Laoigh Before Longdown

[Cairngorm creeper]

The South East Ridge of Coire an Laoigh leading up to Stuc a Coire an Laoigh is an easy grade 1 and we have been up it and down it several times in Summer. It therefore seemed a good choice as our first winter scramble. We had hoped to build up a graded winter climb this year but the weather and snow conditions have not been on our side. But at last we had some good conditions, we were not to know it would be our last outing of the season!

8:30 and the snow looking good on Beinn Eighe.

Great views across to Liathach

and across to The Coulins

The SAIS report gave the avalanche risk as low. but there was evidence of small wet avalanches on the lower slopes. There may not be enough snow for a serious avalanche but it would be wise to careful

Stunning view

The stream separating the coire from the ridge was covered in snow, so we walked deep into the coire to make sure we were well past it before crosssing over to the ridge

Although there were frozen footprints from the day before we were breaking trail most of the way!

Once on the ridge we stopped to don crampons! Part of the day was to try out the new boots ( Meindlh Lite Peak pro)and crampons(black diamond sabre tooth) we had bought for uping our game from just walking! Crampons weren't absolutely necessary as the snow was soft but as we knew we would need them before long so decided to put them on in comfort and benefit from the extra security they privided.

Initially it was just a steep walk. I was surprised that at least two other parties had followed us up onto the ridge, I did not realise it was that popular. I hope they meant to go this way and weren't just following our footsteps!

Most of the difficulty can be avoided but that was never our objective! So we stayed mostly on the crest. Although we did miss out a short section of the crux. One of those decisions that seem wise at the time but you regret in hindsight!

Which was exciting enough for me! Although the crampons performed well giving a far mor secure hold than the G10's would have in the circumstances.

The bit we had been waiting for, in summer an easy but exposed step across a gully

In winter the added excitement of whether or not the snow will hold!

It was easier than anticipated

From here just a walk to the top of the ridge

Stuc Coire an Laoigh at 12:30. I didn't realise that this was the end so never took his photo! oh dear will I be forgiven

Stunning views of Liathach and Beinn Alligin behind

We contemplated continuing on to Spidean Coire nan Clach, but decided we had met our objective and to quit while we were winning

But rather than descend from the head of the coire we continued further up the path in the direction of the trig point until we were able to take a slightly less steep descent

But still steep enough and considerably more of it!

As we met up with the main path, we noticed other walkers were taking the easy way down, so we thought why not!

A fabulous day out and one to remember!

A fabulous day out and one to remember!

Back to the van for 15:00 and a long drive home. At the time of writing this report I am missing the hills and unsure when they will reopen. But The garden is looking well kept