Ben Sgulaird on a beautifull day

[jonny616]

After the disapointment of the previous weekend I left Glasgow on at 6am to meet Glen at Crianlarich, just us two as all our other walking pals were working. (Ha Ha). As the clear night departed & sun came up it was going to be a great day.

Ben More

We took our time driving to Druimavuic & kept stopping to take photo's of those elusive 'cloud free Munro's' & fantastic scenery.

Across Loch Creran

Set of up the track through the woods at 9:30. Out of the woods & look for the small cairn which was easily spotted for once! Headed up ridge with the views opening up behind us. Hardly any snow around.

Rising above the loch

As we reached the 488 point the views realy opened up & a lot of time was used up taking photo's. Glen had his fancy dan thing with big lens. When you first see the drop from there it's oh sh*t, but the path heads of left & down fairly easily.

Summit peaking out

Over the fence & up & away again with patches of snow starting to apear

First bit of snow

. After a silly moment on icy snow look for a spot to put on the crampons so picked our way carefully to the first top at 863 as the snow was still patchy.

Crampons on at 800 meters

The views were just stunning all around.

Meall Garbth & Beinn Sgulaird ahead

Droped steply down & more easily over the mini hump before climbing again to a point with a smallish cairn. Watching our step as there was some blocks of snow that would have been more risky if it had been fresh, but it had a good solid crust to bite into.

Above or below?

There were tracks from the weekend, presumably, because apart from a nice chap with his dog who we chated to in the layby we never saw another soul all day.

With all the views distracting us & a clear root, we had not taken much notice of the notes & at the top of Meall Garbth tried to convince ourselves that the big thing in front must be another mountain! Sadly not. So steaply down again followed by a lovely rigde to the summit.

Ridge to the summit

OMG just stunning. At this point i would like to give a nod to 'Doogz' as his report title says 'keep it for a good day'. They don't come much better than Monday. Although i would like to add 3 hours 41 minutes, you aint human!

On the cairn

Had lunch at the summit & after much photo's headed down & up & down & up & down to the bealach with the fence. In sted of heading back up to point 488 we droped down to the track & then followed it back to the car.

View north from summit

View with soup

The Cruachan

High cloud coming in

Just above the trees again

Wow

Back to Crianlarich & in to the Hotel for a much needed beverage & hot pot for Glen. Home 9pm long but rewarding day.

[kevsbald]

What a cracking last pic you got there - stunning.

[Alastair S]

Great report & photos!

Weather has been brilliant here (Aberdeenshire) so far this week but I'm stuck at work Looks set to break to! but the weekend still looks good. Going to book a day off for next week & hope to go up Broad Cairn...

[jonny616]

What a cracking last pic you got there - stunning.

Cheers. I can't wait to see the ones Glen took on his SLR

[jonny616]

Great report & photos!

Weather has been brilliant here (Aberdeenshire) so far this week but I'm stuck at work Looks set to break to! but the weekend still looks good. Going to book a day off for next week & hope to go up Broad Cairn...

Hope it holds for you. I'm out again next Monday. Maybe Arrochar Alps.

[Paul Webster]

Great hill IMO - and you've done it justice .

[Graeme D]

Wow indeed! Sgulaird has just jumped onto page 1 of the to do list! Great report and lovely shots, not just the last one (although it does stand out!)

[mountain coward]

Some great pics there - especially like the 2 sunsets at the end... After doing that in summer on a boiling hot day, I think you're right to have done it in winter. There was quite a bit of clambering about on blocky stuff in summer between the 3 summits which I'm sure the snow will have smoothed out. There's a stupendous amount of snow below the main summit isn't there?! I'd have gone for above (which you looked to have done)...

[jonny616]

Some great pics there - especially like the 2 sunsets at the end... After doing that in summer on a boiling hot day, I think you're right to have done it in winter. There was quite a bit of clambering about on blocky stuff in summer between the 3 summits which I'm sure the snow will have smoothed out. There's a stupendous amount of snow below the main summit isn't there?! I'd have gone for above (which you looked to have done)...

Correct above it was. As we clamberd up & down over the three peaks we did think the snow was making it easier in some ways.

[yokehead]

Great report, this is indeed a smashing hill whose qualities are perhaps a little unsung (ssshhh keep it quiet!). I was here a month ago, report coming soon!