidh, there was no visible sign of the direct path to the top which is still shown on the OS maps so I followed the more obvious path to the 993-metre top. It was well-used but had several boggy sections. As I reached the 993m top, Gregor was on his way down, we checked the time and agreed to meet back at the car at about 3 pm. I continued to the summit, which had some wonderful views to the northwest over Loch Tulla to the Black Mount and lochs and lochans of Rannoch Moor. After some food, I started my descent and decided to follow the old direct path. It occasionally disappeared but it was mainly a case of negotiating through the grass and rocks and aiming for the bealach. At least there were no boggy sections.

At the bealach, the hard part of the descent began, the path is severely eroded with loose rocks and is braided as countless walkers have sought to avoid the original path. Two walkers whom I had met on the way up were struggling with the terrain and as I jogged past them feeling that I was coping reasonably well. Five minutes later, I took a flier as I slipped on the wet boogy ground and fell full length on the rocks below. Bruised but determined not to stop, I continued and reached the less stony lower reaches of the path that allowed me to run sections as I attempted to reach the car at the eta. I managed it to the minute and Gregor was waiting for me. He had run the last 11 kilometres and covered 23 kilometres in total. We were back in Callander at 4 p.m. so he could collect Emily and her friends. I was tired from the day and after a bath, beer and tea was ready for bed by 9 p.m.

Bealach 744m looking to Beinn a' Chreachain

Beinn an Dothaidh

Ascent of Beinn Dorain looking northwest

Beinn Dorain cairn

Loch Tulla and Black Mount from Beinn an Dothaidh

Looking south from Beinn an Dothaidh

Loch Tulla