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Had arranged a day in the hills a while ago, the only decision was which one !! With snow on the hills I decided I would pick a hill that was straightforward so I could practice with my new crampons and ice axe. Also a hill that was perhaps a bit "boring" in summer. I opted for Meall Ghaordaidh and im so glad I did as this turned out into one of my best days this year. Its amazing what a few feet of snow can do to a hill. It was transformed.
We parked in the layby around 0830 and there were already 3 cars there (one had a walkhighlands car sticker but I didnt recognise anyone) so it was a popular decision.
- Starting point
You walk through some fields passing through a fence and then over a style. We then got a first view of our target.
- First view
Around 200 metres and it was staright into the snow
- Follow the footsteps !
Even at this low level the surrounding hills were already looking good
- Surrounding hills
- Surrounding hills
It was then just a case of plodding on
- onwards
This was taking ages as I kept taking pictures !!
- Surrounding hills
The ice axe then came out and I got to learn about kicking steps, cutting steps etc, I loved it !!
- Ice axe comes out
We were then at the summit and I was blown away ! No I really was ! On the very summit and summit only it was like a snow storm but 20 metres lower you would never know !!
- Summit trig point
I then took quite a few pictures from the top. One word - awesome !!
- Surrounding hills from the summit
- Surrounding hills from the summit
- Surrounding hills from the summit
Then the best part. On the descent I practiced ice axe arrest and some general sliding !!
- Quickest way down !
All in all this is one of the best hills I have done in my first year. As the title says, its amazing how a Munro can be transformed by the magic white stuff !!