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With a forecasted gap in the weather (small miracle) I had to get out onto the hills, it would be my second trip of 2013 and hopefully my first clear summits of the year
. Kyle “Wee Guy” is officially banned from the hills until the white stuff has gone (mums orders)
, obviously he is not happy but it is the sensible / safe option. He will be well rested come the spring, god help me as he has got big plans this year!
So it was just me and the faithful dug on this one. Sgiath Chuil and Meall Glas where the chosen targets. I planned to follow the WH route up from Glen Dochart. Arriving at the parking at Auchessanat 8.30, I had the parking to myself.
Quickly getting the boots on I was walking towards the farm by 8.45, the skies where blue and the sun was already in the sky, it looked set to be a great day as per the forecast. It was a frosty start so the wet / boggy ground was frozen which made it relatively easy going up the good track, soon I had the T-shirt on as the sun was pretty warm…..is it really the 2nd February!
- Sgiath Chuil
Gaining height quickly I was soon at the top of the fenced plantation; it was here I had a quick water stop before breaking out onto the open moorland heading for the snow line. As I reached the dam over the Allt Robain the wind picked up so it was on with the warm layers. The views where already amazing, looking back towards Ben More amongst others. From the dam I headed straight at the hill of Sgiath Chuil, the higher I got the harder the snow. It was a direct route so height was gained very quickly.
- Ascent of Munro 1, S. Chuil slopes
- Blue skies
At approx. 750m it was time for the crampons, Marley switched on his four paw drive!
- Marlster about to activate 4 PAW drive! ha ha.
I had to keep stopping and taking pictures, this was turning into one of those days, beautiful….just WOW!
I decided to head first for the lower summit of Sgiath Chrom then past the wee lochan before pushing up the final steep climb to the summit.
- Munro 1, SC. Ben More and pals behind
- The obligatory panorama
The views where amazing, I was so glad to be where I was, could see virtually every mountain in a 50 mile radius! From here I could see some people coming from the North over Meall a Churain, I decided that I would head to that top before tackling the very, no VERY steep descent into Lairgig a Churain off to the West. Once I had visited the top I then consulted the map before deciding that a safe glasade was possible, it was pretty amazing and exciting, covered about 300m descent in about 45 secs. It was the longest I have ever done but great fun.
The route to the second hill was going to be tough, deep snow (energy sapping); I started my ascent towards Beinn Cheathaich, stopping regularly. Even Marley looked a bit bushed. The other guys eventually caught me up and we all then took it in turns to “break track”, cutting steps on the very steep bits, this certainly helped me recover. I have never been so glad to reach a cairn! Must be getting old!
- The final push up Meall Glas
- Almost there, Benn Challum of to the right
Once here we could easily see the final summit of the day, Meall Glas just a short distance away! I left two of the guys on the summit waiting for their other two team mates to finish the ascent. Once on Meall Glas I had a serious food and liquid stop which worked wonders, I could see Benn Challum, not far away but two far for today! I had already got my route off mapped out because of the good visibility and as it was only 3.30 new I had 2 hours of day light left so should comfortably be back at the car park before dark.
- Munro 2, Meall Glas, Marley waiting for the RAF MR guys
The four guys reached the final summit just before I left and asked if I could take a photo for them, it was at this point that I realised they were part of the RAF MR team, good guys!
We said our goodbyes, they headed North and I south! Great day, best bit is that I will have to come back to these hills with the “Wee Guy” and do it all again!
- Sun set on a magic day
I was back at the car from 5.30 just as it was getting dark, a long day, and a tough day but certainly worth it!