walkhighlands

Sgor Gaoidh or not Sgor Gaoidh, that is the answer!!

Date walked: 13/09/2016

Sgor Gaoith was the aim for today, my son, 26 years old, never walked hills before, my dog Chaz ( 6months with us, 6 year old rescue collie) and myself.
Got out of the car in Glen Feshie at 7am and immediately swarms of midgies on us. Long sleeved top for me and insect repellent on face etc. Son decided not for him. (1st lesson learnt, midgies eat you alive and pizza look is not appealing).
Set off 07:10 and it was already very warm, up through pine and birch woods very pleasant. By the time we got to the ford over the stream I could tell that it was going to be a long day as Duncan already breathing through his backside.
Undaunted he still wanted to go on via our original plan to go up Geal Charn (get the hard bit done first) walk over the tops at 905 and 978m to the bealach between Sgoran Dubh Mor and Sgor Gaoith then up to latter and back by easy route, ie path.
Climb up on to Geal Charn steep and rough with no real path but didn't think it was too bad, not so Duncan. I could see he was struggling and was stopping very often and was also complaining of sore legs. :( Stopped for a rest, snack etc. Headed off and skirted round top at 904m and then saddle before climb up to Meall Bhuidhe and on to Sgor Gaoith.
Just before we reached Meall Bhuidhe the words I had been expecting were uttered. "Dad there is no way I am going on my legs are completely shot." We sat for a while and enjoyed views across towards West, scenery and views were why my son wanted to come walking. I said to Duncan that the quickest way down would be to take steep heathery slopes down and round Meall Tionail and rejoin path out. Quickest option taken with no hesitation.
On reaching path he perked up after sticking his head in a burn and cooling down and on the way back to car we discussed the day, views, seeing deer on ridge, height we gained against the height of Braeriach we saw in distance etc.
Although very sore he still enjoyed his first proper walk and wants to go back out and try Sgor Gaoith again (albeit by the path next time). He has borrowed my bike as well to try to get a bit fitter. Fingers crossed for next time. I am glad that he wasn't put off walking so far as it was a good day out all in all.

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Comments: 2



Ben Lomond withoot the views

Munros: Ben Lomond
Date walked: 10/08/2016
Distance: 12km
Ascent: 990m
Views: 1613

JEfoundmybootsagain


Location: aberdeen
Activity: Munro compleatist
Pub: any pub after a walk
Mountain: the next one
Place: west coast
Gear: good boots
Ideal day out: any with views from summits

Munros: 59
Corbetts: 8
Fionas: 8
Donalds: 1
Sub 2000: 12



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Statistics

2016

Trips: 2
Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 990m
Munros: 1


Joined: Aug 27, 2016
Last visited: Aug 01, 2020
Total posts: 38 | Search posts