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The importance of 'Plan B'It was one of those weekends that had been planned for a long time.
Time off work agreed, dates locked in. Our plan was to tackle the Fisherfield round.
After many hours studying maps, routes, and descriptions we had decided on two overnight camps setting off from Kinlochewe.
Unfortunately, during the last weather check the forecast was suggesting unsafe levels of wind / sustained rain in that area (for the entire three days)
What were we going to do
We couldn't waste the time off work, and an opportunity to head for the mountains.
We decided upon a last minute search for some accommodation, and thought we would try separate day trips.
Hopefully we could salvage some days out (and gain an opportunity to dry out any wet gear overnight.)
We hastily pulled together a Plan B which involved 3 single trips, and a 'stretch target' fourth outing.
Our thinking was that if we had to turn back on one of the days, we wouldn't necessarily spoil the whole trip.
Ben Hope, Ben Klibreck, and Ben Wyvis, were the main targets. It was going to mean a lot more driving but hopefully an opportunity to find the best weather.
Decided we would have a very last check when we arrived in Inverness, and choose where to go first
Wet and windy forecast for all of them, but Ben Hope looked the best of the three options.
Thursday - Ben HopeGiven the concerns about the forecast we managed to have a really good day out on Ben Hope. A few light showers passing through, but the cloud base was above the summit so we had views
Friday - Ben Klibreck The next day it seemed like it wasn't going to be possible to dodge the rain. We made a conscious decision to set off wearing full waterproofs.
The driving wind and rain were coming from behind us. As long as we remembered to monitor the situation, there was normally enough time to pull our hoods up before the next shower arrived
After a brief visit to the summit, it seemed like the rain had stopped all together, and we were going to get the chance to dry our waterproofs.
But it never quite works out like that. While within sight of the car we were caught in one last downpour
At lease we managed to get some good views while it stopped raining
It was later on during the evening that some serious thought was given to the possible 'stretch target'
Wind was forecast to be 20mph at the bottom and 40mph at the summits. 40 seems to be right on the limit
We'd both spent wet and windy days on ridges under the supervision of mountain guides, but this was going to be different. We were on our own this time.
Studying maps and the wind direction it looked like we would be able to pick a path down the slopes on the leeward side of the ridge.
Saturday - Conival and Ben More AssyntFrom the car park and early views through the estate paths it looked like we were going to maintain visibility until we reached the bealach.
We could tell by how fast the clouds were moving the conditions were going to be difficult up there.
We were both left in no doubt this was going to be a serious day out.
We made good progress up and over the band of quartzile crags, and continued on up to Conival and the ridge line.
We then largely stuck to our plan by walking on the sheltered side of the ridge. Dropping down from the path by about 5 to 10 metres. The going was difficult, mainly over boulders
We were well aware it was no place to pick up an injury, and were making our way slowly and precisely over the terrain.
The visibility was poor and communication was difficult. We would frequently huddle down close to each other, using the opportunity to check maps, listen to the wind, and check that we felt we were still in control.
One of the things that we hadn't really discussed at the bottom was how difficult the bealachs on the ridge were going to be. We found that the funneling effect at the bealachs increased the speed of the wind meaning we had to drop down lower on the sheltered slopes and physically get down lower on the ground.
There were several bealachs to pass and we started to concentrate further on the maps, helping us anticipate them.
We also found concentrating on the noise the wind was making was really helpful.
Another thing we discussed was the forecast.
Aware that this was an out and back walk, we were conscious that we could potentially make it to Ben More Asynt only to become cragfast at the far end due to a worsening wind.
We took comfort from the forecast suggesting an improving situation and we had potentially already been through the peak of the wind.
We managed to make our way carefully out and back.
But we were relieved to be back at the quartz stairs.
By this time it had become something of a waterfall and we enjoyed scrambling down the steps.
All though due to the upward wind we were getting soaked by the same water twice
The cloud level had remained consistent most of the day and we were glad when we made it back down into visibility so we could enjoy the walk out.
Later that night we reflected on our day out, discussing the decisions we made, and pondering on if we had enough left in the legs for Ben Wyvis on the way home.
Sunday - Ben WyvisBy luck more than judgment we set off really early, and were one of the first cars at the Ben Wyvis car park.
What we hadn't realised was that it was still peak tourist season, and the big improvement in the weather / proximity to Inverness meant that in total contrast to the last few days, it was going to be a really busy hill that day.
Leaving so early meant that we didn't cross paths with the masses until we were on our way back down the steps
Allthough it was now fairly sunny it had been bitterly cold on the long walk over to the summit.
We weren't sure how many of the tourists wearing shorts and t-shirts were going to make it to the top.
Back at the car park and there were a number of cars hovering waiting for our space. We decided to get out of the way and do the debrief over coffee and cooked breakfast at Tescos
As the saying goes, Fisherfield will still be there, but plan B was just as good
Thanks to Col for all the driving
