Big routes of the year part 2 – 10 Mamores

[jenniferc6]

Having done the 9 Fannichs a couple of weeks ago, I got thinking about whether I could break my most Munros in a day record. The 10 Mamores was the logical choice for a mere hillwalker like myself (not quite at the level for Ramsay’s round!)
Similar to the 9 Fannichs, I decided to drive the night before so that I was there ready for an early start on the hills first thing. I stayed at the Glen Nevis campsite which was very busy with the bank holiday weekend but it wasn’t noisy and I got a good sleep. It’s the first time I’ve stayed at this site and it makes the perfect base and is a really nice site (I was back again later in the year).
Another 5.20am start and things were looking good. It really was a gift of a day – clear summits and glorious sunny weather. The ground was dry and the river crossing was fine. I started off on Binnein Beag so that I got the bigger climbs done first before heading onto the main ridge.

Steall Falls

early morning light on Ben Nevis

number 1

I made sure I was drinking plenty and topped up my suncream regularly and managed to not get sunburnt. I think this is one of the satisfying things about taking on bigger routes in the hills – it’s about all the various decisions you make during the day as to whether you make it round your intended route or if you have to change your plans based on how things go during the day. On that point, I had thought about the various escape routes if I decided not to do the full 10 Munros – fortunately, there are different options for getting back down if I had to cut the day short.
Having previously been on these hills, it’s also really satisfying to think back to earlier visits and as the years go by, I feel so lucky to be surrounded by mountain memories across Scotland.
The views were incredible all day, from the early morning light bathing the hills to the ridges shining in the sunshine and the evening light and lengthening shadows towards the end of the day.

looking towards Glencoe

Binnein Mor ridge

There were some steep, loose sections which were dusty with the dry conditions so I took my time on these steeper parts (Na Gruigaichean had some steep sections heading over the Munro top).
I met a few folk out enjoying the amazing weather and it gave me a boost to chat to you all during the day. A special mention to the group of guys I met who were in the area for the week – I met some of them the next day too on my way back from Glas Bheinn at Kinlochleven – I hope you all had a fantastic holiday

looking back along the ridge

Devil's ridge

Stob Ban

I was glad to get to the lochan for water before Stob Ban since I hadn’t been able to top up for a while on the Ring of Steall section. Because of the good weather, I did leave my bag for some of the out and back summits, it’s always good to get the weight off for a bit.
It felt like a long pull to Mullach nan Coirean and an even longer descent but I was chuffed I had managed the 10 in a day. The road walk back to the car park was done on autopilot – I did consider stashing a bike for the last few kms on the road but just walked it – my feet were feeling it by the end (along with other body parts!).

number 10

evening light

My biggest day on the hills – unforgettable.

[rockhopper]

Well done It's a big route but well worth the effort in the end especially if you get conditions like yours - cheers