I've just read Mike's report of his (solitary) day out on Creise. What a super story, well written, and with some excellent photographs. Well done.
Maybe the committee should consider an end of year prize for the best report published during the year, and this might encourage more members to submit material to Ron.
Meantime, Mike gets my vote !
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Monadh Mor & Beinn Bhrotain (Cairngorms)
On a day when the weather forecast was for bursts of rain with cloud maybe down to 700 m, Ron and I set out to do these rather remote hills, hoping that our navigational skills would not be too tested.
On reaching Glen Feshie, all the hills were clear and it was dry! In fact, the whole walk was characterised by the dryness, both in the air and on the ground. I don't think that I have seen the hills as dry as this for a very long time, if ever. Apart from a fairly strong northerly wind, conditions were ideal, and we made good time.
Crossing the plateau SE of Carn Ban Mor, Ron pointed out an adult dotterel and three chicks (there may have been more but that's all I saw). There were still extensive areas of snow on all the hills around, but we only had to negotiate one small patch.
On reaching Monadh Mor, the views to the east were spectacular with Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul and the Devil's Peak particularly so. Ron has done the first two, also from Glen Feshie, so I was trying to see a possible route for me, as I have not. After the almost flat Monadh Mor came the climb up the boulder field that is Beinn Bhrotain, then back by almost the same route. Eight and a half hours to do about 28 km and 1600 m climb-not bad (for me anyway).
Then the drive home, and not a chippy between Glen Feshie and Fort William!
On reaching Glen Feshie, all the hills were clear and it was dry! In fact, the whole walk was characterised by the dryness, both in the air and on the ground. I don't think that I have seen the hills as dry as this for a very long time, if ever. Apart from a fairly strong northerly wind, conditions were ideal, and we made good time.
Crossing the plateau SE of Carn Ban Mor, Ron pointed out an adult dotterel and three chicks (there may have been more but that's all I saw). There were still extensive areas of snow on all the hills around, but we only had to negotiate one small patch.
On reaching Monadh Mor, the views to the east were spectacular with Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul and the Devil's Peak particularly so. Ron has done the first two, also from Glen Feshie, so I was trying to see a possible route for me, as I have not. After the almost flat Monadh Mor came the climb up the boulder field that is Beinn Bhrotain, then back by almost the same route. Eight and a half hours to do about 28 km and 1600 m climb-not bad (for me anyway).
Then the drive home, and not a chippy between Glen Feshie and Fort William!
Monday 21 June 2010
Skye - Knight's Peak & The Bhasteir Tooth
I knew that if I am to bag all the Munro Tops then two in Skye would give me ( as a non rock climber) some difficulty, so last week I hired a guide and successfully climbed those two, in a very enjoyable and exhilarating day.
This picture shows, in profile, Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean, the first two pinnacles being quite modest. Number 3 is the one where an abseil off is the usual way, whilst number 4 is Knight's Peak, with a rocky spine connecting this to the main summit of Gillean via the West Ridge.
The second photo above is of a following party (from Glenmore Lodge) negotiating Number 3, and I took this whilst on Knight's Peak.
After Gillean, reached by an interesting bit of exposed rock climbing we traversed over Am Basteir, a bit of down-climbing then ensued and suddenly, all that was left was a little scramble to the summit of the "Tooth", easier than I had anticipated. Then a small descent into what could best be described as a cave before emerging onto a rocky ledge in King's Chimney . Out over the edge into thin air on a stout rope onto the scree below, and a trudge down the Bhasteir Gorge path to the Slig for a celebratory pint - a great day out in perfect conditions. (The top photo is my guide, Jonah, dropping onto terra firma from the top of the Chimney on the Tooth)
Friday 18 June 2010
The midges are back
According to the BBC, the midges are back and worse than ever. Evidently, the hard winter has killed a lot of the creatures (small birds, bats etc) which eat the little devils. For sure they were out and about in Torridon this week. I was wondering what people recommend to keep the little b.......s at bay ?
I tried Avon Skin so Soft (appears to be recommended by army types) but found it almost ineffective. The best I have found is MozzyOff but it seems to lose its effectiveness - you have to buy a new bottle every year and I could not find any last year. Does any know if the firm has gone out of business or, if not, where I can buy some ?
This year, I am trying Nikwax Skitostop - a combined sun screen and insect repellent. And if it does not work, I can always put it on my boots, I guess. Not convinced about it yet - it certainly works for a bit but you may have to re-apply it rather too often to be convenient. Also, it comes in a plastic dispenser thing which is not very reliable.
What do other people use ? Or do hillwalkers just man it out and suffer in silence ?
Thursday 17 June 2010
Strathcarron trip
Mike, Jimmy, Fern (my GSD) and I set of just before 10am, past Achnashellach station and up the forestry track. Mike was quick to point out our path, which I had walked right by! It was nice to have a good, dry path, gently ascending into the valley, and the views of Coire lair got better and better. We checked the river crossing for the return and decided we would have no problem as it was very low after our relatively dry spring.
Then the real hard work started as we climbed to the 876 eastern top of Beinn Liath Mhor where we were rewarded with spectacular views of Torridon and its hills. After a quick bite we headed off along the ridge, which was harder going than one might think, due to the rocky terrain.
We reached the summit on schedule 3hrs40 after heading off. Another quick bite and we set off down to the head of the coire. Some of this was tricky, but Mike’s wee book kept us on the right path through the crags which we negotiated carefully. Then we stopped at the lochan for a swim (for the dog), before starting off on our next climb up to Sgorr Rhuadh.
By this time we were beginning to tire, but still on schedule. The cloud came in a bit at the summit, and I put on waterproofs. Then we started our long descent past Loch a’ Bhealaich Mhor where Mike decided to bag the Corbett too (Fuar Tholl) while he was in the area!
Jimmy, Fern and I carried on down, our legs definitely weary by now. It was a relief to be back at the van, 8 ½ hours after setting off, having had a super day out. We changed our shoes and socks, and Mike appeared down the road. We met Cris and gave her a lift back up to Torridon where we met Ron and the five of us had a lovely meal in the Torridon Hotel bar.
Then the real hard work started as we climbed to the 876 eastern top of Beinn Liath Mhor where we were rewarded with spectacular views of Torridon and its hills. After a quick bite we headed off along the ridge, which was harder going than one might think, due to the rocky terrain.
We reached the summit on schedule 3hrs40 after heading off. Another quick bite and we set off down to the head of the coire. Some of this was tricky, but Mike’s wee book kept us on the right path through the crags which we negotiated carefully. Then we stopped at the lochan for a swim (for the dog), before starting off on our next climb up to Sgorr Rhuadh.
By this time we were beginning to tire, but still on schedule. The cloud came in a bit at the summit, and I put on waterproofs. Then we started our long descent past Loch a’ Bhealaich Mhor where Mike decided to bag the Corbett too (Fuar Tholl) while he was in the area!
Jimmy, Fern and I carried on down, our legs definitely weary by now. It was a relief to be back at the van, 8 ½ hours after setting off, having had a super day out. We changed our shoes and socks, and Mike appeared down the road. We met Cris and gave her a lift back up to Torridon where we met Ron and the five of us had a lovely meal in the Torridon Hotel bar.
The next day Mike was keen to do something on the way home so, with the forecast better further east, we stopped at Ben Wyvis. It was cloudy and when the rain started I decided to do the corbet instead, but Mike and Jimmy carried on and reached the summit.
This was a rather impromptu trip, rather short notice as the weather is always such a big factor. If anyone wants to join us if we are heading off on another such trip, often midweek and weather dependant, please get in touch.
This was a rather impromptu trip, rather short notice as the weather is always such a big factor. If anyone wants to join us if we are heading off on another such trip, often midweek and weather dependant, please get in touch.
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Isle of Arran Walk
While on our annual holiday with my wife to the Isle of Arran, I managed to do two(!) walks. The first was with Oban Walkers (including John Nicol!) from Lochranza to the Fairy Dell (keep your comments clean please!), a stroll of about 10km along the shore, then up and on to a track.
The second was much better and in similar weather--dry and warm with lots of sunshine! This time I walked up Glen Sannox to climb Cir Mhor. The walk up the glen was pleasant on a very good path, ending at the head of the glen in stone steps leading to a tricky chimney (lots of scrambling, but minimal exposure) to reach the Saddle, the col between North Goat Fell and Cir Mhor. There I was surprised to find a steep and rocky path up to the summit of Cir Mhor. My only prevous climb of Cir Mhor was several years ago, and I remembered the summit as being very exposed and scary! However, the exposure was only on the north side, and the views were exeptional. It was not as scary as the chimney!
To change the route down (and to avoid reverse scrambling down the chimney!), I descended north towards Caisteal Abhail (The Castles), but not climbing it. Instead I dropped down into Coire nan Uamh, causing a small rock avalanche on the very loose and steep climb down (good job there was no-one below me!). Coire nan Uamh is spectacular with steep slabby walls, and is a coire within a coire, which means that there is also another climb down to reach the floor of Glen Sannox and the way home.
Do consider this walk if you go to Arran in October. It can be varied, with additions to The Castles, North Goat Fell, A'Chir or Glen Rosa.
The second was much better and in similar weather--dry and warm with lots of sunshine! This time I walked up Glen Sannox to climb Cir Mhor. The walk up the glen was pleasant on a very good path, ending at the head of the glen in stone steps leading to a tricky chimney (lots of scrambling, but minimal exposure) to reach the Saddle, the col between North Goat Fell and Cir Mhor. There I was surprised to find a steep and rocky path up to the summit of Cir Mhor. My only prevous climb of Cir Mhor was several years ago, and I remembered the summit as being very exposed and scary! However, the exposure was only on the north side, and the views were exeptional. It was not as scary as the chimney!
To change the route down (and to avoid reverse scrambling down the chimney!), I descended north towards Caisteal Abhail (The Castles), but not climbing it. Instead I dropped down into Coire nan Uamh, causing a small rock avalanche on the very loose and steep climb down (good job there was no-one below me!). Coire nan Uamh is spectacular with steep slabby walls, and is a coire within a coire, which means that there is also another climb down to reach the floor of Glen Sannox and the way home.
Do consider this walk if you go to Arran in October. It can be varied, with additions to The Castles, North Goat Fell, A'Chir or Glen Rosa.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Walk Programme-Sunday 20th June
G and I did a combination of both walks last Thursday since we are unlikely to be around on the day. The scramble up Sron na Creise is as easy as you want to make it. Hold to the crest of the ridge all the way, sound rock, mainly jugs, with a nice airy slabby bit on smaller but good holds. Conditions were ideal. Some will remember the last time the Club did this route, see post on “Pictures and Report from Older Walks” on our website for Sunday 1st March 2009. Then the conditions were far from ideal and we were forced into the gully to the right at times.
One can omit Meall a’ Bhuiridh and continue to Clach Leathad to descend by the SE ridge (Sron nam Forsair) towards Ba Bridge on the WHW. Some way down the ridge steepens considerably, giving a fine airy viewpoint. One could continue down to Ba Bridge, but we came back up a short distance to where a steep grassy slope leads down towards the Allt Coire an Easain. It is possible to thread a route through the crags to arrive at the outflow from the lochan. From here, a traverse rising about 80 metres gains the col NW of Creag an Fhirich. The Old Military Road, or the WHW can be reached north of their highest points by contouring round the bulging flank of Meall a Bhuridh, with a splendid perspective across Rannoch Moor.
Much more interesting than pounding back up the WHW, and shorter too. Don’t bother though if it’s wet (very boggy), or bad vis (very boring), the WHW would score higher.
Andrew G
One can omit Meall a’ Bhuiridh and continue to Clach Leathad to descend by the SE ridge (Sron nam Forsair) towards Ba Bridge on the WHW. Some way down the ridge steepens considerably, giving a fine airy viewpoint. One could continue down to Ba Bridge, but we came back up a short distance to where a steep grassy slope leads down towards the Allt Coire an Easain. It is possible to thread a route through the crags to arrive at the outflow from the lochan. From here, a traverse rising about 80 metres gains the col NW of Creag an Fhirich. The Old Military Road, or the WHW can be reached north of their highest points by contouring round the bulging flank of Meall a Bhuridh, with a splendid perspective across Rannoch Moor.
Much more interesting than pounding back up the WHW, and shorter too. Don’t bother though if it’s wet (very boggy), or bad vis (very boring), the WHW would score higher.
Andrew G
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Strathfarrer Six
Cris Bonomy and I did this ridge walk yesterday (Monday 31 May). We were at the locked gate at Struy at 8.30 to get our place in the queue and though the gate on the dot of 9.00. We took two cars - left one at the foot of the Coire Mhuillidh (finish of walk) and the other at the Allt Toll a Mhuic where we started walking.
We took the same track as the club weekend outing in March but discovered the path, which we followed then, continues in a gentle ascending traverse across the corrie headwall below Sgurr na Fearstaig. This looks like an old stalkers path - it has been dug out of the hill. It must have been buried by the snow in March. This time it was clear apart from a short stretch of 10m or so where we had to tip-toe across the remnants of an avalanche. On reaching the ridge, it was a left turn to Sgorr na Fearstaig which turns out to be a fabulous view point. The air was astonisingly clear and we could pick out Ben Nevis, Skye, Torridon, Loch Maree, Slioch, Fisherfield, An Teallach, Ben Klibreak, Ben Wyvis and the Cairngorms. Must have been over a hundred miles !
It was then a case of heading east along the ridge (clear path all the way) over Sgorr Fhuar-thuil, Creag Chorm a Bhealaich, Sgorr a Choire Ghlais, Carn nan Gobhar and Sgorr na Ruaidhe - 4 Munros and 2 Munro tops. The N side of the ridge as far as Sgorr a Choire Ghlais is very spectacular - it seemed like you could throw a stone from the path to land in Loch an an Fhur-thuill Mhor, 300m below. After Sgorr a Choire Ghlais, the character of the walk changes completely into gentle round hills covered in moss.
We got back to the car with about an hour to spare before the gate closed (7pm) so the two cars trick was probably a good move.
Since it was so clear, this was a unique opportunity to see the extent of remaining snow cover. Most hills still have the odd patch of snow but the ridges are black and should be fine for walking. The big Glen Affric hills, such as Sgurr nan Ceathreamhan, still have a lot of white stuff - presumably gullies etc where the drifting snow is many metres deep but the ridges are black. Probably OK for walking access though it might be prudent to take an axe in case you have a cross a steep slope of the white stuff. The big exception to this is the Cairngorms which are still covered in a continuous white layer. It is going to take several weeks yet for this to melt.
We took the same track as the club weekend outing in March but discovered the path, which we followed then, continues in a gentle ascending traverse across the corrie headwall below Sgurr na Fearstaig. This looks like an old stalkers path - it has been dug out of the hill. It must have been buried by the snow in March. This time it was clear apart from a short stretch of 10m or so where we had to tip-toe across the remnants of an avalanche. On reaching the ridge, it was a left turn to Sgorr na Fearstaig which turns out to be a fabulous view point. The air was astonisingly clear and we could pick out Ben Nevis, Skye, Torridon, Loch Maree, Slioch, Fisherfield, An Teallach, Ben Klibreak, Ben Wyvis and the Cairngorms. Must have been over a hundred miles !
We got back to the car with about an hour to spare before the gate closed (7pm) so the two cars trick was probably a good move.
Since it was so clear, this was a unique opportunity to see the extent of remaining snow cover. Most hills still have the odd patch of snow but the ridges are black and should be fine for walking. The big Glen Affric hills, such as Sgurr nan Ceathreamhan, still have a lot of white stuff - presumably gullies etc where the drifting snow is many metres deep but the ridges are black. Probably OK for walking access though it might be prudent to take an axe in case you have a cross a steep slope of the white stuff. The big exception to this is the Cairngorms which are still covered in a continuous white layer. It is going to take several weeks yet for this to melt.
"Topping" Bank Holiday walk !
Still on a Top bagging quest , I decided to aim for 5 Tops on three Munros which did rather result in a sort of "Gavin-esque" type of outing culminating in a route of 34.5k !
One of the Tops, Tom Dubh was described by Irvine Butterfield in his "High Mountains" book as "the most meaningless Top in all Britain", but on a fine day it was a good walk. However after a slow trudge up to the Braeriach summit, my effort was rewarded. Two photos here, one of the cornicing around the An Garbh Coire on Breariach, the other a distant shot of Ben Macdui for those who are planning to go on the Club outing later this month.
After that a fabulous walk to take in my 3 remaining Tops on Sgor Gaoith, all in glorious weather. Truly an outing to remember.
Norman
One of the Tops, Tom Dubh was described by Irvine Butterfield in his "High Mountains" book as "the most meaningless Top in all Britain", but on a fine day it was a good walk. However after a slow trudge up to the Braeriach summit, my effort was rewarded. Two photos here, one of the cornicing around the An Garbh Coire on Breariach, the other a distant shot of Ben Macdui for those who are planning to go on the Club outing later this month.
After that a fabulous walk to take in my 3 remaining Tops on Sgor Gaoith, all in glorious weather. Truly an outing to remember.
Norman
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