Four became one ....

[scotdavid63]

Well the forecast did not look too bad and when we set off at 9.15am there was a certain hope to possibly get all four. Went anti clockwise as one of our group had done the first two on the clockwise route already, figuring at least get her the full bag of four even if all four were beyond reach. We are usually pretty quick on walks !
So, all well up to just over 600m, path was not always clear due to snow drifts but generally speaking all ok. Looked a bit claggy at the tops and when we got to close to 650m it got wild, wind and horizontal snow albeit not much of it thankfully. Thought about switching to the ridge over to the east but figured that would kill our timing and chances of more munros. At 850m there is no sign of any path at this time of year so persevered using the ridge that we were on. At this point some of the snow was hard packed and icy so one ice axe between three suddenly felt quite a lot light on equipment although I was fine under my layers of various north face kit. My 11year old son, pretty much for the first time in his 29munros was not happy although his footing was the best of the three of us. To cut to the chase, got up having decided to nail It then get the hell off, down the easterly of the ridges which was actually less snow and ice bound. That was a good choice, dropped height quite quickly and got below the clag, traversed back over to the ascent ridge and back down the path. Dogs enjoyed it, boy and me knackered. Bath and then a large dram for me !