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Having just climbed Ben Vorlich the previous day, and then following that with an 8 hour shift in a bar, I dont think I would have been judged for hitting the alarm off and rolling back to sleep, especially as when I looked out my window in Bishopbriggs, I could barely see out my drive for the mist.
The forecast was for clear skies, and having been clouded off Dorain the previous week, I wasnt giving up easy. Confidence wasnt high going along Loch Lomond, as if I didnt know it was there I would have missed it, couldnt see a thing. Fortunately just before Tarbet, the sky clear, and there wasnt a cloud to be seen! Not one.
I made it to Bridge of Orchy for 12, a bit late, and not sure if I would manage to do both Dorain and Dothaidh before light faded. As long as I got one in. The climb up to the ridge was fairly straight forward, a few slippy bits of ice, but nothing too difficult. Met a couple of guys just before the midway cairn, who were heading up an Dothaidh.
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- just before midway cairn
We went our separate ways, and I head up Dorain, It was quite slow as I kept taking pictures, it was hard not to. As I got nearer the final ascent ridge, the snow became very substantial, and I was forced to put the crampons on. I enjoyed my climb in the snow, and with secure footing, it was a joy. The views from the ridge were just spectacular.
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- a little snow
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- Coming up to the summit
Once on the summit, the wind, as usual, picked up. I took a while to just take in the sheer vastness in front of me. I have been to the Grand Canyon, and this was right up there!! As usual, I unpacked my pipes, and got my wee tune and photo
It was a bit windy to do too much, so back in the bag they went, and I began my descent.
Couldnt get them tuned in the conditions, but cant argue with the background.
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- Piping at the summit
The descent was relaxing, as i was able to take in the views. My only regret was I didnt have something to use as a sledge haha, maybe its just as well!
When I got back to the midway cairn, I was pretty drained, yesterdays climb and shift, as well as the climb just done, was taking its toll. But I thought, I could struggle on for another hour or so, or go home and think "I should have just done it", so off I went.
This climb was a struggle, and just a constant slog! I wasnt sure which was the best way to go, as the map said one way, but I thought other ways looked more direct, so I went my way. When I got to the east peak, I found myself confused at which was the highest point. The furthest west looked to be it, so I headed to there, via the middle peak, not before a wee tune on the East peak though.
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- East peak of Beinn an Dothaidh
I was able to get a video also, and a little bit more in tune than Dorain, not much though haha
Off I went to the West peak, via the middle, which I later discovered was the highest point. I did feel however the better views were from the other peaks, you may disagree. From the West peak the views were simply stunning, looking over Rannoch Moor and the Lochaber mountains.
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- West an Dothaidh
I could have sat this spot for hours, it was spectacular. It got me to thinking, I had friends who were out drinking the night before, and probably hadnt made it out their house today!
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- Stunning Sunset
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- At this stage, a very welcome sight! PINT PLEASE!!
