Beinn Dorain - failed sunrise attempt

[Pietrach]

The plan was sound. An early wake up at 0430 and a drive up to Bridge of Orchy. Around 0600 I would start a pretty straight forward approach by the established route, so that just after 0800 I could enjoy a beautiful sunrise at the top of Beinn Dorain.

To ensure this trip is as successful as I would like to, I checked the weather forecast, prepared all the equipment in advance, and done all the required preparations.

However, several things still went wrong either due to unpredictability of the Scottish weather, or simply my negligence during the various aspects of preparation and during the trip itself.

The trip to Bridge of Orchy went smooth, although the weather at that time of day (night?) was already worse than anticipated. Including a 20min delay due to an accident 2miles south of Bridge of Orchy, I managed to start my walk from the car park at BoO Hotel around 0630.

Because time remaining to sunrise was quickly diminishing, leaving me only 1.5hrs for the ascent, I rushed. And I rushed the wrong way  Before I realised, I lost another 30min, and any hopes for reaching the summit for sunrise. As such, I made a peace with this thought (like I had a choice), and proceeded uphill at my normal pace.

As I was gaining height, the weather was becoming worse and worse. Rain turned to snow, clouds closed in, strong wind kept bashing at me to the point my face was hurting, and generally a long section of the route was far from pleasant.

As I was getting closer to the summit, I made a classic error of keeping right, and going south round the summit, on a very unpleasant slope – especially when covered in a wet snow.

When I finally got to the summit, the still low and dense clouds occasionally started to give way to same spectacular views. This was very intermittent, and associated with a very strong wind, but at least it allowed me to see the surrounding landscape. Not something I could say about few other munros I visited 

From then on the trip was getting more and more enjoyable and views even better. I returned the same route (except the "wrong way" section) stopping regularly to take in the atmosphere and the views.

Overall the trip was pretty successful and I am sure I will be returning.

A short video/pictorial and a few photographs below:

Hope you enjoyed.

[denfinella]

Some nice photos and views even if sunrise didn't quite go to plan!

[Cairngorm creeper]

What a shame not have the sunrise after that early start, but some nice photos and video just the same We made the same mistake with that side path on Beinn Dorian and it was not pleasant, I can just imagine what it would be like in slippery soft snow

[Pietrach]

Some nice photos and views even if sunrise didn't quite go to plan!

Thank you. there is always a bright side, ins't there?

What a shame not have the sunrise after that early start, but some nice photos and video just the same We made the same mistake with that side path on Beinn Dorian and it was not pleasant, I can just imagine what it would be like in slippery soft snow

It just shows how easy it is to take the wrong turn. Especially that i read about it beforehand. Anyway, survived and enjoyed Thank you for the comment.