Lords of the Ring: The Four Towers
Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:00 pmWhat a day this turned out to be. We knew we were in for a hot day in the Mamores but I don’t think any of us realised just how hot.
There was a wee bit of cloud floating around the glen but this quickly began to burn off. Heading through the forestry, little did we realise this would be last shade to be had for the next 9 hours. As the trees thinned out we were treated to the beauty of the Steall Falls.
First though it was time to negotiate the infamous wire bridge. It was possible to wade in the current conditions but there’s no fun in that. At first glance it looks pretty short – from the safety of the bank that is, when you’re edging across it and it begins to wobble is a different perspective entirely!
Balgonie headed over first
Then me
Then Fife Flyer
Steady son
We then began the pretty direct climb up to the ridge. At this point FF asks "When we get up onto the ridge is that the hard work over?" Balgonie and I looked at each other and grinned "Don't think so, no"
The lungs got a good work out and the sun really began to blaze
Sun cream was slapped on but at least we had some nice views of the Ben behind us.
After a steady plod in the sweltering sun, we finally topped out on An Gearnach. A chance to take in the breath taking views and take on plenty of fluids.
From here we could see the first half of the ring laid out ahead. The top of An Garbhanach and the next 2 munros.
Onwards then to the first scramble of the day. The climb up the Top is done directly up the pinnacle until the peak which is bypassed on an exposed path.
This was great fun and a bit of care was needed.
The bypass path and side scramble
Then back on to the peak
The descent was fairly challenging and a few bum shuffles needed for those of us with shorter legs
Then it was probably the easiest climb of the day up to munro number 2 - Stob Coire a' Chairn
From here we could look back at the steep descent we had just completed
Some more sun cream was applied and then it was a reasonably comfortable descent before a fairly brutal climb up to the third munro, Am Bodach. It looked steep but then often when you start climbing it's fine. This was as bad as it looked There were sections of easy scrambling but the gradient rarely ceased until topping out. We needed a break here, the sun was battering down, but the views were sensational
Summit view across to Glencoe and a smoking Bidean
After a leisurely break for lunch it was time to head for the second half of the ring. All eyes were drawn to the notorious Devil's Ridge in the centre of the photo
The pace quickened slightly as we were all eager to get on the ridge and see how airy it actually was
A quick break and we were off. The heat of the sun was forgotten as we concentrated on our footing as the ridge narrowed. The sense of exposure was superb and to be up there with the stunning views all around they can't be a better way to spend the day
We then came to the boulder which sits right on the ridge blocking the path. Thou shall not pass
The bypass veers to the left and you come to the exposed step. There is a sense of depth as the slope falls far below on the left but a confidently placed boot and we were over and scrambling back up on to the path.
The scrambling finished it was now a case of head down and begin the slog up to the final munro of the day
But first a final look back at the superb Devil's Ridge.
Reaching the top was a relief the cramp and weariness was just beginning to kick in. From this viewpoint you are right up close to the Ben - a stunning place to be
Time now to head down. This, unfortunately, can be described as nothing but tortous. Away from the cooling breeze on the top it felt like the heat was cranked up to a whole new level. The scree was a nightmare and the steepness never let up. We had to make frequent stops and I was really suffering in those temperatures as the water ran dry. At one point, if I had access to a gun I would have happily shot myself
Thankfully, memories of that descent soon faded. What a day and what a route. I'll be back to do this again -some not quite so sunny day
There was a wee bit of cloud floating around the glen but this quickly began to burn off. Heading through the forestry, little did we realise this would be last shade to be had for the next 9 hours. As the trees thinned out we were treated to the beauty of the Steall Falls.
First though it was time to negotiate the infamous wire bridge. It was possible to wade in the current conditions but there’s no fun in that. At first glance it looks pretty short – from the safety of the bank that is, when you’re edging across it and it begins to wobble is a different perspective entirely!
Balgonie headed over first
Then me
Then Fife Flyer
Steady son
We then began the pretty direct climb up to the ridge. At this point FF asks "When we get up onto the ridge is that the hard work over?" Balgonie and I looked at each other and grinned "Don't think so, no"
The lungs got a good work out and the sun really began to blaze
Sun cream was slapped on but at least we had some nice views of the Ben behind us.After a steady plod in the sweltering sun, we finally topped out on An Gearnach. A chance to take in the breath taking views and take on plenty of fluids.
From here we could see the first half of the ring laid out ahead. The top of An Garbhanach and the next 2 munros.
Onwards then to the first scramble of the day. The climb up the Top is done directly up the pinnacle until the peak which is bypassed on an exposed path.
This was great fun and a bit of care was needed.
The bypass path and side scramble
Then back on to the peak
The descent was fairly challenging and a few bum shuffles needed for those of us with shorter legs
Then it was probably the easiest climb of the day up to munro number 2 - Stob Coire a' ChairnFrom here we could look back at the steep descent we had just completed
Some more sun cream was applied and then it was a reasonably comfortable descent before a fairly brutal climb up to the third munro, Am Bodach. It looked steep but then often when you start climbing it's fine. This was as bad as it looked
There were sections of easy scrambling but the gradient rarely ceased until topping out. We needed a break here, the sun was battering down, but the views were sensationalSummit view across to Glencoe and a smoking Bidean
After a leisurely break for lunch it was time to head for the second half of the ring. All eyes were drawn to the notorious Devil's Ridge in the centre of the photo
The pace quickened slightly as we were all eager to get on the ridge and see how airy it actually was
A quick break and we were off. The heat of the sun was forgotten as we concentrated on our footing as the ridge narrowed. The sense of exposure was superb and to be up there with the stunning views all around they can't be a better way to spend the day
We then came to the boulder which sits right on the ridge blocking the path. Thou shall not pass
The bypass veers to the left and you come to the exposed step. There is a sense of depth as the slope falls far below on the left but a confidently placed boot and we were over and scrambling back up on to the path.
The scrambling finished it was now a case of head down and begin the slog up to the final munro of the day
But first a final look back at the superb Devil's Ridge.
Reaching the top was a relief the cramp and weariness was just beginning to kick in. From this viewpoint you are right up close to the Ben - a stunning place to be
Time now to head down. This, unfortunately, can be described as nothing but tortous. Away from the cooling breeze on the top it felt like the heat was cranked up to a whole new level. The scree was a nightmare and the steepness never let up. We had to make frequent stops and I was really suffering in those temperatures as the water ran dry. At one point, if I had access to a gun I would have happily shot myself
Thankfully, memories of that descent soon faded. What a day and what a route. I'll be back to do this again -some not quite so sunny day
Catch up soon mate