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On a SAUMC* weekend in Torridon I made an incredible find:
A ridge called Liathach which completely blew my mind!
A fantastic scramble and two munros were combined
On this western hill which left me wanting more,
Soon An Teallach will find me knocking at the door.
The others, still tired from the horns* of yesterdays hill,
Decided to pass up this incredible thrill.
But glorious weather they put to waste,
With hearts not set in the right place,
So I adventurously departed on my own
With the goal to sit on Torridon’s throne.
I began on a path that winded up high
To a ridge so sharp it must cut the sky!
A trio of walkers who’d set off before
Ignited a challenge to meet their back door,
To have a quick hello before I overtake and disappear ahead,
So my pack was shouldered and off I sped.
Like a cat my eyes were fixed upon this mouse
And were only averted to spy a grouse,
Lying below the crags, in the heather beside.
And at this point I did decide
To take a break and enjoy the view
And name all the summits that I knew.
Quickly though I was off again,
For I could not long refrain,
From entering the lair of the corrie above
And a little more altitude made me fall in love.
For once I reached the ridge and looked along
I could not help but burst into song
For some reason it was the Kazak national tune*
That was running through my head as I walked the rocks strewn
On the assent up to Spidean a’ Choire Leith*
What a fantastic trip I was having today!
I rested my legs and stopped for a quick nibble
Where the realisation I’d forgot my Jaffa Cakes made me giggle
So whilst enjoying the sights a strawberry jam roll it was to be.
Then suddenly a swirling ball of mist surrounded me,
The idea of doing the pinnacles in the white
Gave me quite a fright!
But soon the sun returned and it wasn’t very long
Until I continued humming my Kazak song
Whilst stumbling down the rocky slope,
I was gazing ahead and could only hope
That the pinnacles I’d read about in many a book
Were as thrilling as they look.
A tiny slip early on kept me steady
As to meet my maker I’m certainly not ready,
Especially so when there’s a ridge and summit still to do,
I was always going to see this one through.
I passed up the safety path – not because I’d have felt a cheat –
Just the airy ridge looked a treat!
Watching the stag below give his best boom,
This fun had better not end anytime soon.
Scrambling up and over I went,
And my confidence did not face a dent,
For I managed this ridge, which borders sublime,
With no blips or worries – it was totally fine.
The gap with the group ahead stayed the same,
Over the whole walk no extra speed or ground could I gain.
Today it was not I who did the catching
For behind me there was a Scouser who was more than matching
The speed at which I could walk.
For a few minutes he slowed his jog to talk
Before leaving me to stand amazed
At the red trainers which simply grazed
Over the pinnacle I was about to encounter,
But his pace did not cause a downer,
Just encouraged me admire his grace
As over the pinnacles and beyond did he race.
When I finished the ridge I spared more than a glance,
I’ve walked in Norway, England and southern France,
But nothing I’d done could be compared
At the mountain which has left greater people rather scared.
Onwards I followed the footsteps of the faster man
And breezed up to the summit of Mullach an Rathain*.
I then descended down the horrific scree,
Which caused more than one jolt to the knee,
But this flaw can be forgiven
Because of the views that were given.
The sight of Skye over sea
Couldn’t have brought anymore glee.
Closer to home upper Loch Torridon was sparkling blue
So beautiful that I chose this spot for my final chew,
Which turned into a fantastic snooze,
Underneath the sky’s bright, bright blues.
After a nap that was second to none,
I reluctantly got off my bum,
But before I started the t-shirt was removed
I couldn’t help but wonder: would Munro have approved?
I took my time down the remainder of the southern side
For it might be a while before my feet return to collide
With Liatach’s Torridonian Sandstone
That left my mind totally blown.
SAUMC* - St Andrews University Mountaineering Club
Horns* - The day before we'd all climbed Ben Alligin via the horns
Kazak national tune* - I'd recently watched Borat and his parody national anthem could not leave my head the entire walk! Youtube it if you want a laugh.
Spidean a Choire Leith* - Pronounced 'Speet-yan a Chora Lay'
Mullach an Rathain - Pronounced 'Moo-lach an Raa-han'
Here are a few pictures from the day:
Starting at the base of Liathach
Arrival onto the ridge
Arrival onto the pinnacles
Final pinnacle
Mullach an Rathain with Upper Loch Torridon behind
Beinn Eighe - left for a latter trip to Torridon!
Have you had a nap in a better location than this? Loch Torridon and Skye on the horizon