Walkhighlands

This was my first solo Munro in the snow and ice. I know there are a lot of reports for this route so I will get on with it !

Parked up at Ardvolich House and set off just before 10 am this morning.The path starts off running up the side of a stream, then follow the "Hillwalkers" signs. After a couple of crossings over streams and a couple of styles you are on a good path in the open hillside.You cant go wrong. My first proper look at Ben Vorlich and it looked cracking capped in snow.



The surrounding hills looked fab all capped in snow.



The path is good and because it was so cold it was nice and firm ! Soon I was getting closer and got ready to enter the snow and ice which started around 500 meters. At this stage the camera went away as it was very slidey !!



The next section was quite tricky. In particular the last 100 meters were like an ice rink ! The other 2 men I met were of the same opinion and care had to be taken. Once on the summit the views were worth it. All surrounding hills capped in snow. Although I didnt hang arround long. The summit was freezing and it was blowing a gale ! There was a mini snow storm on top as the wind was whipping all the snow up !

Summit trig



Stuc a` chroin looked awesome.



And so did the other mountains !



I then went down to the Bealach between the Munros to have a better look at Stuc. The descent again was tricky as at this side the snow was knee deep !





Once down I had a good look at the Prow of Stuc and admit I didnt fancy it in these conditions. It will always be there another day !



I then made my way down and veered round the base of Ben Vorlich. The views were still great.





Back at the car I was a bit disappointed not to have bagged Stuc but didnt think it was worth the risk. All in all though I had a great day.

wow. ive just started this sport, and what you did today was amazing looking. well done

Ohh my god, when did all that white stuff appear ?

Well done indeed. That pic of yours the prow, the gully to the left is the route that we took the last 2 times we were up.

Nice pics Del I've done Vorlich 3 times without getting up Stuc yet due to the weather!

Cheers Tom. I think you will get hooked like me !!

OOOOOh Awfy nice photos Derek!

Quite right to give Stuc a bodyswerve until better weather. Like a lot of people I need to go back for this one. As you said, it will still be there, so better safe than sorry

Were there any other walkers about?

Del246 wrote:Cheers Tom. I think you will get hooked like me !!

I'm hooked already but not quite fit enough, only did my 2nd Munro last week. a bit overweight but i think it will fall off or keep me warm up the hills.....

only got gear for hills without snow so far.

cant wait to get up there.

I only started in January so keep at it !

Dave, when you went via the gully, was that in snow ? I might try Stuc from Loch Lubnaig side as I can catch a Corbett that way to.

Oooohh the snow is coming, the snow is coming

Here's hoping I can get out and enjoy it this winter. Love the Prow picture I chose to bypass this when I did these two a few years back (took a steep path up a gully to the right) as it was wet, wet, wet and the rocks were slippery. I was a real novice back then, but seeing your pictures I think these might be on my ever increasing winter bagging list

Thanks Kev. It seems to be a common thread missing out on Stuc !

Thanks Polly. There were around 20 on the hill today, including a mum,dad and their 3 kids ! ( aged around 8 to 12 ). I tried to warn them about the ice higher up but of they went. I hope they were ok.

pollyh33 wrote:OOOOOh Awfy nice photos Derek!

Quite right to give Stuc a bodyswerve until better weather. Like a lot of people I need to go back for this one. As you said, it will still be there, so better safe than sorry

Were there any other walkers about?

Hi PeteR

I tried to be the first with a report with snow !! Only one person was brave enough today that I saw to go onto Stuc.

PeteR wrote:Oooohh the snow is coming, the snow is coming

Here's hoping I can get out and enjoy it this winter. Love the Prow picture I chose to bypass this when I did these two a few years back (took a steep path up a gully to the right) as it was wet, wet, wet and the rocks were slippery. I was a real novice back then, but seeing your pictures I think these might be on my ever increasing winter bagging list

Great stuff Del!! How good are those hills looking with the white tops Good move saving Stuc for another day, did the scramble on a good day, but definitely wouldn't fancy it in snow!! Hoping to get out somewhere tomorrow, I hope we get the views you got, I think my last 6 walks have been in clag now! Cheers.

Del,

I forgot to mention,we tried the gully to the left twice, and succeeded only once.

We were halted 20m from gully exit due to snow cornise the 1st time. We succeeded the following year when there was less snow.