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On 29th of May 2013 I arrived at the Squirrel campsite and put a case of beer in the river to cool. This wasn't explicitly prohibited as far as I know
My pal and climbing expert Steve arrived shortly afterwards having travelled up from Derby. With the gear sorted out and two tents set up we headed for the Clachaig for lagers and ales.
The gear sorted out kind of
The Clachaig is well equipped for the ale drinking fraternity and the guy behind the bar gave me a funny look when I asked if they had any real beer like Tennents lager. Whats happened to the pubs in the west of Scotland?
I had to settle for lager from the Cairngorms apparently, which was very good to be fair. The bar was quite busy with climbers and walkers but we were fairly certain we would see none of them on our walk tomorrow.
The next morning the weather was glorious and not much of a hangover either after a good night in the pub. At the Bidean nam Bian car park im sure we got some odd stares as we set off with all sorts of climbing gear including ice axes
. It was almost June and a scorcher.
Our approximate route
And in close up
After the bridge across the Coe we turned right and as predicted we never saw a soul until we arrived back at this point. ( A bagger free zone
) Following the red line it was mostly steep grass and gullies. At one point tree climbing was involved to aid the ascent.
Looking back
Looking forward
The goal
After this point there was a descent into a gully then up the gully with big obstacles.
View back to the road
And another
Looking up and into the cave
After getting to this point we decided to pack it in as there was no protection and it was a long way up on crumbly stuff.
Great views on the way back down
The Ballachulish Bridge
The A82
Steve looking across at the Aonach Eagach wishing he was there instead
S#@* we've missed the bus
Back down in the glen in need of water
Conclusion- Power tools or a 100ft ladder required for the 2nd attempt
To Be Continued.................