Mullardoch Day 2

[bootsandpaddles]

MULLARDOCH DAY 2

As I made my way back to the van after Mullardoch Day 1 I decided that if I was going to get as far as An Socach (and back!) I wasn’t going to do it in my winter boots. The snow had been soft on the first two hills and crampons were not required so I thought I’d risk it my “summer” boots. I set off at 7am on a lovely morning and retraced my steps of the previous evening to the bridge. Then I followed the lochside “path” to the Allt Taige. I was a bit concerned about this crossing but in the event it was no problem at all.

River crossing

Then it was a long stomp to Glen Cannich and the bridge over the Allt Socrach.

Sron na Frithe from Glen Cannich

A good track runs up alongside the Allt Coire a Mhaim. There seems to have been a spate of bridge building in this neck of the woods as there are quite a few that aren’t marked on the map – better that than the other way round I suppose! Anyway after leaving the track it was all a bit boggy and peaty but I made my way across Coire Mhaim and climbed steeply up on to the ridge. The surroundings were spectacular: all ridges and snow and huge corries.

I followed the ridge for a good 2km with the snow cover increasing all the time. There were some great cornices and the cliffs plunged away to my right as I went along.

Cornices along the ridge

I was grateful to finally see the trig point peaking out of the clouds. Time for a little something. The way forward along the ridge to An Riabhachan looked superb so I didn’t hang about (it was very cold too!).

Looking back to An Socach

Ridge to An Riabhachan

It was a great walk to the foot of the steep climb up to the south west top of An Riabhachan. It was all a bit slippery in the soft snow but I just kept moving and eventually arrived at the cairn. From there it was a cold, windy trek across the ridge to the summit cairn

At last - the cairn

which disappeared from view as I approached. Cue a most untimely blizzard. So I didn’t hang about: I don’t think I have ever got down off a hill so quick! Before I knew it I was crossing a bridge over the Allt Socrach and having a cup of tea. Then began the long walk back. But it didn’t seem to matter as I had achieved my goal for the day. And what a long day it was! My boots were absolutely sodden with all the wet snow and bogs: I think I'll have a day off tomorrow.

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[kevsbald]

Well done!

[dogplodder]

I've still to do these two so this is most helpful.

Did you at any point regret using your summer boots?

[bootsandpaddles]

Didn't regret summer boots at all. I never would have done the long walk in and out in winter boots.