M#11-12 Ben Lui and Beinn a'Chleibh

[littlebob]

Due to a promising weather forecast I persuaded Big Bob and Mrs H to head for the hills. Ben Lui and Beinn a Chleibh looked promising but at the carpark the peak was still shrouded.

but first to get across the water. River Lochy was easy enough but passing under the railway bridge the snow melt was FREEZING.

The walk up through the pine forest alonside the burn was very scenic but very boggy with a number of strategic detours. Bog factor x littlebob factor = very boggy.

Once out though the view up the steep climb was quite daunting - and the cloud was still shrouding the peak

A long hard slog up the steep grass and finally to the start of the ridge. But what a view!

The ridge and a large part of the track was covered on the east side with deep and unstable looking snow. Far too deep for little legs. We opted instead for a scramble up the rocks.

And finally to the cairn and then across the dip to the summit. Sure the views must have been great - but at least the ice and snow was fun!

Then a nice easy descent and back up again to Beinn a Cleibh summit

And a lovely walk back down

. Of course by the time we got to the carpark the top was clear!

[Silverhill]

You had the right gear on for all that water at the bottom of the hill. I’ve never tried swimming on snow, ice or rocks. Well done you! Think I will give it a miss though!