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Had been planning to do this one for ages, and since Scotland was having a spell of good weather, decided Saturday was the day. So with younger brother in tow, we left Stirling at 6.30 and were out on the hill at 8.15. There was already a group in the car park (we parted near Allt na Reigh) waiting for their friends to arrive; they were lucky enough to have a 2 car option. We were doing it the hard way (!) with one car.
Route ascends quicly and we soon reached Meall Dearg and got our first sight of the ridge. Thanks to the various reports on here we knew what to expect. I was mad keen to crack on, but my bro took pause for thought as he suffers from vertigo. "It'll be fine", I lied, and off we went.
Obviously once you start there is no way off, so looking back I don't recall being particularly scared, as I knew I had to get to the other side anyway. We took it really slow - and were overtaken by about three parties. Going up was fine, but did a lot of going down on my butt, like a one year old going down stairs. On the more exposed tops I also managed to leave my dignity behind by scuttling about on all fours, not wanting to stand up.
After the crazy pinnacles, the walk becomes relatively straightforward, although being 'emotionally exhausted' I found the pulls up to Stob Coire Leith and Sgorr nam Fiannaidh took it out of me.
I had originally planned to head directly South from SnF but didn't fancy the look of steep scree slopes. There were people descending on it, but discretion being the better part of valour, we decided not to push our luck as the mountain gods had smiled on us so far.
Putting the large detour (and long walk back to the car from Glencoe) to the back of our minds we started the long descent. Cracking views of Loch Linnhe.
It took us 6.5 hours from the start to hit to road near Glencoe village. The walk back to the car took a further hour and a half. Because we had though we;d be coming back a more direct route, we had both left out wallets in the car, so couldn't even have a pint at the Clachaig. Also at this point my brother asked why we hadn't asked if we could have followed the guys we met first thing, left our car with theirs and cadged a lift back to the start. Doh!
Finally back at the car we met two people who we had met on the ridge earlier, but were doing it Eastwards. Since I am such a great guy(!) we gave them a run back to Glencoe. By which point despite my thirst I figured we'd best hit the road. Stopped briefly at a very busy Green Welly for water then a reasonably clear road got us home for 7pm.
Unforgettable day. For what it's worth, my sage advice would be (1) don't look down and (2) don't think too hard about what you are doing. Just keep reaching for the next hand hold...
