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The approach path to the Cuillins from Sligachan, with that view of the Am Basteir tooth never fails to make my heart skip a beat and the weather forecast was perfect for a Skye scramble, no rain, no wind, just wall to wall sunshine. We had been up Bruach na Frith previously by the main path through Fionn Choire but our objective today was to scramble up the north west ridge.
- The route
We were the only car in the carpark as we set out at 8:30, with blue skies and sunshine.
- The best view ever at the start of a walk
We followed the Glen Brittle path and then crossed the Allt Dearg Mor to head toward Fionn Choire. The landscape was very dry and by the time we remembered we hadn't filled the water bottles any streams still running were just muddy trickles, so we had to make a wide detour for water. Back on the path, climbing up towards the Coire, we could see the ground leading up to the ridge on our right and it was just a matter of choosing the best spot to head up the steep grass. At the top of the first slope there was slight dip with a Lochan and the full glory of the NW ridge in front of us
- Looking at NW ridge
Unfortunately we had to follow the loose scree path too reach it
but to be fair the scree was mild by Skye standards and the worst was avoidable. It wasn't long before we were on top of the ridge where we stopped for a drink before the fun began. It all started as a narrow path above grassy slopes
- A grassy start
then you are gently eased into scrambling mode by the first rocky sections where the bypass path is still easily accessible and it is hard to draw your eyes away from views the Cuillins around you.
- Approaching the first Rocky section
- The start of the scramble
The crest of ridge then appears on your left and once established on this the scrambling is a little more challenging with opportunities to escape onto the path only apparent at infrequent intervals. The holds were good and the rocky grippy in the dry. It was loose in places, and I was very surprised when a firm substantial looking block rolled away from under my foot.
. Some sections seemed quite steep, but not overly exposed, although more challenging alternatives were available
. The OH decided to try one of these alternatives. He was out of sight so I didn't witness his bravery, I just heard the expletives and later got to patch up the battle wounds.
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- Getting a little harder
- Steep in places
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It was a long, sustained and very enjoyable scramble which ended in a short chimney that could be very interesting if you were carrying a large rucksack
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A few more steps and we were on Bruach na Frith summit and ready for a well deserved brew.
- 14:00 Well deserved cuppa
. But as were pouring the water into the pot we spotted a mayfly nymph. Not wanting to boil it alive it took serveral attempts to persuade the said nymph back into the water bottle for release on the way down.
- Relaxing summit break
It took great willpower to make a move but eventually the moment could be postponed no longer
- 14:30 Time to make tracks
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- Looking back at the summit
We couldn't remember where the best point to start the descent was so wandered along the ridge until we reached a likely path and headed down.
- The path down
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- Scenic if unstable decent
- Would be dishonest not to show scree
Once the scree has been conquered the path through Fionn Choire made for easy going although we were almost out of the Coire before we reached a descent stream to release our captive nymph. This time it took several attempts to get him to vacate the water bottle and then when I refilled it several of his friends had moved in and so I go through the process all over again.
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We were then back on the approach path and heading out to Sligachan.
- 18:15 and back at the car.