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Another report on Saturday’s efforts on Beinn Bhuidhe
Down in Warwickshire on Friday morning - the jury was still out on the weather – but the forecasted whiteouts and gales moved a hundred miles or so south. So, Saturday offered the prospect of the cobwebs being blown away and the possibility of a top being reached – especially on discovering that the 40th birthday party we were going up to Glasgow for was in the evening not at lunchtime as I’d originally thought.
- Down Glen Fyne
- Why??????
Stroll up Glen Fyne – things look positive – occasional breaks in the high cloud - odd patch of brightness on the slopes above –cottages at Inverchorachan reach –optimism runs high. It was a leisurely stroll at 80 minutes rather than Craig and Andy’s 60.
- Cottages at Inverchorachan
Steep slope above – pass the waterfalls – glimpse of sun and shirt-sleeves.
Reach the level of the upper waterfall - enthusiasm diluted by sky turning dark - within moments thick wet heavy flakes of snow blow in – within fifteen minutes any vestige of sketchy track and optimism wanes.
Question calling it a day - answered by appearance of a bouncing Rocco, accompanied by Andy and Craig
Welcome company – carry on – snow relents but cloud and wind remain as companions
GPS show we keep running parallel to recommended track – but easy angled rakes, ramps and gullies criss-crossing the crags above give plenty of straightforward options to what might be the ridge above – it proves to be.
- Ramps, rakes and gullies - upper crags to ridge
Brief glimpse as ridge reached – views back to Pt 901 – and on to the summit
- Summit ridge of Beinn Bhuidhe
- Back to Pt 901
But soon visibility disappears again – summit reached – a few shared congratulations
- Summit of Beinn Bhuidhe
Retreat down the same way to quieter spots for something to eat – and the walk out – and final sting in weather’s tail with rain / hail drenching.