free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Munro #147 : Ben Hope
Date : 09/04/2013
Distance : 7.5km
Time : 5.5hrs After a long layoff from the hills, the first Munro of 2013 had to be something fairly straight-forward and short - no Slioch-like walk-ins today. In the end, these criteria combined with the MWIS forecast screamed out Ben Hope.
I had never been this far north before ever. After Alness was unexplored territory for me. The roads were nice and quiet on this Tuesday morning and there were some great views, although a bank of black cloud to the north looked to disprove the MWIS forecast.
We passed through Lairg and onto the single track road and then the snow started. Heavy snow and hailstones which battered down all the way to Altnaharra. The skies cleared as we turn off onto the Hope road/track and the views began to open up, although the tops were still hidden.
Strath More I by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Parked up at the carpark for the start of the walk and booted up. There were 2 or 3 other cars there already.
Way Up Ben Hope by
chimpaction, on Flickr
The path up to the crags was moderately steep, but fairly dry, and the waterfalls were a pleasant distraction. There were lovely views south along Strath More too. We sheltered in the crags for a bite to eat before hitting the snowline.
Strath More II by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Lower Slopes by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Ben Klibreck from Ben Hope by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Snowline by
chimpaction, on Flickr
As we hit the upper slopes, I donned my microspikes. Although not really needed, they gave that little bit of extra grip. At this point we were hit with a shower of hail, reminding me that I really should invest in a pair of cheap snow goggles. The shower soon passed. It turned out to be the last one of the day. The cloud was more broken and had lifted off the tops. It looked like our timing would be spot-on for the legendary views from the summit...
Blue Skies by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Passing Snow Shower by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Upper Slopes I by
chimpaction, on Flickr
The summit plateau was soon reached. The snow here was much deeper and there was a bitterly cold wind blowing from the east. But the views were there!
Upper Slopes II by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Spindrift by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Ben Hope Summit by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Ben Hope Panorama I by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Ben Hope Panorama II by
chimpaction, on Flickr
We stayed on the summit as long as we could stand it, taking photo after photo but eventually the biting wind forced a retreat back down to shelter. Back down out of the wind, the day had warmed up nicely and we had a leisurely stroll back down to the car. Stopped at the broch for some photographs and then again at the Crask Inn for a celebratory pint. Just the long drive home now. A day that will stay in my memory for a long time.
Dun Dornaigil Broch by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Strathmore River by
chimpaction, on Flickr
Crask Inn by
chimpaction, on Flickr