willsdad wrote:What is the best month to go so I can enjoy the beauty of winter without needing specialist equipment?
If you can find the answer to that we'll all be up there at the same time!
Its unfortunately impossible to know until a week or so before when you get a reasonably accurate forecast, though if we've had weeks of snow by then, you'll know that's going to be there still.
What I would say is that, if full winter conditions appear and you're not confident of doing the few higher sections, you can always go round by a lower level route. For instance there's a route that heads round west of the whole Saddle group, longer than the one that bypasses the Forcan closely, but lower and without steep slopes. Generally I wouldn't expect to need an ice axe and crampons on the CWT route, though I might be tempted to carry an axe if there was decent snow cover and a cold forecast to make it hard and icy.
To be honest, though, if you're heading anywhere in Scotland in winter conditions, you do need to be able to make some sound judgments, its not just about technical winter mountain experience. River crossings may well be one of the biggest issues, but even lower down, if its snowy and the clag comes down, your navigation needs to be excellent.
I would always carry a 4-season-ish bag (-10c) if spending time in the wilder parts of the highlands like this area, in winter. Many years I've not needed anything to go below zero C, but you really don't want to be cold! Make sure your mat is a good warm one too. Also, don't skimp too much on the clothing and things like extra spare gloves/socks etc. Your pack will be heavier, but you may need them.
