Chilly on Challum

[weaselmaster]

Well it was another solo winter day today as my walking buddy had slipped on black ice and injured her arm yesterday, nowhere near the hills I may add. We'd been hoping to put the information gleaned from the Winter Skills course at Aviemore last weekend to good use, but so much for plans. I'd decided to climb Ben Challum but knew ther weather was for showers and a bit of wind at altitude. Got away from Greenock just before 8 and had an icy-roads free drive up to Crianlariach. Parked in the layby across from the opening for Kirkton Farm, where a couple of other cars were already sitting and got togged up. Carrying more weight today - safety conscious now I'd put in a shovel and an emergency shelter and my pack felt a bit on the heavy side


P1000406 by 23weasels, on Flickr



Headed along past the cemetary


P1000408 by 23weasels, on Flickr

and across the train line at the level crossing, then headed NE up the hillside past a few soggy sheep. There had been a fair bit of rain overnight and the snow was slushy, with icy patches in places.



P1000409 by 23weasels, on Flickr

After a couple of miles caught up with a party of lads which turned out to be very useful, as the weather was quickly deteriorating and visibility was pretty poor in places as we went up to the first cairn.


P1000413 by 23weasels, on Flickr


The wind was also getting up as we climbed and driving rain & hail soaking my trousers and, unfortunately, running down the inside of my trousers and into my boots The dog was loving the winds, snow and attention from the party and was dancing around in his new hi-viz coat...

Nearing the top we headed over a short bit of ridge before the final climb up to the summit. Snow was soft and deep in places - managed a few foot-plunges into unseen holes. Stopped at the top for a picture and a bite to eat, also a welcome cup of coffee. Had taken 3 hours from leaving the car.


P1000416 by 23weasels, on Flickr


No views today, and with a stiff breeze it was cooling down quickly, so didn't hang about any longer than necessary before heading down the way we'd come up. The going was quite easy, with the occasional slip and i was back down in another couple of hours.


P1000417 by 23weasels, on Flickr


P1000418 by 23weasels, on Flickr


P1000419 by 23weasels, on Flickr

[Rottiewalker]

Well done on what looked like a very chilly day specially at the top, a lot keener than me, i decided not to head out the day because of weather. pictures are good as well considering the visibility, enjoyed your report. cheers.