Perfect day in Glencoe

[lomondwalkers]

When a 10 year old comes into the bedroom on a school morning declaring "wake up!!! It's five to nine" you get the feeling it's not going to be a good day...... WRONG!!!! A quick pack of the rucksack while the other half gets shorty sorted for school and we are out the door for 9.20. I drop one off at school, the other at work then it's up the a82. Clear blue skies along the way fill me with optimism that today was going to be a cracker.
As I got to Loch Tulla I hit a blanket of fog, eventually rising above it as I approached the viewpoint carpark just North of the Loch. I just had to pull in and savour it, and I wasn't the only one, as car after car pulled in and out came the occupants with their cameras. This is the scenery the tourists come here for, and today, Scotland wasn't disappointing them!!

Orchy hills

Beautiful

Another few minutes up the a82 and I was pulling in again, this time for Buachaille Etive Mor, it has to be one of the most beautiful sights in the country on a day like this, and with the Aonach Eagach Ridge just beyond, this only added to the attraction.

The Bookil

Zoomed

Eventually I dragged myself back into the car and got myself to the White Corries carpark. By now I was slightly worried about time, as it was 11.30 by the time I was on my merry way, thankfully the headtorch and plenty spare batteries were packed.
I can't say the plod up the start of this walk under the chair lift is the most inspiring I've ever done, but some nice waterfalls along the Allt na Giubhas helped keep the interest levels up.

No skiers today

Waterfall

Once onto the level ground both of todays targets came into view, but it was craggy Sron na Creise that stole the limelight. I headed right over two small bridges, and from here to the start of the Meall a'Bhuridh ridge the going was soggy to say the least, and a few back tracks were required.
Behind me, beyond the chair lift, was Rannoch Moor stretching towards Schiehallion and the Lawers range, and to the North The Mamores and The Ben, which sat with its head in the clouds. I also took a little wander off course for a better view of Stob Dearg which was peeking out behind Sron na Creise on the other side of Glen Etive.

The two bridges

Creise, Stob a'Ghlais Choire & Sron na Creise

Meall a'Bhuiridh

Rannoch Moor and distant Schiehallion & Lawers range

Stob Dearg zoomed

The Mamores & The Ben

Zoomed

Eventually I dragged myself away and pushed on up the ridge towards the boulders, which were coated in frost, and care had to be taken here. Finally made it to the summit, and even with the increasing amount of cloud around, the view was breathtaking, and I only wish I had more time to take it all in. Got a few snaps, took on some much needed sandwiches, chocolate and water, and headed for the fine looking ridge over to Creise.

Summit

View North

Loch Tulla and Orchy Munros

Ridge towards Creise

The ridge leading towards Creise was a delight, with little Loch an Easain far below to the left and Cam Ghleann to the right with its attractive Gorge

Loch an Easain

Cam Ghleann

A bit of scrambling fun was had on the ascent up the ridge which brings you to a Cairn at the top, and from there its an easy stroll around the Corrie rim to the summit

Route upto plateau

Towards Creise summit

Again fine views which I didn't really have time to fully appreciate as it was now pushing 4.00pm and I wanted to be back over Meall a'Bhuiridh's summit and over the frosty boulders before light faded completely. Thankfully I just about done that, but the rise back upto a'Bhuiridh was a struggle at the pace I had to go. I got down onto the flat plateau and got the headtorch out, and it was a slow plod through the bogs back to the chairlift, slipping and sliding along the way, and landing twice on my bahooki!! finally I could see the lights of the Ski Centre below me, but it was now pitch black and progress was slow. Eventually I made it off in one piece, but was cursing having slept in and having to descend in darkness. Was it worth it??? You bet it was!!!!

A few views from Creise summit...

The Big Buachaille in all its glory

Glen Etive

Me at the summit cairn

Setting sun

[Mountainlove]

What a lovely day -really like the blanket of cloud picture and the other ones...great report!

[Steve B]

Good report. It is good timing too. I am planning on these 2 to get me to 100 in a weeks time. Hoping for the same views as yourself.
Thanks for posting.

[Johnny Corbett]

Cracking photos, i got a similar day to you when i did these two.

[SusieThePensioner]

Dave, you lucky............person! As you know, I've been waiting ages to get weather like that for the Bookil

Envious reading your report and looking at those great photos

[kinley]

A serious mix of jealousy and enjoyment reading that.

[kev_russ]

Stunning pics

[PeteR]

Blue skies......great weather.........stunning views.......no clag........no rain....and seemingly no gales. Where's the fun in that

Not that we're jealous Some stunning photos of these two. I've only ever done them in the snow, but the autumn colours looked great. And the views you get of the surrounding area is amazing isn't it

If only the forecast for Sunday was as promising as the day you had

[Bod]

Enjoyed this tale of your day very much indeed....what a cracker and great views to share

[jonny616]

Great report. Enjoyed these two when i did them. Also lucky enough to be out on tuesday myself

[spiderman]

I enjoyed your account of your day and your photos. I particularly like your photo of the Buachaille, side on, the detail of Curved Ridge and the Rannoch Wall are excellent.

[metafor]

Cracking report and cracking photies, liked the one of the orchy munros, heres one i done earlier

[SusieThePensioner]

heres one i done earlier

I like that one very much

[pollyh33]

Mega super report Dave, your best ever !!!

Snaps??? I don't think so!!! Your photographs are brilliant. Glad you got off the hill in one piece and in time to help with your daughter's homework???

[Graeme D]

Wouldn't know where to start picking out the best pic in that lot! Have long had an eye on these two and this just whets my appetite even more. Brilliant report.