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I had already done this hill in summer (see previous report) and thought it might make a good winter excursion. I was not wrong!
One of the big advantages of the cold weather was that the boggy sections were nowhere near as bad. There was ice on the path from the start of the ridge but it could be avoided until we reached some cliffs at about NN 223084 where we felt it prudent to put on our crampons. We skirted the crags on their north east side on steepish snow and ice to reach a short plateau section. In the summer I had stuck to the main ridge but it looked a bit daunting
so we again chose a north east approach across the slopes of a corrie.
There was evidence of some small avalanches but the snow seemed relatively stable so we proceeded with caution.
We continued up between some rocks and boulders onto the summit ridge. We reckoned it was the equivalent of a Grade 1 winter route in places. After gaining the summit we descended via the south summit
and had some lunch.
We decided to make the most of the excellent conditions and continue on to Beinn an t- Seilich.
The descent to the burn between the two hills afforded some very good bumsliding!
It was a bit of a slog up the ridge but then easier going to the summit where we had lunch again. I often think our walks in the hills are just an excuse to eat lots of cheese sandwiches – and we still have Christmas cake left, very good hill food. From Beinn an t-Seilich we continued west to a bealach and then down over steep tussocky ground to join the A815 at its junction with the A83. It was then a long walk back to the car near Loch Restil. As we trudged along a rescue helicopter circled Beinn an Lochain several times and finally someone was winched down and back up again at around the spot where we had first put on our crampons.
We were too far away to make out what was going on though. Hope nobody had fallen down that bit. The sun was setting as we reached the car so Katie got all artistic!
