free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Blue Monday, on the 19th of January, is described by some (media) as the most depressing day of the year. Better get myself up a mountain I thought! Late Sunday night I hatched a plan to climb the last remaining Corbett, for me, in the Arrochar Alps - Stob Coire Creagach (SCC) & the top (Binnein an Fhidhleir) (BaF).
An early rise meant I was parked up at Butterbridge early. Eventually set off at 9am with the temperature reading a frosty -5 degrees. I must mention it took me 15 minutes to scrape my car clear of ice & snow before I left Glasgow, breaking my scraper in the process! Glesgae ice & snow appears be that wee bit harder than most
Instant views from the car park towards Beinn an Lochain
My challenge for the day! This would be tackled anti-clockwise, I'd be heading up the NE shoulder and into the crags. Once on the ridge proper I'd head West to BaF. Once there I'd decide on my route back to the car.
I'd read a few reports regarding the steep incline and how the ascent was a real leg burner, this was playing on my mind! Not the fitness aspect, I was feeling good...I was skipping up the mountain like a goat! I was more concerned about navigating my way through the crags and steep gullys due to being a virgin, well on this hill
Instant stuuning views ot the remaining "Alps"
Bambi and friends, no doubt discussing who's leading the way up through the crags!
The initial part of this walk was pretty straight forward ploughing through soft deep snow, leading me into a false since of invincibility for what lay ahead...! Reached a small plateau and decided it was time for some winter posing, Beinn an Lochain & friends providing the backdrop
Standing on the plateau, and taking in the views around me, left me sporting a very huge grin. This was magnificent, and it just got better as the day progressed.
The snow was becoming slightly harder, not as hard as Glasgow snow though, so I decided to stick on the crampons. This was a good move as the crags and gullys lay ahead.
Yep, just head up that way...!
I methodically picked my way up through the crags till finally reaching the last obstacle. I aimed for the centre gully.
I decided to shoot right here, up another small gully, as it looked safer.
This shot shows the gradient of the gully, was pretty steep! Being a hillwalker, and not a mountaineer, these ascents do make me concentrate. My theory was always to look back down and make sure I was capable of descending if required. Saying that, I was just loving it
As time went by the clouds started to disperse and the light began to improve. Again, I looked back to take in the ever changing landscape.
Zoomed - Loch Restil
Pano
With the crags successfully navigated I only had a short walk to the summit of SCC. Cue video....
As the video shows, the 360 degree views were sensational...totally buzzing
Summit shots.
This was turning out to be one of those days you dream about, in relation to climbing mountains
By now the sun had blitzed the clouds, it was belting off my cheezy grin as I sauntered along the ridge towards the summit of BaF.
Snow shapes, atfter a good blowing! The snow on the North face of the ridge was hard and crispy, almost Glasgae stylie, and was perfect for some crampon action and practicisng ice axe self arrests. Played about here for a bit and started to feel really comfortable with the spikes on.
Reached the summit of BaF and took a quick photo before retreating back along the ridge to find a spot for lunch. Managed to find a lovely spot. Enjoyed some food whilst taking in the rays - bliss
Lunch selfie
I could've stayed here longer but wanted to get back to Glasgow before the traffic built up, road rage just spoils the day! Decided to head down a gully, waist deep snow...
Broke free of the gully, shot a straight line near a fence, and aimed for the road. My descent was rather quick due to the lovely soft snow and I made the road in no time at all. Beinn Ime provided the last of the mountain porn!
Got to the road and walked along it for 1.5K to the car...very pleased with my day
Absolutely loved this walk. For only 7K it certainly packs a lot in: Steep ascents, gully's, crags, ridges & most importantly the mesmerising views.
I shall return to this little gem again...
Oooft, what a morning
Cheers.
