The pulse was raised a few beats at his suggestion of the Forcan Ridge, though it was one I was thinking of myself, before long.The forecast wasn't looking too bad, though some suggestion it might be a bit windy, as we parked up by the layby on A87. Keep your wits about you as the traffic is fair shifting, in each direction. The route up to Bealach na Craoibhe is relatively pleasant going, except when trying to keep up with a younger, fitter, six foot plusser!
- What lies ahead. Forcan ridge to left and a separate ridge heading west to Sgurr na Criege.
- Some folk on the first part of Forcan.
- Further along ridge. Exposure lot more serious than it looks on some bits.
- Look back, so far.
Gradually the views along Glen Shiel, Five Sisters and craggy ridge to Sgurr na Criege, begin to open up and whet the appetite for the main ridge, as the scramble nears. It was quite steep in places, but nothing too hairy, though I tend not too spend too long admiring the exposure. One or, two moments of bum shuffling on tricky bits, but in these dry conditions, not too tricky and took the odd bypass here and there, especially at the really steep drop, after Sgurr na Forcan.
- Steve, heading for "the bad step."
- And looking down the bad step. Not today, thank you!
- Come off here and you're only going one way.
- Another look back, toward the bad step, at the far end.
- The road stops here.
Steve, also traversed a knife sharp ridge, which I decided to leave till the next time and then it wasn't much after that, we were on the summit of The Saddle. Decent views, though not the clearest day, out to the Cuillin, Loch Cluanie, Kintail and other ranges and of course, over to Sgurr na Sgine, second target for the day. Superb!
- Another chap, coming behind.
- Fine outline of the Cuillin Ridge.
- Eyes to the west. Looking over to Beinn Sgritheall.
- Beinn Sgritheall, out to Rum.
- Pano, out to Skye and isles to the west.
After the usual few photo's and some grub, we set off down the boulder strewn route to the bealach, marvelling at the drystane dyke, which some poor soul must have been used as punishment, to go and build, many moons ago. Was a bit of a climb up from the bealach, but before long we were on the summit of Sgurr na Sgine. Doesn't look much of a hill from the approach side, but I wouldn't like to have to tackle it from the south!
- Him again!
- The Forcan Ridge.
- Over to the ridge.
- Coming off Sgurr na Sgine, behind. Doesn't look much, but see the drop on the far side!
- Steve, heading for summit of Faochag.
Enjoyed the stroll to the summit of Faochag, which is a stunning peak, when viewed heading west on the A87, along Glen Shiel. I don't know which is better, or perhaps, which is worse, but it sure is steep and sore on the knees, on descent!
- Faochag, over to the Bro's and Sisters.
- Over to the Forcan Ridge, from Faochag.
- Steve, heading off Faochag. Brothers Ridge, along Glen Shiel, ahead.
- Glen Shiel and some of the Five Sisters.
Crossing the Allt Mhalagain at the bottom, was no trouble today and before you could say "six and a half hours," we were back at the car, well satisfied with another great day on the hills and no Forcan puns used!
- Faochag...... on a different day, I might add.
