This time I decided to join a SYHA activity trip. The schedule was to try to do the 6 Munros in 3 days. Unfortunately the weather forecast for the trip was poor. Gales, rain, snow....it seemed the place was locked in Winter and it was beginning of May. Still, it was decided by the guide we would do Beinn Eighe as a gentle 'intro'.
We started at the car park (976579) to Beinn Eighe in non-favourable conditions. I'd been here before in my first trip...could I handle another failed attempt ! I had driven past it the day before and was surprised to see so much snow at the top. The decision was made not to take crampons. After about 500m slowly climbing up the path to the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, the first Munro, we hit the snow line. Given that the path further ahead was covered in deep snow we discussed the best way to approach it. The decision was to take a line towards the 2nd cairn to the right of the Coire.
- Choosing the route
- Making the most of the last solid ground
We made our way slowly up making our line through the snow. The snow was still soft so it was still reasonably good walking conditions.
- Walking up the coire
As we got steeper, so did the snow. Kicking in steps was still achievable and crampons weren't required. There were a few 'dodgy' bits near the top where the snow hardened where due care and attention was required. We were lucky we could still make good progress without crampons.
- Steep going!
- A wee way to go
The line we took meant we missed the first cairn at the top of the summer track, but came to the 2nd cairn dead on. Visibility was poor and the wind was howling.....again I thought not again!
- Approaching the 2nd cairn in low visibility
Neil and myself put on our thermal jackets to wait for the others in the group to arrive. It was freezing! When they approached, the clouds started to part! Perfect timing....could the weather be breaking up?
- Clouds parting
With the gales, and the conditions they were I again had my doubts of reaching the top. The last 100m or so from the 2nd cairn to the top of Spidean Coire nan Clach looked tricky with a touch of scrambling. Ian, our guide provided the encouragement to plod along and reach the top. It looked worse than it was. He led and checked the scramble section was still safe enough to do. He found a safe route, and we followed...one tricky step and a hoy up and the top was there....and the clouds continued to part!
- Last scramble section to top
- A seat with a view!
- Top of Spidean Coire nan Clach
What a view, we could see the ridge ahead of us, and the mighty Liathach ! The wind dropped considerably...I couldn't believe my luck. After 10 mins of sucking up the atmosphere we headed back down to the cairn, and started to make our way along the ridge.
All along the route we were blessed with the wonder of Torridon...the way the light hits the mountains as stormy clouds roll past. Liathach was for ever dominant in front of us and showed off its pinnacles in full glory! That would be another day! Today was my Beinn Eighe day!
- Heading off the summit
- The 2nd cairn
- Starting along the ridge
- The ridge ahead
- Looking back
I mean you sometimes just have to stop to take it all on!
- what a view!
- Liathach
The ridge itself was easy going. Myself and Neil headed off to climb the 2nd Munro Ruadh-Stac Mor and the rest would meet us at the gully descent.
- Ruadh-Stac Mor in the distance
The descent off Coinneach Mhor towards the gully was steep and knee wobbling without crampons! The snow was compact and one slip would mean a long fall off the Triple Buttress. Luckily Neil had provided some if what small steps to slowly kick heels into. I made my way off it slowly. We had a look at the gully and thought..."Jeez....." as we made our way up Ruadh-stac Mor. The 2nd munro was easy and I reckon done in 1/2 hour. It was blowly. With no hanging about, we made our way back to the bealach to start our descent into the gully.
- Ruadh-Stac Mor Top
- Tripple Buttress and Coinneach Mhor
Joanne and Ian had already got a good way down the descent. I just looked at it and my first thought was.....we're not going down there ??? Neil started...I was the last. Apologies for the blurry picture below but I was shaking a wee bit
- Looking down the gully
The snow was still soft in the gully, so I decided the best approach was to down climb. Normally I would use my axe as support but as we had no winter gear I made do with my poles.I think the better approach was to use one pole instead of two, as I needed one hand to punch into the snow. Both poles just kept getting in the way. It was a long way down to fall! After what seemed like an eternity and "don't look down!" I made it down and joined the group at the bottom of the gully. I was glad to be on reasonably flat ground again into Coire Mhic Fhearchair
- Coire Mhic Fhearchair
The last section was across the boulder field. We had a break at the Loch and looked at the splendour of the Triple Buttress. The plod back to the car park was along an easy path. The weather started to turn again and the rains came...but I didn't care....Beinn Eighe was beaten this time ! What a day!
