Ladhar Bheinn from Achanalt (9 cold days)

[Klaasloopt]

Thank you, good to hear you like it. I tremendously enjoyed the walk, that's for sure.

but theres a big BUT, I'm not that hard!!!

There's a misunderstanding, I do not see myself as 'hard' or fit at all. I think persistence or patience describe me better, as in "if I keep quietly moving forward, that summit will be mine eventually".

And what a choice of book to listen to when walking - I love macfarlane's writing.

We have a lot in common, weaselmaster. Except the beard of course
I liked your '(lack of) adventure on An Stuc': to want a hill, but still be sane.

must've taken a lot of planning

The in- and outbound journeys took planning, and I double check shops. For the compilation of the daily route I count on experience, which falls short sometimes, and flexibility on the spot. Giving up on a hill is hard, since it might take many years before I return to a hill.

Also the weather out west looks better

Several friends saw the souther and eastern snow-calamities on TV and texted me about it. I was ignorant but surely lucky this time round.

[mrssanta]

Fabulous! I love your pictures especially the icy ones!

[litljortindan]

Hmm, a long walk! I enjoyed reading that. Even, or because of, the bleak bits.

[The Rodmiester]

Wonderful stuff, words like epic etc does not do it justice. Excellent report and photographs and a re-read is a must

[gaffr]

It is always interesting to read about the adventures of the flying dutchman You have a good, and growing, collection of journeys made in Scotland as can been seen by the submissions to WH. There is something in them of the journeys made by the early travellers around the highlands and of the trips made by JH and SC and several others whose trips we read about in the magazines of the time. Do you think that would stand up to a publishing in book form? and maybe would reach a wider audience?
Many thanks.

[Scotjamie]

Another epic K....I agree with all the praise, and more.
Great report, pics and, an inspiration for all.

- including your favourite fresh eggs which, I seem to remember (Loch Lyon epic?), you manage to find wherever you go!

[Bonzo]

What a great read and some stunning photos.

Superb!

[litljortindan]

I just remembered what I meant to write last night but forgot. It is a very interstitial report, thinking of Iain Banks' use of the word. I mean you are describing a lot of what strikes me as being the hidden winter that occupies the space between the times and locations when more frail beings such as myself venture onto the winter hills.

[Klaasloopt]

It is a very interstitial report

Do you think that would stand up to a publishing in book form? and maybe would reach a wider audience?
Many thanks.

Wow.
Scotland's like a bucket full of beads. Thousands of trees, shielings, double-sided cornices, frozen waterfalls, hut-circles and grouse feathers. Some 282 and 221 items are on a list. Go dip a needle and thread into the bucket and catch a chain of impressions. (insert melancholy smiley)

Luckily, there's MORE to see each year, just like a well-known painting or love reveals something new every time. Like ... Wait! There's a fort on Ben Griam Beg, and a train station called Forsinard! Where's map 10? Gotta go!

A book? Read Chatwin or O'Hanlon or McFarlane: a book is lightyears away from a WH report. I'll let that pass, for now

[Meatball]

I salute you!

[Johnny Corbett]

The "crazy" Dutchman returns with what can only be described as a sensational trip, one many of us only dream about Brilliant

[ceaser]

fantastic adventure and read ,well done

[paul.copestake]

Klaas - absolutely pic - your pictures do not show the wind - I was concerned for the first few days, it was freezing in Ullapool - felt happier and more envious as the days past and it stayed sunny. at least in Harlaam you don't have to look at the tempting mountains from your office but can dream about them instead! Paul

[gordon l]

A truly fabulous account of an epic trip. This is the best report I have read for ages: great mix of lyrical and descriptive prose and some wonderful pictures. I particularly like the tiny snow-clad forest. Thanks

[yokehead]

Hi Klaas. An absolutely superb report once again and, oh my, what a cold one you had. I'm glad the fry-up was such a great reward along the way and I reckon just looking at that photo will be an instant reminder for you of your 9 epic days!

I've not been able to get to Scotland for over a year, have missed a winter visit for the first time in 4 years and must confess I've not looked at trip reports on WH for ages either - too jealous and frustrating when I'm unable to get there! But I have been looking out for your 'annual report', always an inspiring read, thank you.

As for your Beinn Fhada report http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30267

For me, it is hard to understand how people can be satisfied going back down into the corrie at this point, with all the good stuff laid out to the west

Yes indeed, it is something very special and worthwhile and I loved reading your report that reminded me of my traverse 2 years ago. Here it is to perhaps, alongside your report, inspire others to go for it too. Satisfaction guaranteed! http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9983