The Ridge

[alanmurray]

Another late report - Sept 2009

After weeks of saying I wasn't ever coming to Aonach Eagach, I finally was there.
Great weather, a bit of cloud hanging around to add to the atmosphere

Read reports, studied photos and watched many a YouTube clip of the Ridge

From car park, no walk-in, just a steep ascent to Am Bodach.

On way up via Am Bodach

At summit, and alls well - not really - not looking forward to what's ahead of me.

Towards the pinnacles

The path to the pinnacles was not too bad in places - or so it looked, until I got closer.

The path not too bad

I didn't take any photos on the next bit - as unable to due to fear.
The scary section.
The descent from Am Bodach looked terrible for me, although I followed the guys and didn't look down, or too far ahead of me - where I became nervous, the experienced guys talked me through the bad bits.

The Chancelor looked very intimidating - I did not venture out - the guys said it wasn't as bad as it looked.

The Chancelor

The chimneys were fine for me, felt safe-ish.
The pinnacles were not - felt very unsafe, sweating like crazy, very exposed - all the conditions I dread.
Wanted it over - was told were to put my hands and feet, didn't look at the drop, just followed the instruction given, one step at a time. I knew if I turned back at this point, it would be just as bad, so had to continue.

Not there yet

The guys stopped for lunch, mid ridge, I forced them to have a rapid stop and to quickly continue, basically to end my hell.
Finally the ridge walk was over

Looking back on the worst

The walk to the second munro was considerably easier and without fear or incident

Onward to second munro

I did not want to descend the direct route down the very steep scree, and definately not near the Clachaig Gully.
We opted to head for the Pap of Glencoe. This meant a longer walk back, but a easier descent.

Start descent

Descent path now - a walk in the park.

Now easy

I'm really glad I completed the Aonach Eagach ridge. Really surprised I managed it all, I had a few escape routes planned if my vertigo overwhelmed me.
A combination of great weather, ace climbing buddies, good fortune, and a lot of research to enable my mental health to overcome my fears, all help me to succeed.
Fantastic day.

[Merry-walker]

excellent

[mike law]

I can empathise with the vertigo which will make completion even more sweet. Great pictures and some sound and honest reporting. The Chancelor will be there another day!

[brpro26]

Great report...I like the honesty in your assessment of the dodgey bits. One day, it's on the to-do list.
Guess if your up there it would be rude not to drop in to see the Chancellor, we'll see.

[colgregg]

Great pics, good weathertoo!! Definitely on my to do list.

[blueyed]

f.. brilliant

[Merry-walker]

I'd do it no prob (but can I have my eyes shut please???) especially when I look at "The Chancelor IMG_6295.JPG"

[skuk007]

Well done alan, bet you're glad that's over with.
Interested to know what your escape routes would have been - I'd heard once you're on the ridge you are a bit commited.

[mountain coward]

I still think that 'The Chancellor' is the whole bit between Am Bodach and Meall Dearg and not that peak!

That second picture is absolutely superb! And well done for getting across the ridge when you weren't keen - I know I couldn't do it, not even with lots of help - very brave! I absolutely hate people stopping for a break when I'm nervous - it's awful isn't it! Very cruel!

[alanmurray]

The escape routes I had in mind were just before the ridge.
Once you're on it, there's no way off.

MC - I have pictures of me on the ridge taken by others - I am not showing them , as I didn't look too brave in them.

[Merry-walker]

I'm sure you look fine