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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.
IMG_0211 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
Getting up on to the bealach gives the first good few of Forcan Ridge.
IMG_0213 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
I could see a good few people already up there making there way slowing up.
IMG_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.
IMG_0217 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
IMG_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.
IMG_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.
IMG_0229 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
IMG_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.
IMG_0239 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
IMG_0240 by
matthew_chalmers, on Flickr
Taking the path back via Faochag was the most direct route, but the descent is a steep one!