The Ridge
Posted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 1:01 am
Another late report - Sept 2009
After weeks of saying I wasn't ever coming to Aonach Eagach, I finally was there.
Great weather, a bit of cloud hanging around to add to the atmosphere
Read reports, studied photos and watched many a YouTube clip of the Ridge
From car park, no walk-in, just a steep ascent to Am Bodach.
At summit, and alls well - not really - not looking forward to what's ahead of me.
The path to the pinnacles was not too bad in places - or so it looked, until I got closer.
I didn't take any photos on the next bit - as unable to due to fear.
The scary section.
The descent from Am Bodach looked terrible for me, although I followed the guys and didn't look down, or too far ahead of me - where I became nervous, the experienced guys talked me through the bad bits.
The Chancelor looked very intimidating - I did not venture out - the guys said it wasn't as bad as it looked.
The chimneys were fine for me, felt safe-ish.
The pinnacles were not - felt very unsafe, sweating like crazy, very exposed - all the conditions I dread.
Wanted it over - was told were to put my hands and feet, didn't look at the drop, just followed the instruction given, one step at a time. I knew if I turned back at this point, it would be just as bad, so had to continue.
The guys stopped for lunch, mid ridge, I forced them to have a rapid stop and to quickly continue, basically to end my hell.
Finally the ridge walk was over
The walk to the second munro was considerably easier and without fear or incident
I did not want to descend the direct route down the very steep scree, and definately not near the Clachaig Gully.
We opted to head for the Pap of Glencoe. This meant a longer walk back, but a easier descent.
Descent path now - a walk in the park.
I'm really glad I completed the Aonach Eagach ridge. Really surprised I managed it all, I had a few escape routes planned if my vertigo overwhelmed me.
A combination of great weather, ace climbing buddies, good fortune, and a lot of research to enable my mental health to overcome my fears, all help me to succeed.
Fantastic day.
After weeks of saying I wasn't ever coming to Aonach Eagach, I finally was there.
Great weather, a bit of cloud hanging around to add to the atmosphere
Read reports, studied photos and watched many a YouTube clip of the Ridge
From car park, no walk-in, just a steep ascent to Am Bodach.
At summit, and alls well - not really - not looking forward to what's ahead of me.
The path to the pinnacles was not too bad in places - or so it looked, until I got closer.
I didn't take any photos on the next bit - as unable to due to fear.
The scary section.
The descent from Am Bodach looked terrible for me, although I followed the guys and didn't look down, or too far ahead of me - where I became nervous, the experienced guys talked me through the bad bits.
The Chancelor looked very intimidating - I did not venture out - the guys said it wasn't as bad as it looked.
The chimneys were fine for me, felt safe-ish.
The pinnacles were not - felt very unsafe, sweating like crazy, very exposed - all the conditions I dread.
Wanted it over - was told were to put my hands and feet, didn't look at the drop, just followed the instruction given, one step at a time. I knew if I turned back at this point, it would be just as bad, so had to continue.
The guys stopped for lunch, mid ridge, I forced them to have a rapid stop and to quickly continue, basically to end my hell.
Finally the ridge walk was over
The walk to the second munro was considerably easier and without fear or incident
I did not want to descend the direct route down the very steep scree, and definately not near the Clachaig Gully.
We opted to head for the Pap of Glencoe. This meant a longer walk back, but a easier descent.
Descent path now - a walk in the park.
I'm really glad I completed the Aonach Eagach ridge. Really surprised I managed it all, I had a few escape routes planned if my vertigo overwhelmed me.
A combination of great weather, ace climbing buddies, good fortune, and a lot of research to enable my mental health to overcome my fears, all help me to succeed.
Fantastic day.