walkhighlands

Half way along; then had to retreat

Route: Liathach, Glen Torridon

Munros: Spidean a' Choire Lèith (Liathach)

Date walked: 19/05/2012

Distance: 11km

I made my way half-way along the Liathach ridge in mid May 2012.

I have to confess, it was THE most sobering experience I have ever had in the Scottish hills. I managed to buddy-up with a nice couple from Edinburgh in the car park, and, together, we made our way up to Spidean a’Choire Leith. We tried to make our way along the Am Fasarinen Pinnacles, but after the first part, which was pretty scary stuff, we backed out and made our way back the way we had come.

It wasn’t a good feeling giving up, but we all felt it was the safe, sensible option.

Conditions were good, but there was snow (melting, heavy-slush-like and so very slippery) along the ridge at the time.

Also, parts of the path which skirted the pinnacles was heavily snowed under (this was mid May!) and even making our way along this required some VERY delicate manoeuvring and a lot of silent, panicked prayer!

Thankfully, I don’t read many negative experiences of walks online, but I think it’s important to point out that sometimes – just sometimes – the hill is the winner, and we mere mortals have to gracefully concede defeat and head back licking our wounds to fight another day.

I dare say I'll be back one day to tackle Mullacch an Rathain, from the Western route in perhaps.

Despite the breath-taking scenery, this was not my best experience in the great Scottish outdoors.

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Comments: 2


Lightfoot2017


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Location: Dunfermline
Activity: Mountain Walker

Munros: 181
Fionas: 1



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Statistics

2012

Trips: 1
Distance: 11 km
Munros: 1


Joined: Jun 28, 2012
Last visited: Mar 06, 2024
Total posts: 863 | Search posts