Walkhighlands

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.



You walk through some fields passing through a fence and then over a style. We then got a first view of our target.



Around 200 metres and it was staright into the snow



Even at this low level the surrounding hills were already looking good





It was then just a case of plodding on



This was taking ages as I kept taking pictures !!



The ice axe then came out and I got to learn about kicking steps, cutting steps etc, I loved it !!



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 !!



I then took quite a few pictures from the top. One word - awesome !!







Then the best part. On the descent I practiced ice axe arrest and some general sliding !!



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 !!

That white stuff certainly adds to the views.

Did this in rain and howling gales....nice to see it like this.

Thanks for posting.

Thanks Dooterbang. I felt like a big kid !!

nice one Del, i think you`ve found the secret to doing boring hills and getting out in the snow without taking too many chances. think i`ll look up all those "boring" hills and earmark them for snow walks

I did this a few weeks ago and I quite enjoyed it. The snow wasn't as low down but the wind at the summit was pretty much the same.

Really like the picture of the frozen trig point! Feels like there is even more snow than last weekend...hopefully it will all stay for next weekend!

A great day del - what a difference good weather makes Climbed this hill with Beinn nan Oighreag in the snow back in March - couldn't see a thing with white outs part of the time - great to see what I missed cheers

Mountainlove wrote:Really like the picture of the frozen trig point! Feels like there is even more snow than last weekend...hopefully it will all stay for next weekend!

Thanks Mountainlove. It was your post regarding Ben Vane, (which I loved) that had me itching to get back out.

Forgot to add this photo, looking to Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin

tomyboy73 wrote:nice one Del, i think you`ve found the secret to doing boring hills and getting out in the snow without taking too many chances. think i`ll look up all those "boring" hills and earmark them for snow walks

Thanks Tomyboy. Having never done a proper snow covered Munro before I thought it was better to stick to a straightforward hill to learn on. Next stop weather permitting will be either Ben Challum or Glenshee.

Fudgie wrote:I did this a few weeks ago and I quite enjoyed it. The snow wasn't as low down but the wind at the summit was pretty much the same.

Thanks ! Although the trig picture looks peaceful I could hardly stand taking it !! I then realised why my mate had taken goggles as the snow being whipped up by the wind was rather sore !!

Good report and some fantastic photos
It always amazes me how things can look so great with a bit of snow, sun and blue skies

Excellent photos Dell. We done this in similar conditions. Superb

Thanks Rockhopper, your comments are always appreciated.

Thanks Monty. Enjoyed reading about your outing to !