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The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine


Postby Jokester » Tue Aug 29, 2017 6:39 pm

Route description: The Saddle, Forcan Ridge and Sgùrr na Sgìne

Munros included on this walk: Sgùrr na Sgìne, The Saddle

Date walked: 26/08/2017

Time taken: 7.75 hours

Distance: 13.64 km

Ascent: 1391m

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The hotel had been booked for a while and the deposit taken so there was no turning back. The weather report didn't look great, low cloud and rain showers so I was already looking at alternative walks on duller peaks the night before. But when I threw the curtains open on the Saturday morning and the sun was shining, a bit of hill fog here and there but definitely a day for something special.

I parked up at the east end and made the short walk up to the turn off and then up the hill.
ImageIMG_0211 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

Getting up on to the bealach gives the first good few of Forcan Ridge.
ImageIMG_0213 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

I could see a good few people already up there making there way slowing up.
ImageIMG_0214 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

I made my way up to the very bottom of the ridge and met a woman who said she had decided to turn back, but her group had decided to continue up the ridge without her. She pointed out the route they had taken so I said my thanks and started making my way up.
ImageIMG_0217 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

ImageIMG_0219 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

When I got to the bad step, I took the left route down and then through the tight rock chute.

ImageIMG_0221 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

From there, it was an easy walk to the summit. After a spot of lunch and a seat by myself at the summit for 10mins it was time to head off again for Sgurr na Sgine.

ImageIMG_0229 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

ImageIMG_0234 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

At this point I didn't think it would be much effort, but the initial slope up from the bealach was steep and the mid-day heat and humid weather made it a right slog to get up there. From there it was straight forward to reach the summit cairn and after admiring the views for a bit there was nothing left to do but head back to the car.

ImageIMG_0239 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

ImageIMG_0240 by matthew_chalmers, on Flickr

Taking the path back via Faochag was the most direct route, but the descent is a steep one!
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Jokester
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 78
Munros:77   
Joined: Apr 30, 2011
Location: Aberdeenshire

Re: The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

Postby Mal Grey » Tue Aug 29, 2017 9:49 pm

Great day for it. Love that last photo of the ridge.
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Mal Grey
Wanderer
 
Posts: 4617
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Sub 2000:9   Hewitts:116
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Joined: Dec 1, 2011
Location: Surrey, probably in a canoe! www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk

Re: The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

Postby Jokester » Tue Aug 29, 2017 10:17 pm

Thanks, I'm a bit disappointed looking back that I didn't take more photos on the ridge itself. I'll need to go back :lol:
Jokester
Mountain Walker
 
Posts: 78
Munros:77   
Joined: Apr 30, 2011
Location: Aberdeenshire

Re: The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

Postby Coop » Wed Aug 30, 2017 7:07 pm

There are great views from Sgurr na sgine eh.
That wee shelter up there would be welcome on some days.
Coop
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Posts: 1313
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Re: The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

Postby Dunblane Bagger » Wed Aug 30, 2017 8:14 pm

What a fantastic area, and your photo's stir up great memories of when I traversed the ridge. From above the "bad step" looks far worse than it actually is, so if you ever repeat the climb I would suggest you give it a go if you think you are up to it.. :crazy:

I will definitely be back as it is one of those climbs I want to do over and over again in all different conditions. 8) :D

Well done in doing it though, and excellent photo's !! :clap: :clap:
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Dunblane Bagger
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Location: Hopefully up a mountain somewhere

Re: The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine

Postby Alteknacker » Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:11 pm

Some nice pics there - I especially like the last one - 240.
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Alteknacker
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