Sunny Saturday on Schiehallion
Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 12:17 pm
Had been planning to do this munro (my first) nearly 3 weeks ago before a nasty virus took hold and wiped the floor with me. Although not completely recovered, the MWIS forcast for saturday was just too tempting - it was time to man up and pull on the boots. It was a slow start and I didn't arrive at the Braes of Foss until just after midday, where I found the car park full Managed to pull up on the verge before the start of the walk and get my kit together - a glance up at the summit and I could see that there would be snow to negotiate along with the boulders.
Being one of the most ascended hills in Scotland there is nothing to add regarding the route, but suffice to say the path is excellent and the views open up almost immediately.
About 1/4 of the way up I began to find the climb really tough going. It began to dawn on me that I had probably attempted this a week too early. I had no energy reserves after being ill and was huffing and puffing on a hill I should normally find straightforward and the legs were turning to jelly. I pride myself on my Monty-esque speeds (ok not quite Monty speeds but you get the picture ) but I knew if I was to carry on I would need to slow right down. I had a wee water break and let 2 couples pass me before I was ready to set off again. Nice slow pace worked a treat and I felt better as i began to gain height.
As I reached the snow line and the main part of the boulder field, the wind began to whip up and it was time to dispense with the mid-layer and on with the winter coat. I could now see the summit and tho it was still a trek to go, I knew I'd make it. It was now a case of negotiating the boulders and the snow. One or the other would have been fine but the level of snow up there just now is tricky as it's not enough to cover the boulders but enough for a hundred footsteps to turn it into a nice slippy sludge. Ever the gentleman I stood aside as folk came sliding down desperately trying to keep their balance The snow was actually well over boot level to the sides of the path.
It was a great feeling to eventually reach the top (my 1st munro) - although in a much slower time than I'd hoped for (2hrs 10 mins ) I had timed my ascent really well as the morning climbers had already descended and the afternoon traffic was still a while behind me so I had the summit to myself for 15 minutes - a rareity on Schiehallion I would imagine! Had a wee scramble on the rocks before having a quick feed and heading down. The adrenaline must have really kicked in at this point as I flew back down, overtaking people I had let past me as I struggled on the way up. I arrived at the car in just an hour and 10 minutes after leaving the summit - a total climb of 3hrs 20 - much closer to my original estimate.
I remember reading Muriel Gray's munro book a while ago how she thought Schiehallion was a boring climb with such a easy path up. Maybe compared to the AE, aye, it's no knee trembler - but I thought it was a cracking hill and I'm glad it was my first munro.