Meall Glas, Sunday 20 Feb. 2011

Meall Glas, Sunday 20 Feb. 2011--

Once again, the weather forecast threw a spanner in the works of the scheduled walk. The walk was supposed to be on the Saturday, but the forecast was for strong winds and snow, with blizzards possible. It looked very likely that it would be dangerous to try to even get to the start point in Glen Dochart. So we chose to give it a miss, and try on Sunday instead, which had a much better forecast.

By we, I mean Ralph, Sue, Bruce and me. Sunday did look much better and the drive was uneventful, although there was a little snow at the roadside (from Saturday?).

The start of the walk was up fairly easy slopes, with the snow level low down. As we went higher, the snow became deeper, which was hard going. It didn't help when I walked across a flat area of snow to discover that it covered a deep, water-filled hole. Cold, wet feet after only less than an hour!

We were navigating by map and compass as all the hills were covered with cloud. Then we came across some footprints that were going in our direction (there had been a couple of cars at the start point). As they had kindly broken trail for us, we decided to follow them, while constantly checking that they were still going our way! Nevertheless, the going was still hard work and it became steeper and craggier. We were using our ice-axes, but did not need crampons as the snow was very soft.

Close to the top, we met our three trail-blazers coming down. They had been contemplating doing Sgiath Chuill as well, (as had we), but decided against it as there was the possibility of avalanche.

The summit was windy and cold, so we beat a hasty retreat to find somewhere for a break. Then it was down, following the tracks again. Another Munro to add to the lists of Ralph, Sue and Bruce ( I had already done this hill, but years ago in much better conditions). Altogether a successful, but viewless day.

John Burton