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This is the first report I have submited for a while mainly due to the fact that I have been working away from home a lot and finding the time just to go walking is hard enough never mind time for a report, however I have a spare hour so thought I would do a quick report after a great day out in Glen Shiel.
After much deliberation on where to go mainly due to a dismal forecast MWIS predicted a better afternoon for the NW highlands which made up our minds for us. We could have picked any of the hills as none of us walked in the area before but after working in Glen Shiel for a few weeks back in April and seeing the Saddle from the roadside there was only ever going to be one place to start.
We left Forfar at 5 a.m and had arrived in Glen Shiel by 8.15 a.m and the weather, which had been changeable on the drive up was much better than expected, most of the tops in view with only some of the five sisters hidden by clag.
We parked up in the layby behind the only other car there, although there were a few in the other layby further down the road. We headed for the path which started off climbing gently but by the time we were on the traverse across Meallan Odhar we were slowing up a bit and a lone walker whizzed by us, I dont even think he had broken sweat yet! On the plus side the weather was holding up although I was expecting it to close in at any time.
- Taking a breather on the traverse
We soldiered on up to the col where we got our first good look at the Forcan Ridge and what lay ahead of us. it did look quite intimidating to me but I never let on to the others but did vioce my concern over how Ruby, my dog would fare, suggesting if it was to bad or she was struggling I would take her up the other way.
A bit further on and we stopped for a quick bite to eat and enjoyed the views along the glen.
When we arrived at the start of the scramble we decided to all give it a go and it started off pretty gentle and proved no difficulty for any of us.
- Alex arriving at the top of the first scramble
It does get a bit more exposed but there is a decent path if you feel the need to avoid any of the rockier parts, Craig led the way with Alex and myself together at the back and Ruby darting back and forth between us showing us how its done!
- Ruby and I before the more interesting part
- Craig leading the way
We were getting on quite well with Ruby finding her own way around any obstacles, this was the most exposure I had experienced and thought I was doing o.k except for when I stopped after a scramble and stood up I got dizzy for a few seconds, this happened on several occasions and after Alex said he was the same I did not feel so bad but I was wondering if this is common?
We eventually arrived at the drop, which was the only place Ruby had a problem with but she managed to find her way around to the right.
- Craig heading down the drop
- Craigs pic of Alex and I descending
After this point I think the going got easier and before long we were at the summit but did not hang about as we were at that point unaware of the fact and headed on towards the trig point before stopping just after for some lunch and a well earned rest.
- View from the summit I think
- Ruby and I at the trig point
After lunch we headed off along the path towards Sgurr na Sgine. We were starting to tire and had a few rest stops along the way before finally reaching our second summit of the day.
We returned as per route description via Faochag and the descent from there felt never ending, more so on our wearied legs but eventually arrived back at the car just as the rain was starting.
- one last photo of the forcan ridge