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An Teallach, it needs no build up!
It does however, need proper planning and preparation. A hard walk in blazing sunshine the day before then very little sleep doesn't really fit the bill!
Ron, Iain and Graeme and I head off early doors, it's hot already, it's forecast to get hotter and my legs are toast from Liathach the day before. Oh joy!
This was to be the pinnacle of my weekend, I was looking forward to testing myeslf on the scramble and to not doing anything stupid, unlike the day before!
So we kit up, everyone is waiting on me, not a great start, but they'll get used to that today! We set off and it is boiling already, my legs are heavy, I feel empty, I'm sweating already! I'm actually not sure (for the first time ever) if I can actually do this? The plan is a clockwise loop doing Sail Liath, Corrag Bhuidhe, Sgurr Fiona then Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill. I'm not here to tick munros off, I want the scramble, I want to see if I'm getting used to exposure. This is with future plans in mind.
There isn't a cloud in the sky, the visibility is fantastic.
Straight away I'm struggling to keep up with the other 3, this isn't right! Under the hat and behind the sunglasses I'm already hurting. My head says "I'm done", my pride says "man up". At this point we are only following a landrover track.
We eventually reach what must be a turn off point and we start going up Sail Liath.
My legs are squealing. The guys drop me easily as I drop into a slow plod, I'm not enjoying this. I'm also hating the fact that I'm miserable on such a fantastic hill. I focus on a point just in front of each step, I don't look at what is to come.
We pass over Sail Laith and then go on to the next top. We stop for some food, some fluids and take in the breath taking views. Even through the pain, I appreciate, this is a fantastic sight!
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- What should be the highlight o fthe weekend
We set off again and my legs are gone, mega tight, no strength and shaking away. I feel sorry for the guys as they are having to wait so often on me. Pride pushes me on but I'm actually worrying about what to do, this may be beyond me but there is no bail out. Bugger!
We get to the crux of Corrag Bhuidhe and I climb up a 10m pitch/scramble.
It is technically easy, well within what I can do but my legs are shaking violently. There is a tiny bit of exposure but this should be easy! Grippy rock, easy holds and an obvious route. I was scared/nervous but I can still usually proceed/function. I get to the top of that pitch and I can see Ron and Graeme pushing on up the next pitch. I can't see Iain though? I shout to those two, asking where he is, they say "dunno". Magic! Iain then pops back from the bypass path, he says that that climb is beyond him today. I look over to the route the other 2 have taken.
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It does look technically harder that what I've just done and more sustained. This is why I'm here though, this is what I've suffered for about 4 hours for... I've gotta try it. Ron reaches the top and suggests a different route is possible, I walk over to have a look and my legs nearly go from beneath me with lack of strength, magic. I think I can maybe do it, my pride is urging me on, I shout up to Ron and ask about the route down he says he doesn't know yet. What happens if it is just as big a climb to get down? That is the question answered. Today I am beaten, I'm not certain that I can make it up that pillar and even less certain that I can downclimb from it. I swear! Lots! Iain tries to reassure me, but the petted lip is out now....RAGING!!!!
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I downclimb to the bypass and doddle round the hill and take the easy upclimb to the summit of Sgurr Fiona. I see Lord Berkleys Seat but I'm not interested anymore, I'm in pain, I'm exhausted and I've got to come back to this hill. I see the others, get some pics, have some food and get bitten by midgies (which doesn't improve my mood). The strange thing is I know I'm acting like a fud but I can't help it, I'm cooked, I'm exhausted, I'm raging, my pride is hurt, I just want off this hill, I want to be back at the car now! The views are fantastic, the hill is amazing and I'm acting like a wean!
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- I'd be no use at poker!
That isn't a happy face!
I set off ahead of the others, trying not to hold them up yet again but they soon pass me (all too easily) the views around get better and better, the guys stop to lap it up and I stagger on.
I eventually make it to the the summit of Bidean a'Ghlas Thuill, it is fantatstic too.
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- A bit less rage!
The heat is still fierce, but my rage is beginning to pass, now I'm just burst but I can see the end now, it's all downhill! We all had a bit of banter and then I head off, the guys cruise past me on the way down, I don't care any more I just need to focus on getting to the car.
We take a shortcut down into Corrie Hallie (I think) and the going gets easier but I'm staggering alll over the place by now, not really in control of the descent, I leave the rest to it and plod on as best as I can.
The guys go to bathe in the pool at the waterfall, I know I'm unlikely to be able to climb out so I don't bother. I believe it was a lot of fun though.
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- Chiiiiiiill
The path down then weaves through some thick bushes, I'd recommend missing this part out and heading over the stream earlier to avoid it.
Finally, there it is, the road.....the end is in sight, a shuffle to the car and it's done.
Reflection time...
The hill is amazing!
Corrag Bhuidhe is a challenge but is easily do-able (Ron tells me the down climb is fine).
The bypass is fine, no real errosion and no exposure for those that are worried about the reports.
In terms of scenery and reward for effort this hill is
one of the best.That is why I will return to do it again (and probably again). It will be some time soon. Hopefully then I will be able to act my age and not need a dummy!
I've ticked these two but this hill isn't about 2 ticks, not to me anyway.
To sum it up, I had a great weekend with some really decent guys, saw some fantatsic sights, was blessed with fantastic weather...I'm a lucky guy to say the least!
Until we meet again!
