free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I've been using this site for about a year to get walking routes and also reading the reports so I thought I should really contribute one of my own.
This was one of my favourite walks so far.
I arrived in the car park after a 3 and a half hour drive at about 9 o'clock where the weather was pretty cloudy and a few rain showers. Quite disappointing after the forecast of brilliant weather.
Made my way along the Nevis Gorge with rain falling and my hopes for great weather dwindling.
Arrived at the Steall ruins to this scene.
- Steall ruins
I started the long slog up to Sgurr a' Bhuic with waterproofs on and after one last heavy rain/hail shower the sun came out and the layers started to disappear into my bag. After one last push through a boulder field I arrived at the summit of Sgurr a' Bhuic to astounding views.
- Ben Nevis
- Ring of Steall
- Glencoe hills
- Grey Corries
Next up was a little bit of downhill on loose stones before the start of the long climb up to Aonach Beag. It was a really easy climb because the views were just fantastic so it was easy to forget the steep climb.
On the final push up to Aonach Beag a helicopter landed on Ben Nevis for a few minutes kicking up a huge amount of snow before taking off before flying away. Don't know if it was picking someone up or not.
- Helicopter
Reached the summit of Aonach Beag - (I say summit - but the cairn had disappeared under a layer of the white stuff so I may have missed the summit. Hopefully not though!) - where I was met with even more fantastic views.
- Out to sea
After a brief stop on Aonach Beag for photos I pushed on down to the bealach before the final climb to Aonach Mor. I had a long break here with loads of photos. A couple of people on skis passed here although I don't think they would get a lot of skiing. The only widespread snow cover stopped at about 1100m.
- Loch Eil
Schiehallion stood out on the horizon
- Schiehallion
- Ben Nevis
I finally left the summit and headed down looking for the path heading down towards Carn Mor Dearg. This was the most uncomfortable descent I've ever done - very steep, loose with a few patches of snow thrown into the mix.
- The descent - ahhhhh!
The route description describes a bogfest on the way back down to Glen Nevis but I found it not too bad but when there has been rain it is probably very wet.
You get brilliant views towards the Mamores all the way down which makes the descent pleasant.
- The Mamores
There are also some nice small waterfalls which make good photo opportunities.
- Waterfall
The rest of the descent passed quickly and it was reasonably warm when I reached the Steall Falls for some more photos.
- The Steall Falls
The walk back to the car was fantastic - I don't think I'll ever tire walking through the Nevis Gorge.
I got back roughly 8 hours after leaving the car which included plenty of breaks
All in all, a brilliant walk!
- Nevis Gorge