Anyway, that has nothing to do with the walk. I set off almost not very late with the car pointing towards Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean but was bored with driving by the time I got to the top of Glen Coe so I figured Buachaille Etive Mor would have to do. I pulled into the car parking area, scraped the bottom of the car, swore at a chubby blackbird, stuck my pack on my back, my camera on my shoulder and set off along the path. Returning less than two minutes later to lock the car and swear at the bird some more.
The ascent of Buachaille Etive Mor was icy and steep. My guess is it's normally steep, but not always icy. Or cold for that matter - the sweat in my hair turned to ice when I stopped to put my crampons on. I didn't take too long to get up Coire na Tulaich and on to the bealach. Not sure if I'm the only one who does this, but after steep climbs to come out into the sun with fantastic vistas I just can't help but laugh. Unless of course there's anyone else around, in which case I remain composed and feign slightly disappointed disinterest.
Not sure what to say about the walk along the ridge really. Anyone that's been up there knows how fantastic it is, and those who haven't, well, they've got that to look forward too. The descent was not the most fun ever as it occasionally followed an iced up burn. On the plus side I only cut my trousers and sliced my boot once on my crampons. Myself and another guy who I'd met several times along the way walked along the Glen back to the car as the sun did it's setting thing. Not sure if he's a member here, but if so, hope your new job's going well.
So that was that, Buachaille Etive Mor. Now when I drive past there I can say to people, I've been up there. I hope I get to say it lots.
