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Well I didn't think I'd be just climbing Gleouaich again but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. My plan was to climb Spidean Mialach and then see but I hadn't expected to see so much snow. That got me thinking that an alternative would be better and the Gleouraich path would at least get me to a good viewpoint. I had misgivings though about potentially repeating my walk of 2013 to the 840m point but I couldn't think of a ready easy alternative other than the Mam na Seilg path.
Once I got going I was thinking more of just enjoying the walk, however it turned out, rather than dwelling on the idea that I might have been better off going elsewhere.
The walk started with a drenching from the rhododendrons so I was glad I am in the habit of wearing waterproof trousers. Not much wind to dry things off but I was soon turning back and forth up the stalker's path and that seemed to do the trick. However, that distinct lack of wind was really killing me so I ascended the first part just with a t shirt and my jacket so that I could keep cool. That lasted for about half an hour as a cold breeze got up and kept me company for the next while so it was back on with jumper, fleece, hat and gloves (and trousers of course!).
After two hours I was on the 840m point of Druim Sealeach and soaking ion the dramatic views of Loch Quoich and the surrounding snow capped peaks. The forecast had been for cloud breaking and lifting by late morning but it actually started out quite clear before yo-yoing between clear tops and dipping cloud. It was also a good deal colder and breezier than expected. That coldness and the cloud starting to skirt some of the tops around did cast a bit of doubt on things.
Remembering back to 2013 I had been here whilst feeling under the weather and couldn't then muster the energy or enthusiasm to continue to Gleouraich but today I was feeling fine aside from the slight ache that I carry round with me. So I put microspikes on and thought I'd at least stroll to the bealach to see what the snow was like. Fortunately it was firm enough for me to follow the existing footsteps without too many problems so all good.]
I also recalled from my 2007 visit to Gleouraich that it was an easy walk. Different with a bit of snow, of course, but all things considered I was feeling confident about getting to the top but happy to retreat if the snow dictated.
It was a fairly easy zig zag up to the ridge and the temperature seemed to rise a bit along with the breeze dropping with just the occasional plunge of a leg into deeper snow. Had the ice axe ready for a section of steps where a slip could have been a problem but all fairly easy. My only difficulty was having to stop a few times over the last part where I started running out of steam, probably because I was trying to speed up to get to the top before any of the nearby cloud.
I was very pleased to get to a cloud-free summit. I had last been here with my wife in 2007 so there was a nostalgia element to getting there. I was also happy that I was just able to get there without feeling totally out of my depth. My slow build up of fitness seems to be working; at the start of the year I was having problems just doing our local 1.5 mile walk round a loch.
Interesting mist to drive through en route.
And then a clear road ahead.
A bit snowier than expected though.
Started off with a soaking from the rhododenron bushes.
Snowy Gleouaich summit.
Onto the excellent stalker's path.
Plenty of snow to the east of Gleouraich.
Zoom south east.
It was quite still up to about this point and I was struggling despite being down to t shirt and jacket.
Onto the straighter part of path that hugs the west flank of Druim Seileach.
Looking back.
Zoom south
Sgurr na Ciche zoom.
Still early enough for long shadows or am I getting taller. Looking across to Sgurr a' Mhaoraich which I climbed in the nineties.
Some cloud starting to bubble up about summit height.
Cloud also appearing to the south. Hopefully I have timed Gleouraich to avoid this.
Up at about the 840m point. Sublime conditions but a bit cold and breezy here so I think carefully about the continuation to Gleouraich. No harm in strolling to the bealach but microspikes on as the snow has become unavoidable.
Quite pleased with the day so far.
Hoping the cloud will behave itself.
Looks like it's right on top of Spidean Mialach so glad I am where I am.
Zoom of Ben Nevis with cloud rolling in.
And the way ahead...
Cloud still hovering around some of the nearby hill tops.
But Gleoraich managing to stay clear.
CMD and Nevis catching the eye again.
It's a steady plod up through the snow with fairly solid steps to follow.
Ben Alligin peeking through a gap to the north.
Cloud all the time threatening to descend but never quite doing so. It spurs me on to a futile attempt to speed up which really just results in me taking more frequent breaks.
Happy to make it to the summit.
Tempting to continue following the footsteps but I've enjoyed the walk and don't want to over do it.
So I just sit and enjoy the view for a while -it is relatively calm and mild here.
A snow-free Sgritheall on the horizon.
Liathach.
Sgurr na Ciche again, it too just managing to stave off the cloud.
Spidean Mialach.
Snow seemed a bit softer on the way down, possibly through a rise in temperature. Had to stop periodically to clear my boots and microspikes. Other than that a relaxing and enjoyable descent.
