South Glenshiel Ridge (1st 4, E-W)

[JonetCol]

It was already warm as I set off from the Cluanie Inn at 10 am, having camped overnight at Shiel Bridge. I opted to take the stalker’s path up Creag a’ Mhaim’s SE slopes, which meant a helluva long lead in - but at least it was a chance to walk off some of the stiffness from the previous day’s drive from Tyneside.

The way in..

It also offered the luxury of more time to enjoy the views E along Loch Cluanie.

Along Loch Cluanie

Just as I was beginning to wonder if I’d gone past it, I came across the path and began the initially gentle, but increasingly steep (and gruelling in the heat) ascent to the summit of Creag a, Mhaim.

On top of C a M

The slog was well worth it as there were superb views all around, with the ridge clearly visible ahead.

View N to L Cluanie

to the NE..

SE....

SW..

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W along the ridge...

After a drink I headed steeply down towards a level ridge then had a shortish climb to the top of my second Munro, Druim Shionnach. The path forked Towards the summit. I took the right, which follows the top of the ridge, as it was reportedly narrow and I wanted to use it to test myself for the subsequent descent from Aonach Air Chrith – which was said to be even trickier. The upper path was indeed narrow, airy and steep sided, requiring a little scrambling, but not unduly difficult, especially as it was short in length

on top of DS

.

back towards Ca M

I didn’t stay long on the summit, as the views weren’t markedly different from the C a M – continuing W instead - for the large dorsal fin of Aonach air Chrith.

W to AaC

I found the steady descent, then climb to the summit, an excellent ridge walk – relaxing enough to enjoy the views, the solitude – the whole experience. After a snack at the summit, I battened down all loose items for the descent - which I’d been warned was tricky ¬– and set off.

on top of AaC with DS in background

There were some scrambly bits along the narrow ridge - and you certainly couldn’t afford to be complacent, but I didn’t find it as airy as the upper path on the DS ridge – just a lot longer!

looking W along ridge from AaC

That said it was dry and still – it would be a totally different prospect in wet and/or windy weather.

looking back after the descent from Aac

and again...it is big and narrow...

Another gentle ridge walk followed before the steep climb up Maoll Chin-dearg. It was now early afternoon and very hot and I was running out of water (having consumed over 2litres). In my rather tired state I mistakenly thought I was nearing the top of MCd when I was in fact still on a subsidiary peak - probably the 913m point on the ridge. Disappointed, I carried on to reach the summit of Maol Chin-dearg, after along steep climb. I was relieved to have reached my last peak of the day and I stopped to rest and enjoy the sense of achievement.

on top of MCd

I find I need to pace myself more these days, so doing the whole ridge was never on. I have to add that I both admire and respect anyone doing all seven in one go, especially on such a hot day. The return down the N slopes of Druim Coire nan Eirecheanach was gentle at first, then steep (and rocky at times) and seemed relentless. My joy at reaching the A87 was tempered by the prospect of a 4km walk back to the car. When I reached the car I devoured a litre of water before heading back to Shiel Bridge. On the way I saw a guy in hill walking gear plodding tiredly down the road, so I stopped to give him a lift back to his car.