Three Fannaichs
Posted: Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:22 pmIt was a clear, crisp, sunny day with wall to wall blue. It looked set to be a cracker. We set off from the edge of Loch A’ Bhraoin on a nice flat trail, and with a gentle incline for the first 3 Km, we could take in the winter wonderland on the snow covered peaks, highlighted dramatically against the vibrant blue sky. We climbed to the Beallach of Sgurr Nan Each and at this point we strapped on crampons, gripped ice axes and left our packs , (we would return to these to ascend Sgurr Nan Geala). The ascent of Sgurr Nan Each was made all the easier with less weight. On reaching the summit we were overwhelmed by the stunning views all around, the winter conditions transforming everything as if in High Definition – Superb!
Back to our packs, we had lunch, soaked up the sun and tried hard to absorb the scene that was set before us, to keep in our minds a piece of Scotland’s beauty, for the darker days.
Sgurr Nan Clach Geala the highest of the day. It was a long hard pull up the steep snow covered slopes. The physical exertion was made all the harder as the cold air rasped at our lungs. The climb seemed to go on and on and on and for that time was our world entire. Absorbed as we were, we still had to avoid the huge overhanging snow cornices which could’ve given way at a moments notice. The summit was a welcome relief as it plateaued nicely for our weary legs.
It was funny to see Mike on his hands and knees trying to find the summit cairn for his ‘stone collection’, but the snow was too deep! As this was the highest of our Munros the views surrounding us were wonderful. AnTeallach, as ever though, stealing the show.
An Teallach – One of Scotland’s finest!
This was much kinder to our legs and it was great fun descending in the soft snow. Harry had a little slip to which Mike said “it was the worst ice axe arrest he had ever seen!”
Back at base camp we managed a shower at the hotel and a few pints of An Teallach. Having brought provisions we decided to eat back at the hut where I cooked a very nice Spag Bol.
A fine finish to the day with chat and Whisky in front of the open fire.
Back to our packs, we had lunch, soaked up the sun and tried hard to absorb the scene that was set before us, to keep in our minds a piece of Scotland’s beauty, for the darker days.
Sgurr Nan Clach Geala the highest of the day. It was a long hard pull up the steep snow covered slopes. The physical exertion was made all the harder as the cold air rasped at our lungs. The climb seemed to go on and on and on and for that time was our world entire. Absorbed as we were, we still had to avoid the huge overhanging snow cornices which could’ve given way at a moments notice. The summit was a welcome relief as it plateaued nicely for our weary legs.
It was funny to see Mike on his hands and knees trying to find the summit cairn for his ‘stone collection’, but the snow was too deep! As this was the highest of our Munros the views surrounding us were wonderful. AnTeallach, as ever though, stealing the show.
An Teallach – One of Scotland’s finest!
This was much kinder to our legs and it was great fun descending in the soft snow. Harry had a little slip to which Mike said “it was the worst ice axe arrest he had ever seen!”
Back at base camp we managed a shower at the hotel and a few pints of An Teallach. Having brought provisions we decided to eat back at the hut where I cooked a very nice Spag Bol.
A fine finish to the day with chat and Whisky in front of the open fire.