The Aonach Eagach on a whim.
Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:25 pmGlencoe is an area you can't fail to love. I had never visited the area prior to April 2010, but i've been back a few times since and ticked off a few of the hills in the area. You can't fail to be aware of the sight and reputation of the Aonach Eagach. Though i figured i'd have to tackle it sometime, i was in no rush and felt it would be some time before i gave it a shot.
This was until Alan(Mountainstar) casually suggested it the day before, as you may have read in my TR for BEB. Conditions were perfect-warm and sunny, not a hint of a breeze, and given Alan's wide experience up high, including prior AE visits, i knew i'd be in safe hands and thought it far too good a chance to pass up.
The evening before i supped a single pint in the Clachaig to make use of the free WiFi. Pondering whether i should say my goodbyes now and resisting the urge to read up about the AE's reputation, noticing on Facebook Alan had mentioned our plans. Damn! I can't back out now!
And so it came to the morning. No restless night of tossing and turning, plagued by dreams of deadly plummets, a good night's sleep and a fresh head trying to decide between apprehension and excitement.
The right honourable Mrs Mountainstar, Eli, picked me up from my digs in the Glencoe youth hostel and dropping us down at the start.
Disembarked, tightened the bootlaces, hoisted teh bag, cinched the straps, clasped all clasps and set out on the ascent up to the ridge. I sincerely hoped this would be the worst part of the day for me.
We weren't alone setting out. There were 5 others setting off at roughly the same time.
As Mountainstar strolled and i plodded up the ridge, we recognised two of our fellow walkers as those we'd talked to the day before on the wee Bookil. Turns out they were AE first timers like myself, intent on heading for Meall Dearg where they'd decide whether to continue or not.
Glad to reach the summit of Am Bodach. The big ascent out of the way and a view of what lay ahed.
Can't say i was feeling too apprehensive. As i say i'd avoided doing too much last minute horror story reading and told myself "it's just another couple of Munros" and i was in a good place. Big camera and anything hanging off me tucked into my bag, wee camera in my pocket secured to my belt with a carabiner(just in case).
We joined forces with the two guys -Craig and Jerry- and headed for the first bit of hands-on stuff off Am Bodach. Shaded from the sun on this section, cold to the touch but as dry and grippy as i'd hoped. The down-scrambling was my biggest worry so getting past this bit with no worries pretty much vanquished any fear.
Another day of great views, it was a bit less hazy than the previous day. Good view towards Ben Nevis, first time i've seen it two days in a row!
A long way down to the road, but i was unconcerned and the exposure was no issue.
Munro number 1 reached. Struggling to keep a smile of my face, grabbed a picture of the 4 of us while we(or at least 3 of us) steeled our nerves for the next section.
Caught sight of the big chimney section and thought "now that looks like fun". It was. The others clambered up it while i stopped for a snap.
Watching the pinnacles get closer and closer didn't bring any rising sense of fear, only eager anticipation for what looked like a nice challenge. A bit unsure of the rout, but Alan hopped up top the first one, assured us it was fine and the rest of us quickly followed suit.
Strolled confidently over the pinnacles and then eased down the last tricky bit, a little disappointed the tricky stuff was done.
Munro number two reached, it was great to be able to look back and see what i'd just come across. Handshakes and happy faces all round.
Started the long plod down towards the Pap path eagerly awaiting the celebratory pint in the Clachaig. Good to see the peak of the Pap from up here, wasn't tempted to nip up to the summit though.
At last the road was reached where Mrs Mountainstar met us, dropped me at the hostel for a shoe change en route to taking Craig and Jerry to their car before pub time.
It was just a pity you can't see the ridge from the Clachaig beer garden. Rarely has a beer been so tasty and never have i enjoyed such a fine day on the hills. Apologies for the massive report!
A big thanks to Alan, i'd never even have looked at the ridge without him.
This was until Alan(Mountainstar) casually suggested it the day before, as you may have read in my TR for BEB. Conditions were perfect-warm and sunny, not a hint of a breeze, and given Alan's wide experience up high, including prior AE visits, i knew i'd be in safe hands and thought it far too good a chance to pass up.
The evening before i supped a single pint in the Clachaig to make use of the free WiFi. Pondering whether i should say my goodbyes now and resisting the urge to read up about the AE's reputation, noticing on Facebook Alan had mentioned our plans. Damn! I can't back out now!
And so it came to the morning. No restless night of tossing and turning, plagued by dreams of deadly plummets, a good night's sleep and a fresh head trying to decide between apprehension and excitement.
The right honourable Mrs Mountainstar, Eli, picked me up from my digs in the Glencoe youth hostel and dropping us down at the start.
Disembarked, tightened the bootlaces, hoisted teh bag, cinched the straps, clasped all clasps and set out on the ascent up to the ridge. I sincerely hoped this would be the worst part of the day for me.
We weren't alone setting out. There were 5 others setting off at roughly the same time.
- On the ascent up to Am Bodach
As Mountainstar strolled and i plodded up the ridge, we recognised two of our fellow walkers as those we'd talked to the day before on the wee Bookil. Turns out they were AE first timers like myself, intent on heading for Meall Dearg where they'd decide whether to continue or not.
Glad to reach the summit of Am Bodach. The big ascent out of the way and a view of what lay ahed.
Can't say i was feeling too apprehensive. As i say i'd avoided doing too much last minute horror story reading and told myself "it's just another couple of Munros" and i was in a good place. Big camera and anything hanging off me tucked into my bag, wee camera in my pocket secured to my belt with a carabiner(just in case).
- the challenge to come
We joined forces with the two guys -Craig and Jerry- and headed for the first bit of hands-on stuff off Am Bodach. Shaded from the sun on this section, cold to the touch but as dry and grippy as i'd hoped. The down-scrambling was my biggest worry so getting past this bit with no worries pretty much vanquished any fear.
- Craig coming down the first section
Another day of great views, it was a bit less hazy than the previous day. Good view towards Ben Nevis, first time i've seen it two days in a row!
- over towards the Nevis range
A long way down to the road, but i was unconcerned and the exposure was no issue.
Munro number 1 reached. Struggling to keep a smile of my face, grabbed a picture of the 4 of us while we(or at least 3 of us) steeled our nerves for the next section.
- 4 happy chaps in the sunshine
Caught sight of the big chimney section and thought "now that looks like fun". It was. The others clambered up it while i stopped for a snap.
- chim-chimney-chim-chim-cheroo
Watching the pinnacles get closer and closer didn't bring any rising sense of fear, only eager anticipation for what looked like a nice challenge. A bit unsure of the rout, but Alan hopped up top the first one, assured us it was fine and the rest of us quickly followed suit.
Strolled confidently over the pinnacles and then eased down the last tricky bit, a little disappointed the tricky stuff was done.
- Job's a good un
Munro number two reached, it was great to be able to look back and see what i'd just come across. Handshakes and happy faces all round.
Started the long plod down towards the Pap path eagerly awaiting the celebratory pint in the Clachaig. Good to see the peak of the Pap from up here, wasn't tempted to nip up to the summit though.
At last the road was reached where Mrs Mountainstar met us, dropped me at the hostel for a shoe change en route to taking Craig and Jerry to their car before pub time.
It was just a pity you can't see the ridge from the Clachaig beer garden. Rarely has a beer been so tasty and never have i enjoyed such a fine day on the hills. Apologies for the massive report!
A big thanks to Alan, i'd never even have looked at the ridge without him.
.
and congratulations on your 50 - cheers