Schiehallion

[AlasdairMc]

I set out to do this today early in the morning, intending to catch sunrise on the top. This wasn't to be, I forgot my headtorch so had to wait until about 8 before setting off from the car park.

Taking the 'tourist' route, I ploughed on through good weather, albeit with slight windchill in places. The snowline was about 2200 feet at best guess, and it certainly gave me a great chance to savour my first winter Munro.

The snow had drifted over the path in places, resulting in some slippage in places and some choice expletives when knee deep in the stuff. I noticed that some prior ascents, likely yesterday, had used crampons although in these conditions and given the amount of rock jutting out from the snow made this overkill in my opinion.

Upon reaching the cairn, I was disappointed to see it marked a false summit, and the rest of the ridge lay ahead of me. Cue some more snow based fun, kicking steps to stop me sinking seemed like the best option.

Reaching the top, the wind died down completely and I savoured the views, regretting not bringing a camera. I cooked up a brew, then made my way back down into light hail that passed almost as quickly as it started.

I passed several walkers on their ascents, enjoying the feeling of being the first person up the hill today and trudged back to the carpark having had a good walk.

Would I climb Schiehallion again? Definitely not in summer as I can imagine it being a bit dull. I'd perhaps do it in winter again though.

al

[mountain coward]

To be honest, I think you'd have been fine on that track to continue without a headtorch as far as the top of the made path... shame you didn't take your camera tho...