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The plan on the 26th December was to head to the Cairngorms, cycle in and walk to corrour bothy and climb the 2 munros i still had to do from there. However after one too many red wines on Christmas Night i couldnt face the cycle or walk!
Therefore a last minute plan was made at 2pm with MGMT! to head to glencoe, spend the night there and tackle the Aonach Eagach on the Tuesday. I have been dreading these two munros since i first started walking!
Left Glasgow at 4pm and via Go outdoors to invest in some new climbing gear incase i cacked it on the ridge!
Didnt feel so good as a passenger on the A82 and must confess to being a bit sick into a poly bag on route, hadnt emptied the bag properly in the rush and lost my wee snickers bar. Was tempted to rescue it!
Started the walk at 9am.
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 003.jpg]()
- start of the walk
The start of the walk from the car park was very steep, but a good path all the way to the summit of Am Bodach. There was no snow at all on the path but lots of water which made me think it was going to be helluva icy on the ridge.
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- on the path
From here we could see the ridge unfold in front of us! Aaarrgghhh.. To be honest felt sick again but for another reason.. not the drink this time. The decision was made to go for it. Here we put on harnesses and helmets. Headed along the ridge and quite quickly was confronted with a scary downclimb. Managed to climb without using the ropes/ harnesses.
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 006.jpg]()
- First down climb
Headed along and up to the first summit Meall Dearg. No turning back now. And in true Reverend Robertson style kissed the cairn.
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 008.jpg]()
- Summit of Meall Dearg
Headed along the crazy pinnacles. Path was icy in parts, requiring mgmt! to spot me in a few down climbs here and there especially when turning into the rock.
After here most of the difficultly was over as we approached Stob Coire Leith. Thanks be to god. Then a final rise to the summit of Sgorr nam Fiannaidh.
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 022.jpg]()
- mgmt! on the summit
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 023.jpg]()
- me on the summit
What a feeling. Felt grateful for the company and continual motivation to get across the ridge and felt pure chuffed that i managed it. No need for ice axes, crampons, or ropes!
From the summit headed down the steep scree to the roadside. Laughed at mgmt as he went on his bum at least 6 times until we hit the wet boggy grass andthen it was my turn as i rolled down the hill to the road, covered in mud.
![ae ridge 27th dec 2011 027.jpg]()
- looking back at the ridge
Mgmt arrived first at the roadside and asked a guy taking pictures of the AE for a lift back to the carpark.. not only a lift but given a wee mince pie by the lovely south african couple! Thank you ..Back to the car for 3pm. 6hours in total
... One very happy person..
