Am Basteir and Bruach na Frithe, The CUILLIN
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 6:23 pm
Bruach na Frithe with perhaps a wee add-on we had promised ourselves today.........
After a fine night down in Glen Brittle Campsite the four of us agreed on a cautious approach to Bruach na Frithe to introduce us further to the Cuillin (with a few we add-ons of course). Marty and Sandy, and Valerie and I, had all been in the misty mountains earlier this year and it was time to explore further into the corries, gullies and gorges of this amazing island. We left from the Glen Brittle carpark close to the Fairy Pools and followed the path close to Allt a' Mhaim to the Bealach a' Mhaim. A lovely walk then followed initially skirting the west side of the deep burn gullies then brought us neatly up into Foinn Choire where we sat down to enjoy an early lunch and refreshment. We were not alone! This brave ewe was more than happy to come and take our food, or even a bite of a rucsac. It seemed to like red canvas best and caused much amusement, although she did affect the relaxation factor of hanging out in Fionn Choire... Having arrived at Bealach a' Bhasteir following a walk round the base of the north wall of Am Basteir, we carefully assessed our time, weather conditions and gear. The Bealach nan Lice area had caused us no real difficulties and our spirits were high! So here we were about to ascend Am Basteir.........almost doubling back west after our walk eastwards far below Suddenly we are at a stand still; the expected Bad Step arrives. Marty and I made sure the girls were safely sat down while we sussed our belay points. Excitement and joy for all, mixed with adding a layer of extra clothing and dealing with a short rainfall. This was relevant as Am Basteir being covered in Basalt rock is vulnerable to being more slippy than the Gabbro rock on neighbouring mountains. Hey-ho! What more do I need to say? Nothing really, a fantastic day out in the Cuillin......!!!
After a fine night down in Glen Brittle Campsite the four of us agreed on a cautious approach to Bruach na Frithe to introduce us further to the Cuillin (with a few we add-ons of course). Marty and Sandy, and Valerie and I, had all been in the misty mountains earlier this year and it was time to explore further into the corries, gullies and gorges of this amazing island. We left from the Glen Brittle carpark close to the Fairy Pools and followed the path close to Allt a' Mhaim to the Bealach a' Mhaim. A lovely walk then followed initially skirting the west side of the deep burn gullies then brought us neatly up into Foinn Choire where we sat down to enjoy an early lunch and refreshment. We were not alone! This brave ewe was more than happy to come and take our food, or even a bite of a rucsac. It seemed to like red canvas best and caused much amusement, although she did affect the relaxation factor of hanging out in Fionn Choire... Having arrived at Bealach a' Bhasteir following a walk round the base of the north wall of Am Basteir, we carefully assessed our time, weather conditions and gear. The Bealach nan Lice area had caused us no real difficulties and our spirits were high! So here we were about to ascend Am Basteir.........almost doubling back west after our walk eastwards far below Suddenly we are at a stand still; the expected Bad Step arrives. Marty and I made sure the girls were safely sat down while we sussed our belay points. Excitement and joy for all, mixed with adding a layer of extra clothing and dealing with a short rainfall. This was relevant as Am Basteir being covered in Basalt rock is vulnerable to being more slippy than the Gabbro rock on neighbouring mountains. Hey-ho! What more do I need to say? Nothing really, a fantastic day out in the Cuillin......!!!