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I won't lie, when it comes to Munros I'm not an expert. Save a trip across the Five Sisters of Kintail a few years ago I'm pretty much in virgin territories in the world of Scottish mountains.
But as I was staying near Kyle with the family, I had to research a simple enough walk that would get me on to the main Cuillin Ridge without drama and would get me back to the wife and kids by mid afternoon. Unsurprisingly almost 100% of the suggestions pointed towards the walk up to Bruach na Frithe from Sligachan.
On a day that started cloudy and slightly damp, I could not have asked for a better day (overcast but with a cloud base at 3000 foot on climb, brilliant blue sky appearing when I got to the summit). The Skye mountain gods were smiling!
I won't bore you with the route too much as it is pretty much the obvious tourist path! Following the streams, waterfalls and little pools up I would describe the majority of the ascent as
pleasant or even
enchanting, but not necessarily
exciting! Nice views to the North to the Old Man of Storr but fairly average otherwise. That was until I got to the ridge.
The view over the rest of the ridge, over Blabheinn, Am Basteir, the many lochs and the islands was almost beyond imagination. I'm sure the many of you who are on this forum could understand that the sudden and unexpected view can render you quite emotional! Climbing up to the summit with the views only getting better made me more and more excited.
As mentioned before, the clouds were clearing with every step. Only one cloud was left on the ridge when I got to the summit and that was over In Pinn. Half a sandwich later and all was clear - it couldn't have been any more perfect.
Anyway enough of the waffle, here are some photos which 'm sure will not do the views justice whatsoever!
Start of the day at Sligachan looking up to a Sgurr nan Gillean
One of many waterfalls - the route could quite easily compete with the overly popular Fairy Pools routes
The majority of the walk was through simple scree routes up to the Bealach ahead
Looking back to the North. Nice but nothing compared to the other side of the ridge!
Dangerously close to the ridge, still blissfully unaware of what was the other side. Looked a nice little climb to the top though.
Did not expect this
Nor this
Am Basteir looking wonderfully inviting even to me!
Only In Pinn in cloud. Thanks to the man and dog for giving scale to the picture.
Two minutes later
Incredible day, part of a wonderful holiday in an amazing part of the Uk.
