Beinn Bhuidhe - take two

[old danensian]

Another report on Saturday’s efforts on Beinn Bhuidhe

Down in Warwickshire on Friday morning - the jury was still out on the weather – but the forecasted whiteouts and gales moved a hundred miles or so south. So, Saturday offered the prospect of the cobwebs being blown away and the possibility of a top being reached – especially on discovering that the 40th birthday party we were going up to Glasgow for was in the evening not at lunchtime as I’d originally thought.

Down Glen Fyne

Why??????

Stroll up Glen Fyne – things look positive – occasional breaks in the high cloud - odd patch of brightness on the slopes above –cottages at Inverchorachan reach –optimism runs high. It was a leisurely stroll at 80 minutes rather than Craig and Andy’s 60.

Cottages at Inverchorachan

Steep slope above – pass the waterfalls – glimpse of sun and shirt-sleeves.

Reach the level of the upper waterfall - enthusiasm diluted by sky turning dark - within moments thick wet heavy flakes of snow blow in – within fifteen minutes any vestige of sketchy track and optimism wanes.

Question calling it a day - answered by appearance of a bouncing Rocco, accompanied by Andy and Craig

Welcome company – carry on – snow relents but cloud and wind remain as companions

GPS show we keep running parallel to recommended track – but easy angled rakes, ramps and gullies criss-crossing the crags above give plenty of straightforward options to what might be the ridge above – it proves to be.

Ramps, rakes and gullies - upper crags to ridge

Brief glimpse as ridge reached – views back to Pt 901 – and on to the summit

Summit ridge of Beinn Bhuidhe

Back to Pt 901

But soon visibility disappears again – summit reached – a few shared congratulations

Summit of Beinn Bhuidhe

Retreat down the same way to quieter spots for something to eat – and the walk out – and final sting in weather’s tail with rain / hail drenching.

[andrewdoggett]

Cracking report Nigel... You definitely secure the position of tour journalist; and great photos; especially like the ramps, rakes, and gullies picture - did we really go up there...?? I think a good job it was largely covered in cloud on the way up!!

Great to meet you...

[ChrisW]

Congrats on making the most of your trip to Glasgow, I don't envy you the weather but I do envy your spirit

[old danensian]

OK - I didn't tell the full story.

Descent from ridge

But there was no photographic evidence of my plunge through the snow into the burn - thank goodness for underfloor heating, my boots stand in the middle of our hall gently simmering.

And I didn't want to embarrass Rocco when he wussed out on the scramble - but then again, four paws aren't always better than two feet.

N

[andrewdoggett]

But there was no photographic evidence of my plunge through the snow into the burn

Which in hindsight is a shame... I've never seen a snow angel three foot deep before...

[Jockstar]

Good to see you out and about after our soaking at Glencoe. The dog wasnae put off either though there might be concerns for the humans as to why you were oot on the hills in the first place
The soaking from landing in the burn was close to the same happening at Glencoe..remember us trying to get across the burn which was in spate !

[Stretch]

Good stuff Nigel, glad to see you back out on the hills!

[gammy leg walker]

Another good report Nigel,will need to get down there soon and add to my list,it"s one thats been giving me an itch now for a wee while