Ben Laoigh and a'Chleibh

[soulminer]

It had been a fair old time since Doogz, Nelson, Alan and I had been out together due to- weather, work or apathy It was decided the first opportunity we had we would take it, today was it
We had been scanning weather reports to find out what we would have to endure on our chosen Sunday. Did look reasonable during the week, but changed slightly nearer the day, sod it were going !
Met up with Nelson at his house and off for 07:15. Journey full of the usual p*sh-ripping for all involved, and a few chosen others Arrived at Glen Lochy car park, dressed up and off hillward.Waded through the river as it was not too high and hit the first little boggy patch. Much tree-felling in the area recently (?) looks dreadful. Headed off the main path, crossing at the bifurcation of the river using the rope provided up over the road and through the next bog-fest section.

The view ahead


IMGP0001 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0002 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

No more photos till the summit, concentrating on acheiving that goal first. Conditions were not to bad till just under the Bealach where it became a tad icier. The clouds wre being blown across pretty quickly and the decision was taken to tackle Lui first. Reached the Bealach and made our way up towards our first summit. Spotted another couple of walkers making their way through the Coire behind us. The sun was trying it level best to break through, but not succeeding to much. Further up we elected to fire up the ironmongery, and take a well earned refreshment break. Checked GPS and off again.The sun certainly for making some sort of appearance today, but doubt it would be for long. Brief glimpses on the final ascent, and bingo- summit time.

Doogz waiting to absorb some solar energy


IMGP0003 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Nelson and Alan absorbing other forms of energy


IMGP0004 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The sun trying its Level best again


IMGP0006 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

And finally succeeding


IMGP0009 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0010 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

It was a bit baltic, with us taking refreshments and waiting for the brief abatements in wind and cloud for our photographical frenzies

A few more


IMGP0014 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0015 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0017 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0018 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Doogz on the other Top


IMGP0019 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Heading down, then last look up


IMGP0020 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0022 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Nearing the Bealach, Alan fell- a*se over t*t,causing much hilarity


IMGP0024 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

It only took 18mins for to reach the summit, take these,then turn, and bu**er off down again


IMGP0027 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0030 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Kept our crampons on for a time descending into the Coire- still icy Stopped further down to remove them, and off. Four steps later Nelson- not to be outdone, fell t*t over a*se- again to howls of laughter.

Last three photos


IMGP0031 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0032 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0037 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A cracker of a day out enjoying all that was thrown at us. I had not been out walking for at least 9 weeks and thought I would have suffered, but not so- good company always helps

[mrssanta]

So worth it when the sun breaks through. the rime on the top is amazing and I love the picture of the sun and the summit rock

[soulminer]

It is indeed worth it when the sun comes out to play, didn't play for long enough though Still, a great deal of pleasure derived from the day- love winter walking
Cheers MS

[Johnny Corbett]

Pity all the hard frost wasn't at the bottom of these hills as well, just where the bog section starts

[soulminer]

Johnny Corbett wrote:
Pity all the hard frost wasn't at the bottom of these hills as well, just where the bog section starts

In total agreement JC