We were staying in Auch Lodge in January, with patchy snow above 400m. We went by the normal route, looping anti-clockwise round Beinn a' Chuirn. The river crossings were fun, we used a pair of bin liners each as the level was too high for boots alone. The climb up the south side of the Beinn was a lovely mixture of snow and clear. The summit had areas which were very icy and we struggled a bit in the wind, only one in the group had crampons.
and now the most stupid thing I've ever done on the hills:
On the way down we stopped for something to eat, and I thought we'd give my new Terra Nova Bothy 2 a go. It was pretty simple to use, rather snug for two guys, but nice to get out of the wind and much warmer. Although the unfortunate third member of our group did throw a lot of snowballs at it!



Longish walk out, back to the lodge of a hot drink. Another great day in the hills.