Walkhighlands

I decided to head back up the hills after attending one of my childhood best mate’s funeral in Motherwell Cathedral. Funny how death makes us realise how lucky we are, even if the referendum vote was for no independence at this time.
I chose to head up the AE ridge as on previous visits I have failed to get a full view along the route. I set off from the top car park at the head of the glen and climbed up to the cairn of Am Bodach.
View back down to car
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Down glencoe
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Back to Bookil..
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Approaching AmBodach
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A look along ridge
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
I followed the ridge sticking to the ridgeline wherever possible.
A view back up the first down climb section
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
More ahead
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Some wee animals on the other side of the glen
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
The rocks were dry and easy to scramble around.
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
A down climb section
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The clouds moved in and an eerie mist enshrined the rock formations.
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Another down climb
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Thought I saw an old man countenance on the rock face..
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

End of the hands on rocky ridge and a straightforward ridge walk to summit.
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

A view back down to the A82
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

I did not see anyone and enjoyed the solace which provided an opportunity to reminisce.

I reached the summit of Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh and watched the cloud swathe the ridge.

AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Some company
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr


I sat for a moment and said a final farewell before heading straight down the steep slopes to the A82.
The boulders underfoot caused some impact pain to the healing broken toes. I would not recommend this descent route unless one is surefooted and confident with traversing moving scree.
AonachEagachRidgeSept2014 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

I reached the road safely and without a tick bite then headed back up the A82 to the car just as it became totally black. Driving below the ridge I felt that the walk was a fitting way to say farewell to an old friend. RIP Mick…

I took a wee video showing most of the ups and downs if you get time to view.

Cheers Kenny, and yes I did find the time to watch the whole video. I'm sure your late friend would've approved.

4mins 20sec onwards was a joy to watch.

A fitting way to say farewell to your friend. Still got the AE to do. Great video. Does the ridge always move around that much? Might leave it for a calm day!

Just watched you video, don't know if it's me, I went pretty much over all the peaks and this makes it look a lot harder than I remember it. Just wanted to add this comment as it may put some people off what is a thrilling day. Well worth saving for perfect conditions

I'm sure Mick would have approved your choice of route on this day

Great report, smashing pics. It's a lovely bit of mountain.

Not so sure about the video: I was completely dizzy by 4.20....!!

Great video!
It almost looks like you're riding a bike in places. Might be the speed?
What an awesome ridge, now I'm really looking forward to it.

A fitting tribute.
Chris

londonwalker wrote:Just watched you video, don't know if it's me, I went pretty much over all the peaks and this makes it look a lot harder than I remember it. Just wanted to add this comment as it may put some people off what is a thrilling day. Well worth saving for perfect conditions

I'm sure Mick would have approved your choice of route on this day

Yeah I did the ridge the other weekend (from t'other end mind) and had previously watched some of these helmet or pole mounted vids and they defo make it look worse than it is when you're up there...thankfully! If it had been as bad as it looks in this vid I'd've filled my pants!

Mantog wrote:

londonwalker wrote:Just watched you video, don't know if it's me, I went pretty much over all the peaks and this makes it look a lot harder than I remember it. Just wanted to add this comment as it may put some people off what is a thrilling day. Well worth saving for perfect conditions

I'm sure Mick would have approved your choice of route on this day

Yeah I did the ridge the other weekend (from t'other end mind) and had previously watched some of these helmet or pole mounted vids and they defo make it look worse than it is when you're up there...thankfully! If it had been as bad as it looks in this vid I'd've filled my pants!

Nice one, I agree with Mantog and Londonwalker, the video makes it look more scary than it really was.

Davetherave - Thanks, yes enjoy that section of the ridge too.
Silverhill - Thanks, No the ridge was fine just my poor attempt at camera work and double speed playback. Hope you enjoy your visit to the ridge and get great conditions and good visibility.
Londonwalker - Cheers
Altknacker - Thanks - yes, me too, novice camera work.
Jepsonscotland - Thanks - spot on, I increased speed X2 to gain more footage of ridge in less video time as it takes for ever to upload.
Mantog- Me too
Rodmeister - Cheers - probably the settings on the gopro, the X2 speed, the bad editing and the novice user.

Right, that's it then, I'm never going up there. It looks so scary - just as bad as the Inn Pin methinks! Enjoyed the photos though, and a great way to pay tribute to your friend.

AnnieMacD wrote:Right, that's it then, I'm never going up there. It looks so scary - just as bad as the Inn Pin methinks! Enjoyed the photos though, and a great way to pay tribute to your friend.

Thanks Annie

That looked good, Kenny, and a fitting tribute As others have noted, the video does seem to make it scarier than I remember it though that day also had some clag to hide some of the drops (which suited me fine ) - cheers