South Glen Shiel ridge (a bridge to far)

[David Lyall]

We started our walk slightly later than intended at 9.15 from a car park at the start of Tomdoun road just east of the Cluanie Inn. We followed this road for about 7km before eventually turning off onto the stalkers path. ( I have no idea what the more direct route is like but I would be tempted to try it if I ever did this walk again) The stalkers path was excellent zig zagging up the hill eventually reaching the top at 12.15.

Feeling better at getting the first one under our belt we set of in the cloud towards no2 a short decent and an enjoyable ridge before reaching the summit of Druim Shionnaach at 13.10. We considered cutting our day short at this point and heading back to the first car but decided to press on perhaps not the best decision.

The next peak is 3km of undulating ridge but the weather started to clear and we got good views along the ridge which lifted our spirits. Once we reached no3 Aonach air Chrith at 14.15 we got good views back and forward it was quite daunting.

We decided to press on as the weather had turned again and we were getting pretty wet Zach my wee dog was doing a lot of shivering. There was one pretty rocky section it is hard to believe that Steven is not keen on heights or rocky sections he made it look easy. We reached our 4th Maol Chinn-Dearg at 15.55. The weather was dry again and we stopped for a well-earned rest and food. Zach was still shivering.

Feeling better after our rest we headed for no5 which is a short distance off the main path we arrived at Sgurr an Doire leathain at 17.10 with 2 more to go and a long walk out we knew we had to keep moving but tired legs will only go so fast and it’s better to arrive in one piece.

We had some views down into Coire Lochain as we headed for no6 by this time the day is a blur we arrived at the summit of Sgurr an Lochain at 17.45. Weather was poor and Steven checked our location to make sure we were on track. Sometime after this Zach cut his paw which was a worry but he did eventually walk all the way back to the car.

The end was in sight as we headed for our 7th there was a path which avoided a top which was a bit rough and muddy but a real God send. We had a bit of scrambling again before reaching the top of Creag nan Damh our 7th of the day at 19.30. Visibility was very poor so after checking our position and tacking a couple of pictures it was of back to the car.

We followed along the fence line which involved a bit more scrambling and quite a walk before we reached the stalkers path. It did not help that Zach who I had though was close to death chased off after something and could not be found for a good 15min. The stalkers path was more of a man made burn and very slippy for tired legs. We had to cross the river after a while then the path continued as the light was fading we could see the road when but it never got closer. When we were about 1km from the road and the light had almost gone we had another river crossing made very tricky with head torches on, but we managed and got back to the car at 10.50. Then it was a run up to get Steven’s car and back to the hostel. Luckily the 4 young guys were still out and we got a bite to eat and off to bed. IT was a long day and not one I would like to repeat any time soon.

[dav2930]

An earlier start and better weather probably would given you a more positive experience. At least you bagged 7 Munros in one day, which you can't do anywhere else half so easily! So, well done.

[spiderwebb]

Great effort on these, it is a long day for sure, but bet you'll look back and smile, eventually

[Mal Grey]

Good effort not to bin it in that weather!

[David Lyall]

Good effort not to bin it in that weather!

Thanks for the comments, If I had known how late were finished I would have bailed after no2, but it is a lesson learned for me.