Spidean a'Choire Leith

[lochlaggan]

I climbed Mullach an Rathain from the start of its west ridge and came down Coireag Dhearg due to the fact that I freak out at exposure and need some reassuring words of comfort that Spidean a'Choire Leith up and down cant be that bad. With only 12 Munros to climb, today I chickened out of climbing Spidean a'Choire Leith choosing the two Corbetts south east.

Is the exposure that bad that I need to be roped and guided or is that just ridiculous?

Your thoughts please.

[jmarkb]

I climbed Mullach an Rathain from the start of its west ridge and came down Coireag Dhearg due to the fact that I freak out at exposure and need some reassuring words of comfort that Spidean a'Choire Leith up and down cant be that bad.

It's not that bad! The normal route is via the col W of Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig. The very first section of the ridge heading W is a bit narrow, but there is no technical difficulty and thereafter it gets wider as far as SaCL. It's possible to avoid the ridge altogether by leaving the path at about 550m and heading up via the open coire SE of the main summit. This is described in the SMC guide: there is a short scramble required to get over one of the sandstone tiers, and it is probably best done in good visibility.

[lochlaggan]

Ah jmarkb that's helpful about getting into the corrie. i did wonder as on the 1:25000 map it looked possible. I'm so putting this top off and just need to get it done.

Thanks for your knowledge.

[NickyRannoch]

i suppose its easy to say sitting on my couch but there really is nothing to it. Coming in from the east all the excitement is after SCL. From the hills you have done previously there is nothing you wont have done before.

Stuc a Choire Dhuibh Bhig is well worth a bit of exploration too if you are going up to the bealach and want to make a day of it.

[lochlaggan]

Thanks Nicky I'm gonna get on with climbing it this week and may indeed visit the east top.

Cheers

Grant