Wednesday, 20th. July, 2016
This was the sixth day supervising a D. of E. trip for a bunch of lads from Kent and, having had a long day out in brilliant weather on the preceding day, we were greeted with a bleak morning of low cloud and persistent rain. It was a reorganisation and rest day for the boys (before they began their assessed expedition on the Thursday) so, after waiting to no good effect for the weather to improve, I set out to climb Beinn Eighe's "new" Munro, Spidean Coire nan Clach. Sadly, the weather was appalling pretty much throughout - but there were one or two highlights:
- The appearance of a dog wearing a jacket at the beginning of the climb up the Allt a'Chuirn - the only other living creature seen on the hill all day!
- A quite exciting crossing of the Allt a'Chuirn before an enjoyable scramble up on to Creag Dhubh in pouring rain.
- Good scrambling over Bodaich Dubh which would have been better if it had been possible to see anything.
- Lovely walking along the narrow ridge to the north of the main summit.
- Excellent fun down-climbing a big, slabby crag at the end of this ridge when I bore slightly too far to the right above Lochan Uaine in the mist.
All things considered, not a great day but a better experience than staying in the valley!
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.