Beinn na Lap, a Winters Tale
Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 10:37 pmIt was only after watching Scoobs excellent film of Bod and Vals compleation (I wish I could have made it 
) it reminded me of my trip this fabulous hill, back in February, so slightly out of this time of year for the report with things being a bit different at that time of year. But hopefully a taster of this winter coming 
But such days are a delight, days to yearn for and reminders of similar days, whilst in winters of late, crisp days have been too few, but many stand out as special, Drumochter, Beinn a Chaorainn , Sgurr Gaoith, Beinn Mheadhoin, and Beinn Liath Mhor into Coulags just a few winter epics
My day started from Fort William for the train to Corrour, a stunning start to the day where I noticed some impressive waterfalls on approach to the corner where we turned towards the Easains, must see if they are reachable at some point.
The light provided for some beautiful shots as I ascended the lower slopes looking back to Loch Ossian. Only one other gent left the train ahead of me (plus 3 ladies also doing Beinn na Lap) but he was off for bigger things as I found out on the return.
My lonely footprints on ascent looking back down across the frozen land to Corrour.
The summit crest is reached fairly easily and soon the summit comes into view.
Views back towards the Easains, stunning.
It was a bright day, goggles required and the braveheart gear
The 3 ladies were unsure which route to descend in the deeper snow so I held back to ensure they were ok before I descended in the usual fashion sliding down most of the way on my backside. Knight in shining armour syndrome
View back to the summit crest with the ladies behind.
And eventually back to stunning views of Loch Ossian
The station comes back into view.
Happy days in winter wonderland.
Whilst awaiting for the train the gent who had sped off at the start returned, his mission aborted. He was aiming for Ben Alder but was beaten back by the deep snow beyond Loch Ossian. A challenge indeed as the mileage alone to Ben Alder from Corrour is significant, I was suitably impressed he had tried.
Winter has always been my time of year, a combination of the remoteness when much of mans visible existence is wiped away, covered by the snow, and the more challenging environment. A reminder that everything we may take for granted when walking in summer is taken to the next level in winter conditions. That we are puny in this environment and such winter endeavours must involve more rigorous planning of routes, equipment, but worth it all the more, to break away from the routine of daily life even just for a moment. Enjoy
) it reminded me of my trip this fabulous hill, back in February, so slightly out of this time of year for the report with things being a bit different at that time of year. But hopefully a taster of this winter coming But such days are a delight, days to yearn for and reminders of similar days, whilst in winters of late, crisp days have been too few, but many stand out as special, Drumochter, Beinn a Chaorainn , Sgurr Gaoith, Beinn Mheadhoin, and Beinn Liath Mhor into Coulags just a few winter epics
My day started from Fort William for the train to Corrour, a stunning start to the day where I noticed some impressive waterfalls on approach to the corner where we turned towards the Easains, must see if they are reachable at some point.
The light provided for some beautiful shots as I ascended the lower slopes looking back to Loch Ossian. Only one other gent left the train ahead of me (plus 3 ladies also doing Beinn na Lap) but he was off for bigger things as I found out on the return.
My lonely footprints on ascent looking back down across the frozen land to Corrour.
The summit crest is reached fairly easily and soon the summit comes into view.
Views back towards the Easains, stunning.
It was a bright day, goggles required and the braveheart gear
The 3 ladies were unsure which route to descend in the deeper snow so I held back to ensure they were ok before I descended in the usual fashion sliding down most of the way on my backside. Knight in shining armour syndrome
View back to the summit crest with the ladies behind.
And eventually back to stunning views of Loch Ossian
The station comes back into view.
Happy days in winter wonderland.
Whilst awaiting for the train the gent who had sped off at the start returned, his mission aborted. He was aiming for Ben Alder but was beaten back by the deep snow beyond Loch Ossian. A challenge indeed as the mileage alone to Ben Alder from Corrour is significant, I was suitably impressed he had tried.
Winter has always been my time of year, a combination of the remoteness when much of mans visible existence is wiped away, covered by the snow, and the more challenging environment. A reminder that everything we may take for granted when walking in summer is taken to the next level in winter conditions. That we are puny in this environment and such winter endeavours must involve more rigorous planning of routes, equipment, but worth it all the more, to break away from the routine of daily life even just for a moment. Enjoy
