7 months since my last walk, and my first as a new Dad, was delighted with this day out – my sister as company on the hill - on my final outstanding Munro this side of the Great Glen.
Had climbed Stob Dearg years ago via Curved Ridge, but had been saving this one as a potential pre-Clachaig compleating peak, but it wasn’t to be. A dodgy forecast for the north-west with more promise further south – sound familiar? – was enough to put paid to that.
Left Peterculter at 4.45am, picked up Sister at Newburgh, Fife, then headed up under driech but improving skies. Conditions were superb as we set off from Lairig Gartain car park, breaking a trail on the National Trust path so no fears over terrain – so far!
Loads of snow swamped the east flank of the Wee Herdsman, had hoped the route of the corrie to Broige would be scoured clean by the gales, but it too was a snow basin. Luckily, it was crisp enough to take out weight.
Higher up the gradient steepened, and the icy snow was now an impediment, a case of two steps up, one sliding down. Cracking reward on reaching the ridge though, and the pleasure of sunshine on the face for the first time in the day.
Legs were cramping a little, no doubt through ill-use, on the push through the powder along the ridge to the summit, which we reached at 1420.
A breathtaking, if bleak, panorama of icy ridges was enlivened by the warming shades of winter sunlight, filtered through clouds clinging to Ben Starav. A shimmering sliver of Loch Etive a highlight for the camera. After 20 minutes drinking in the views, frozen fingers retreated into their gloves and we retraced our steps. Progress was swift along the ridge and we – quite literally - plunged into the corrie, bum sliding with axe poised as a break. Invaluable ice axe arrest experience – involuntary for my sister on one occasion!
Got down with no need of headtorch, back to car park at 1645 for a drive back down the road and a curry at home to round off a fine day.
