Meall Ghoardaigh (almost)
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:10 pm
Debated whether to post this but after some thought I have no doubt it will be good to look back on this in years to come - for all the right reasons.
Inspired by Del246's report on the 18th dec. decided to tackle Meall Ghoardaigh...hoping for the white stuff
Set off from the layby at Glen Lochay at 0825, wasnt raining/snowing but no clear skies either - only grey with an ominous feel. A couple of guys were slightly ahead of me and set off maybe 5 minutes earlier. I finally got within shouting distance a couple of hours later as they tackled the last climb up to the summit. Shared a few words and then after 5 minutes decided to call it a day.
Took a reading on the GPS - 2915ft nn5714/3939 - about 100 ft from where I turned around. No clear route to the top, visibility about 50ft, snow starting to fall and a lack of experience/confidence to pick my way up (even following the footsteps of the guys in front!)
Conditions under foot were tiring the whole way up. Soft ground in parts, covered with snow but then icy patches where the ground was exposed to windchill. (although there was really no wind at all today the whole way up)
The only item of kit I have still to get for winter walking are crampons (maybe the most important?). Had microspikes but they are just not adequate. I have all the rest - map.compass, survival bag, ice axe, head torch, etc etc) Oh and of course the skills and experience required to walk in these conditions. Apart from the 2 guys ahead of me I met a young girl walking on her own and two pairs, one with a beautiful Collie complete with snow jacket and emergency red beacon on top!!
I will be back in better conditions to get to the top of this one...and despite the fact I didnt make it to the summit I still had a great day out with Ruby as always
Inspired by Del246's report on the 18th dec. decided to tackle Meall Ghoardaigh...hoping for the white stuff
Set off from the layby at Glen Lochay at 0825, wasnt raining/snowing but no clear skies either - only grey with an ominous feel. A couple of guys were slightly ahead of me and set off maybe 5 minutes earlier. I finally got within shouting distance a couple of hours later as they tackled the last climb up to the summit. Shared a few words and then after 5 minutes decided to call it a day.
Took a reading on the GPS - 2915ft nn5714/3939 - about 100 ft from where I turned around. No clear route to the top, visibility about 50ft, snow starting to fall and a lack of experience/confidence to pick my way up (even following the footsteps of the guys in front!)
Conditions under foot were tiring the whole way up. Soft ground in parts, covered with snow but then icy patches where the ground was exposed to windchill. (although there was really no wind at all today the whole way up)
The only item of kit I have still to get for winter walking are crampons (maybe the most important?). Had microspikes but they are just not adequate. I have all the rest - map.compass, survival bag, ice axe, head torch, etc etc) Oh and of course the skills and experience required to walk in these conditions. Apart from the 2 guys ahead of me I met a young girl walking on her own and two pairs, one with a beautiful Collie complete with snow jacket and emergency red beacon on top!!
I will be back in better conditions to get to the top of this one...and despite the fact I didnt make it to the summit I still had a great day out with Ruby as always