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Shock horror, 2 outings in the space of 4 days, it is a long time since that has happened
As the weather forecast was promising a decent weekend, I decided midweek that I was heading out on Saturday and Munro's would be on the menu
Sounds easy if I say it quick enough, so I studied the remote new hills that are left on my hit list and really fancied heading back to Torridon. I contacted both Tommy and Karen and they were interested but wary of such a long day. I softened the blow with Karen by offering to drive from Perth, so she was in
Tommy was concerned about the avalanche warnings, however as the week progressed and the weather conditions stabilised, the avalanche warning was minimal - so Tommy was in
I looked through a few WR's, especially the winter ones to get some idea of what we can expect.
The plan was to meet up at the parking area at the start for 9am, so that meant setting the alarm for 4.30am and meeting Karen at Perth before 6am
Tommy was travelling up in his van the night before so that he could have a lie-in
We arrived at the parking area and after kitting up set off at 9am, there was a definite chill in the air. We were expecting that as we travelled north up the A9 past Dalwhinnie the temperature outside was minus 8, and that resulted in my scoosher being frozen, luckily the windscreen wasn't too bad.
After crossing the road all walkers are greeted by a very friendly white pony, at least that's what we thought it was, although it could even be a horse - no doubt someone will keep us right
Pony or horse?
Quick photo before we hit the track
The initial part of the walk is along a good track, if you have a bike it would certainly be useful for the return part of the day as there would be plenty of freewheeling
As we gained height along the track the views in every direction were stunning, the snow line was obvious
Fuar Tholl
Team photo
Interupting the locals having breakfast
The first of 2 wire bridges, the second one next
Our crossing point
Prior to crossing the river we discussed the options, I was adamant about utilising the wire bridge, however Tommy and Karen didn't like the look of it and opted to cross by paddling and holding onto the wire, the following photo's are "action shots"
Stepping stones to start off
After the fun and games of the river crossing we followed the track for a short while before it was time to do some 'real' walking. There is an obvious path that heads off to the right, however it wasn't long before we reached the snow. Luckily someone had kindly been here before us and there were obvious footsteps in the snow to follow - a BIG thank you if it was you, we really did appreciate it and sympathise as we all know how tough it is wading through varying snow depths
Next target the first bealach
Arty shot
Karen modelling her sunglasses for the first time, they have been in her rucksack for 120 Munro ascents - excess baggage
Our lunch spot
Tommy had led the way up to the bealach, so I opted to romp off in front so that I could get some front on shots, rather than rear end
Getting a bit steeper
As we were gaining height on the ascent of Sgurr Choinnich we noticed a couple of figures following in our footsteps, we would meet up just before the summit. As is usually the case we all got chatting and I discovered that both of them are lurkers on WH
Great to meet you guys HOODY BOY & gilroy1973 and thanks for trailblazing up Sgurr a' Chaorachain
HOODY BOY & gilroy1973
The initial climb up Sgurr Choinnich
Poser
As we started gaining height quickly the conditions underfoot were firming up and there were icy patches so it was time to stop and get the winter tackle out
It was whilst we doing this that our followers caught us up, mainly because I took so long to put on my crampons and even then I put them on the wrong feet
So off we set and it wasn't long before we reached the 'false summit'
The Saddle
Liathach
Looking across the water to Skye
Taking in the amazing views
Do views get better than this?
Blue or white?
The summits of Sgurr Choinnich and Sgurr a' Chaorachain
Nice backdrop
Wow
Skye again
Not far to the first summit now
First view of Loch Monar
Once we reached the summit of Sgurr Choinnich we were soon joined by HOODY BOY & gilroy1973, after a few photo's it was time to descend down to the bealach. The initial part of the descent was steepish but not difficult and when we reached the bealach it was just like most bealach's a wind tunnell - definitely not a place to stop
Now for the final push uphill, our two followers had now overtaken us and took over the trailblazing duties - thanks again guys
Descending
Ascending
Looking back
The final ascent
Coming up from the bealach
HOODY BOY & gilroy1973
The start of the final descent
It was rather chilly on the summit, so after the usual group photo's it was time to head down, our two followers set off first and it wouldn't be too long before we all joined up and descended together.
The WH route does describe the descent as steep and we can certainly endorse that. We initially descended down the obvious shoulder and then headed NW as that looked like the best and safest way down.
The conditions were not ideal for descending, 3 or 4 inches of soft snow on top of ice and in some areas where the wind had taken away the surface snow there was a thinner layer of snow over ice.
Tommy was leading the descent and did a superb job, zig zagging and picking the best lines. It certainly got the adrenaline going and total concentration was required.
Kind of displays the angle of descent
Now on the lower slopes
Looking down, not far now
Water feature
It was a relief to get on the lower slopes and pack away all the winter gear. We ended up arriving on the track individually for one reason or another and we crossed the river higher up on good stepping stones. Now it was just a matter of walking back to the vehicles.
One last shot looking back
Our equine friend letting us know we didn't have far to go now
We arrived back at the car parking area feeling pretty goosed, it had been a long but fantastic day. We said our goodbyes to HOODY BOY & gilroy1973, maybe meet up again guys - if you keep an eye on the "meets" section on here. Good luck with your 200th Munro
Thanks again to Karen & Tommy for being great company and making this another memorable outing
Not sure what is next on the menu, if it is a Munro I am in for another LONG day, the weather will decide