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Bruach na Frithe - another wonderful day in heaven

PostPosted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:06 pm
by Jaxter
Following an intense 28th birthday on the Inn Pinn the day before, three of us remained; Harry, Darren and myself. The forecast was excellent and we were itching to get back up onto the ridge. Several options were tossed around but eventually we decided on the “easy” Bruach na Frithe, drove a couple of minutes up the road to the layby and off we went.

Setting off along the track we could see the traditional view of Sgurr nan Gillian and Am Basteir from Sligachan
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It was already very warm and I was definitely considering a wee dip on the way back :lol:
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Perhaps it was just me recovering from the evil Tonsillitis I’d spent the last 10 days trying to throw off, or perhaps it was the extra few drinks in the Slig the night before (even though I was on orange juice :lol: ) but I was feeling pretty tired :shock: I don’t think I was the only one :lol:

Looking back, Glamaig and Beinn Dearg Mor looked stunning
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The path led us around the side as our route would take us around Sgurr a Bhasteir and into Fionn Choire. As we walked further round the impressive Pinnacle Ridge of Sgurr nan Gillian came into view.
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Always worth taking the time to look behind too, as we now had a stunning view of Marsco with Bla Bheinn behind.
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And of course the Red Cuillin
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We were now looking into Fionn Choire and Bruach na Frithe itself was now visible
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Looking up into Fionn Choire as we now heading upwards
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We decided to reverse the Walk Highlands route as we liked the idea of scrambling up the ridge. It was steep and I irritated the others by saying the worst bit was nearly over. Turned out it wasn’t :lol:

But our efforts were rewarded as we reached the northwest ridge and were confronted with this
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Looking back we could see tiny Sligachan and out to the Storr
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The ridge ahead looked just awesome. We put our poles away and headed off, big grins on our faces.
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What a view
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We were all enjoying the scrambling and all kept to the crest of the ridge as we didn’t want to be branded a pussy for taking a bypass :lol:

Looking back along the ridge – there was nothing difficult or even particularly exposed on it.
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We climbed up a couple of dykes towards the top as suggested by the route description before reverting to the crest. Darren and Harry were laughing at me trying to scramble up things that were too big for me. I managed it though :lol:

All too soon we were at the top; the scrambling was over but wow were the views impressive or what?! :shock:

Sgurr nan Gillian with Bla Bheinn and the Red Cuillin behind
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The other direction, some conquered, some still to do. And some to repeat. What a ridge!
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“Jackie you could stand on the trig” “Challenge accepted” :lol:
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Spoiling a great view
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We were kind of at a loss for words (those who know me will realise the enormity of this statement :lol: ) It was just incredible to be in such an amazing place in perfect weather. The only complaint was that there was so little wind that there was the odd midge about :shock:

We had a quick munch before deciding that the pointy bit of rock looked higher and we should check it out just in case. It turned out that the trig was higher after all (duh :lol: ) but it was fun none-the-less :D
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Looking to Sgurr na Stri and out to sea, I was getting the beginnings of an idea starting to form in my head…
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The ridge
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We made our way along the ridge and eyed up Sgurr a Fionn Choire – a big lump of rock that was apparently possible to climb. Darren wanted to know if it was a Munro Top – my map said Yes, so we made for it! It was a good scramble and we met a guy on there too – our first human encounter of the day!

We were now very close to Am Basteir and the Tooth
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Looking back
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An impressive panorama
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It was very tempting to see what else we could climb but none of us had done our homework so climbed back down to Bealach nan Lice.

Am Basteir and the Tooth even closer
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We were toying with the idea of walking out to Sgurr a Bhasteir, I was up for it, Darren less so. Fortunately mutiny was avoided by Harry casting his deciding vote in my favour :lol:

It was definitely worth the effort as the views of Pinnacle Ridge were pretty special
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Looking back to Am Basteir, the Tooth, Sgurr a Fionn Choire and Bruach na Frithe
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We reckoned it was even a Corbett Top anyway :lol:

The sun shining on the Red Cuillin
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Basteir and Gillian
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Pinnacle Ridge
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Darren heading back towards Am Basteir and Sgurr a Fionn Choire
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Sgurr a Fionn Choire and Bruach na Frithe
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Back at the bealach it was a relatively easy walk out through the coire to eventually join up with our outward route.

Looking back up
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Marsco and Bla Bheinn
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It was a long and weary trudge back to the cars, we all felt tired and it was very hot. But the views were absolutely fabulous.

The Storr
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Back at the cars, Darren and Harry both had long trips home whereas I had the option of remaining on Skye a few days longer. With the forecast looking good and my health improving this was a no-brainer! I waved goodbye to the boys and headed to Slig Mountain Rescue for use of their wifi for a final weather check 8)

I then headed along the road in search of a camp spot. And I found a pretty decent one :D
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Ben Tianavaig and The Storr
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I had a lovely wee beach with a view across to Raasay
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I got a brew on and settled down with a book. However, soon it started raining and I was forced to retreat into the tent. I did have a bit of a signal however so managed to have a chat with my Mum and let her know I was still alive :lol:

After a while the rain let off and was unfortunately replaced by the worst midges I have ever experienced. I donned my full battle armour to cook up some dinner and then enjoy the sunset.

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Full battle armour!
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After a while I decided to wander down to the beach and was overjoyed to discover that there was enough of a breeze for there to be no midges :D

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It was nice to get the midge net off for a bit :D
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I’m pretty sure I was looking at the pot of gold, whatever the rainbow said!
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Raasay – plan to go there next time after I read the book “Callum’s Road”
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With the sun now gone I was now enjoying all sorts of crazy skies 8)
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I felt incredibly lucky to be able to witness such beauty and it was definitely worth the midges which began to reappear once the sun had set. It was getting chilly and I was tired so I headed for the tent and my comfy sleeping bag after one last look….

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Re: Bruach na Frithe - another wonderful day in heaven

PostPosted: Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:34 pm
by Mal Grey
It truly is an amazing place, Skye, to think that some people say this isn't that interesting a hill!!! The profile views of Pinnacle Ridge and Am Basteir/the Bastard Tooth (how I felt about it when climbing it!) are just sensational, as is your panorama of the ridge from B n F.

You got lucky with the weather again. (though to be fair, this is pretty much the only Cuillin Hill I haven't had a view from, the rest I got very lucky on)

Good sunset too! And the headgear is special... (he says, having just tried on a full bug shirt with built in hood while packing for a trip to northern parts across the sea)

I'm guessing there's more to come...

Re: Bruach na Frithe - another wonderful day in heaven

PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:41 am
by Jaxter
Mal Grey wrote:It truly is an amazing place, Skye, to think that some people say this isn't that interesting a hill!!! The profile views of Pinnacle Ridge and Am Basteir/the Bastard Tooth (how I felt about it when climbing it!) are just sensational, as is your panorama of the ridge from B n F.

You got lucky with the weather again. (though to be fair, this is pretty much the only Cuillin Hill I haven't had a view from, the rest I got very lucky on)

Good sunset too! And the headgear is special... (he says, having just tried on a full bug shirt with built in hood while packing for a trip to northern parts across the sea)

I'm guessing there's more to come...

Cheers Mal, it's special isn't it :D Sometimes the less "interesting" hills have the best views 8)
Do love a midgie net. It's the only way to deal with the wee buggers when there's that many of them :lol: