by Mal Grey » Thu Apr 07, 2016 12:51 pm
Just back from a 10 day trip (mostly canoeing but some hillwalking).
Most of the main hills just have a few parts of old snow lying, mostly sugary stuff which is firm enough and not icy. If you avoid north and NE facing areas, many would be climbable without winter gear. I was on Sgurr a' Mhaoraich by Loch Quoich on Tuesday, we had a couple of snow patches to cross but it was firm enough, and short enough, that by kicking steps we had no need of crampons. As these were small and without exposure, I didn't use an ice axe either, just poles, but if encountered on a different hill in a more exposed position, I would have used one.
Further north, (Torridon/Fisherfield), the situation looked similar, but I was viewing from below. Generally it feels like you should be able to work out routes that don't need winter gear using southerly approaches, and quite likely barely come across anything other than small patches, but be prepared to turn back if you're not carrying an ice axe.
Driving back yesterday, there seemed to be more in the Cairngorms still, as is often the case, and on the Ben/Aonachs.
However this could still change very quickly with colder weather, so no guarantees!
