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Fantastic mild autumn day, 2 relative novices (around 4 Munros each) headed off from a dry Succoth to climb straight up the front of the hill. Initial path was more of a stream bed, but easy going as little or no undergrowth. On reaching a flatter level, the incline then increased and we were ascending through gaps in rock, very much hands and feet in use. All pretty easy going unless you had particulary short legs.
1500-2000 feet, visibility closed in and started to see scatterings of snow,,visibility remained poor for the remainder of the ascent and the snow got more widespread, but no moisture falling and snow was dry and easy to walk through. The poor visibility means the 2 false peaks are slightly more false than normal as you literally could not see the next area, dont think this would be an issue on a clear day. The final climb look dark and daunting, looming through the cloud and mist,,but another hand-to-rock scramble and we made it to the trig point. Our chosen route then took you NNW over the top of the peak. The snow on the Northern face was heavy in places and made for a tricky descent between rocks and boulders, taking longer than it would on a normal day. The presence of previous climbers footprints was a BIG help at this stage.
The descent zig zagged down towards the path, some areas of heavy peat bog, but not too bad. Met with the path that leads off to The Cobbler and Ben Ime, took the left fork, walking down past the Narnain Boulders, under The Cobbler and back to Succoth.
Someone had recommended using the path to climb and descend but I really feel this cheats you of what is a great, fun climb. Just a pity the views were so poor for the upper half of the hill.
- Flying the flag,,
- All this is MIIIIIIIINNNNNNEEEEE!