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Had previously eyed up the possibility of doing Beinn a'Bhuiridh, from the ridge going up the north side of the Allt Coire Glas. Indeed, I had tried this route in December last year, but conditions were poor, hardly any vis, windy and cold, so eventually had to give up, having made it up to the 947m spot. Still, I thought this would be a good route to try and with better forecast, now was the time. Only downside, was my good mate, Big jasper being laid low, with a bad back - his front isn't very good, either
- North face of Beinn 'Bhuiridh, from lower down the ridge. Impressive!
- Looking over to Meall Cuanaill. Ben More, Mull, in the distance.
- Summit Stob Diamh, towards Cruachan ridge.
- Looking back to Stob Garbh, 947m spot and Beinn a'Bhuiridh, from SD.
This time conditions were almost perfect, as I set off along a track from a lay-by, just on the road round to Stronmilchan. I was familiar with where I wanted to go and made good progress up the ridge, before getting into the snow about the 700m mark, when I put on the crampons. Perhaps, they were not needed, but definitely helped speed up progress to the top of the ridge, as fantastic views opened up to greet me, as I reached the small cairn at the top.
By this time I had decided that I must at least top the day by also taking in Stob Daimh and thoughts also turned to just completing the horseshoe, by descending the ridge via Sron an Isean. After many photo's, I headed over Stob Garbh, noting some footprints on the way. At first I thought they looked old, but scanning the ridge, I spotted a hardy soul on Drochaid Ghlas, heading anticlockwise round the ridge. Rather him than me, I thought.
- Ridge up/down beyond Stob Garbh.
- Drop down onto ridge to Sron an Isean. Didn't fancy it :) Beinn Eunaich, beyond.
- SD summit.
- Climber on Drochaid Ghlas. The Taynuilt Peak beyond.
Having made the summit of Stob Daimh, I had a look at the drop off, onto the ridge to Sron an Isean, which all of a sudden looked a much tougher option, than from a distance. Feeling uncertain as the snow gave way beneath my feet, I quickly decided to stick with Plan A and made for the Lairig Torran, stopping for a bite on the way. I knew it was a steep slope up and standing at the bottom, knew it would probably be my stiffest climb through snow yet, but might it be too icy?
- Spot the climber?
- Footsteps on SG.
- Back to the 947m spot and hills to the south.
- The steep way up Ba'B, form Lairig Torran.
- Ben Cruachan and Stob Dearg.
The descent from the end of this ridge is surprisingly steep and I was in three minds, just which way to go. Out the Loch Awe side, keep heading east, or turn northwards, back onto the hydro track. As sometimes happens, the geography helped make up my decision, as I found myself drifting back round towards the disused quarries, to the north. Back to the car in just under six and a half hours, having evaded the impressive looking heilan' coo's strategically placed in my way by the gate. A great day and fine route to get a wee bit of winter, axe and crampon action
Having picked out a route, I made good progress with crampons and ice axe, until near the top, when having to divert round a rocky outcrop, where it was quite steep and a bit more icy. The pulse increased a bit, (a bit ?
) but taking my time, just got to the top, without any slip ups. Again, the views over the Cruachan range, Lui, Loch Awe and Orchy hills were superb, as I thanked the weather gods for staying onside.
- Stob Diamh and Sron an Isean at the head of Coire Chreachainn. Ridge up in foreground.
I thought that was the hard work done, but all the effort was taking its toll, as I made my way east, across the top, then a steep slope and another plateau of thick snow, looking for the trig point on Monadh Driseig, which proved harder to spot than I thought.
The descent from the end of this ridge is surprisingly steep and I was in three minds, just which way to go. Out the Loch Awe side, keep heading east, or turn northwards, back onto the hydro track. As sometimes happens, the geography helped make up my decision, as I found myself drifting back round towards the disused quarries, to the north. Back to the car in just under six and a half hours, having evaded the impressive looking heilan' coo's strategically placed in my way by the gate. A great day and fine route to get a wee bit of winter, axe and crampon action
- Kilchurn Castle.
- The Orchy Viaduct.
- Another look at Kilchurn. My mum says, it is pronounced "Kilwhoorin," but that doesn't sound too nice :)
- Toffee Coo's.