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This is my first time doing this. I've read quite a few walk reports and have really enjoyed them. Coire Lagan is the first real climb i have done. Myself mum and dad decided after quite a few drinks in our local to head Skye to do a couple of walks. We have done a few easy walks from here around our area, but decided to push ourselves a wee bit. So just like that, it was booked. Straight after work on Saturday, they picked me up and we headed over. The weather over was extremely dreich, but it was my first proper time in Skye (the other times being at the Skye Festival in 2007, and Kyleakin), so i was basically like
out the window from the back seat.
We were booked into The Old Inn at Carbost, and as soon as we stepped foot in the place, we loved it. Full of locals, it had a lovely atmosphere. A few drinks were had that night, but not too many!
We woke up to the most glorious weather imaginable.
- The view from the Inn.
The hills looked very scary, especially the snow. We really have no large hill climbing experience – never mind full of snow!
My Dad said to me “Get up on that rock. Here’s your pole, and stick your leg out or something.” From now on, this is my pose to do at every opportunity...
- It makes me cringe a wee bit, but i kinda like it
As we got further up, we were discussing where the corrie might be. My Dad said “Do you think it’s in that wee nook up there?” We really had no idea. But the further up we got, the more we realised that yes, it was indeed up there. It scared, but excited me.
At one point, my Mum was stationary for about 10 minutes, really contemplating turning back. The snow terrified her, it was very deep. We were telling her she could do it, saying ‘It’s only just up there.’ The false summits didn’t exactly help either!
- I ended up sunburned
When we eventually made it up (my Mum included), the corrie was frozen. Of course, stupid me decided to have a closer look, and ended up with my feet in bloody freezing water. It just reached the top of my boots, so only my ankles were wet.
I found the descent very scary, scarier than i thought it would be. It was spent on my arse most of the time.
- Does anyone have a sledge?
A well deserved drink back at the Inn!
- Lager, and 35ml vodka
The next day we started the Glen Brittle Forest walk. The weather was absolutely horrendous, a howling gale, and horizontal rain. We stupidly only had 2 pairs of waterproof trousers between the 3 of us, so a mile in we had to stop. A nice visit to Portree and Armadale was made however, so it wasn’t a wasted day.
Walking up Coire Lagan is probably the best thing I have ever done. I loved every single second of it. I was surprised by how do-able it is as well, it looked much scarier from sea-level. As soon as we got home, me and my Mum were on here looking at what to do next. We’re thinking Ullapool in a few weeks. This is just the start!