An Aberdeenshire Hill for a festive Bang :)
A quick leg stretch after Christmas
Having not been able to get out on boxing day - I was itching to get out. Weather forecast was not too bad but not too good either!! My brother was up in Aberdeen s we needed something relatively equidistant! So I decidedon Morvern, it was about as far east as you can get a hill (weather was better further east) and it was sort of inbetween our two locations. I got up early and it was snowing when I left - not lying though. was concerned as I had to drive up past Glenshee. My concerns were realised and the road was ice and snowy from TE sPITTAL. However met Ross at Dinnet and we were soon paked up and on the hill. A nice walk and not too strenuous for this time of year. This was last walk of 2012...... It has been a good year in most respects - see my round u reviews in the vieo section ....
Micro Adventure in Assynt then Torridon - Scenic Alba!
Canisp 17/12/12
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Beinn Dearg (Torridon) 18/12/12
Having had a great day in Assynt the day before, I had decided to head to Glen Torridon and hike up two Corbett’s (Sgurr Dubh and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine) on the second day of my mini adventure. The views to Beinn Eighe, Liathach and also to Beinn Liath Mhor were meant to be stunning and added to this the fact that there was little in the way of scrambling; I thought these would be perfect for a winter’s day out on my own. I arrived in Torridon around 16.00 on Monday and unfortunately there was a layer of cloud on these two hills as well as the other western most hills in Glen TorridonL. I was a little disappointed as I was hoping for great views and did not want to spend the day in the clag when other nearby hills were cloud free- The MWIS forecast had suggested that some hills may be cloudy/misty all day when other nearby hills would be cloud free. The easterly wind made it more likely to find cloud free mountains further west and closer to the coast. As the evening progressed I noticed stars forming to the north of the car over Liathach and Beinn Eighe suggesting the cloud had left these hills, however this was not the case for the two on my hit list for the morning!!!! I would have to wait and see what the morning would bring. Sunrise was at 08.44am (with twilight dawn starting at 07.56am) and I decided I would start my walk at around 06.00 with the head torch on which would enable me to gain some height before sunrise…… (best laid plans and all that!!). Anyway – given the fact that I had been up since 03.00AM on the Monday, I found myself fast asleep shortly after the outdoors weather forecast on the radio (19.15PM!!!!!!!!). I slept soundly in the back of the car and woke up at 04.35AM. I was a little cold so I turn he car on to heat up. I felt good having had a great sleep and I started getting things ready. I was all set by 05.30AM. However – I could still see a cloak of mist over the two Corbett’sL. Ah well – never mind. Due to this I was determined to wait until 06.00AM before walking as I did not want to end up in the cloud when the sun came up – then I’d get no views at all!!! So I waited…………………. Waiting and thinking – mmmmm – west – cloud free –blue skies – great visibility – mmmmmm –OR – stay here and head up for a possible day in the clag mmmmmm. Literally at 05.59AM I changed my mind – I’m heading west – for a winter traverse of Beinn Dearg!!!!!!!! I had a map and compass for this hill as well as my route description and GPS- It would be great!! I was a little apprehensive about the “airy ridge” steep slopes and scrambly sections though, as these are all descriptions for the hill in summer– in winter (as with all hills ) these “easy scrambles with by pass routes” can be a little more serious!! Anyway – off I went and I arrived at the Coire Mhic Nobuil car park around 06.30. I was off before 07.00 in the dark and more importantly with a sky full of stars. Amazing sight – the sky was twinkling with millions of them – it’s a shame I don’t have a better camera which could capture this (I did try and ended up with a black photo!! Lol). The path is excellent and perfect for walking along in the dark with only a headlight for illumination! By the time I was under the Horns of Alligin, the light was starting to appear in the eastern sky toward Beinn Eighe. Beinn Alligin had a good amount of snow and looked fantastic with the stars behind it. I continued my march toward the Bealach a’ Chomhla. By the time I reached here, dawn was well on its way and the pink sky made the white peaks of Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin look spectacular! Away from the stunning scenery, I had to find a way up Beinn Dearg. I ended up choosing a route which looked the least steep option heading in an easterly direction. However there were a number of crags which had to be negotiated and a little bit of scrambling done!! It was certainly steep and the higher I got, the more snow and ice I encountered. I eventually, stuck on my crampons and headed up a mini gully which had some lovely Neve, this was better and quicker than the rough scrambly, icy rocks!! I was soon at Stuc Loch na Cabhaig (889m) after another wee scramble. As I crested the ridge one of the best views I have ever witnessed came into view. Alligin had been keeping me company which was spectacular enough but now I had the other two giants – Beinn Eighe and even better- Liathach – amazing!!! These views were with me now for the rest of the traverse!! The descent from here to the summit was steep and the ridge narrow in places. There was lots of good compact snow which was good but with steep slopes dropping away on either side, a slip or misplaced foot placement would be disastrous. It was nerve racking and I was starving, it was now at least 3hrs since I had left the car and over 4hrs since I have my breakfast (consisted of an energy drink, ibuprofen and a banana!!). I made the summit and sat myself done and had brunch. I was trying to take it all in – what a day!! In my trepidation on staying on my feet and thinking of my hunger I had not taken any photos or footage since gaining the ridge – with my tummy fed I was going to remedy that!! Views in all directions – not going to try and explain in words – just see some of the photos below (I have pasted them all on my web page – too many to post here!! http://wilkiemurray.weebly.com/some-pictures.html ). Next was the pinnacle or “castle” which according to the book (gives a pleasant easy scramble” – gulp?? There was a massive drop down to Loch a’ choire Mhoir on one side and the other side did not look like somewhere to slip down either!! Due to the snow the “ledge on the south side which provides an easier route” was banked out and probably more dangerous than going directly over!!! So directly over it was…… It was not too bad , the most difficult part was the down climb on the other side where in hind sight I should have ditched my poles and used my axe with a spare hand to hold the rock. Ho hum – anyway from here to Carn na Feola at the end of the ridge there were no technical sections and I could really take in the stupendous views!!! I arrived at the end of the traverse at 12.45. Sounds nice and early but with sunset at 15.30 I was keen to get moving as I was still a good few hours from the car. I descended roughly south from the summit (probably went a bit SE then SW on the descent to the valley and back to the path. Due to the Liathach in the North, this area had not seen the sun all day and was still icy!! Had to be careful en route back….. I made it back to the car just after sunset. This had been an amazing day, easily one of my best mountain days. With it coming after an amazing trip to Assynt, it was a great Christmas gift to myself ! haha. However I now had to head all the way home in the dark and then spend the next few days getting ready for Xmas 2012……………… P.S. It turned out the two Corbett’s I had planned on doing were also in blazing sunshine all day!! However – can’t complain as Dearg was spectacular. With it giving views to the well know peaks – does this hill deserve more credit – perhaps not as spectacular as the other thee – does it give the best vantage point for the Torridon giants????? |
A Memorable morning in the Cairngorms....
Sgor Mor –2/12/12
The previous week I had been out in the Cairngorms in search of the “BIG Grey Maaaaan!!”(didn’t find him but had a great walk up Ben Macdui!!). So usually I am not allowed two weekends out on the trot and this weekend was to be a couple of days spent at home doing a few chores and spending quality family time J However I couldn’t help myself could I!! – I had to have a squint at MWIS on he Saturday!!!!!!– 90% chance of cloud free tops- superb visibility etc etc etc The seed was planted – perhaps I could get up early and nip up Ben Vrackie before the family awakes – that was the plan. I gingerly mentioned it as a throw away comment and was answered by an – “ok then no problem – enjoy it! This was an open invitation to actually spend longer away than a couple of hours J However there was a promise made to be back for lunchtime!!!! Sgor Mor was chosen. I had twice previously tried to bag this summit last year. First time around, the signs at Perth stated the A93 was shut due to snow so I turned around and went up Ben Vrackie (a fine day it was too!). A few weeks later and I tried again but upon reaching the Spittal at an early hour I felt it unwise to continue on as the road conditions were treacherous. This time I went up Glas Tulaichean in the snow. So with a promise to be back for lunchtime I headed off early (it was 04.55am!!!). It was extremely icy and being up this early I sometimes think the gritters have not been out (not too sure if this is the case though). It always worries me more than the walk or climb- the drive to the start of the walk can be a little nerve racking!!!!! Anyhoos - eventually made it to the Linn of Dee for around 07.00am. It was looking good – lots of snow and starry skies met me as I headed west into the Cairngorms. It was not long before I headed off the path looking to head toward Carn an ‘lc Duibhe. The hike up this part of the hillside was bloomin awefull. Deep heather with a little snow caused a few expletives to leave my lips!! I eventually decided to head into the eastern fringe of the forest which made things a lot more bearable!! However the forest on lasts so long and it was not too long before I was back in the bloomin heather!!! I was trying to get as high up the hill as I could for the sunrise, so was marching as quickly as I could through the heather!! I ended up skirting past the summit of Carn an ‘lc Duibhe and mad a bee line for Sgor Dubh. However I did not make this summit in time for sunrise. I stopped probably about the 660m mark and set up the videos to get some footage. The pre sunrise dawn was absolutely mind blowing. The white hills turned a pink for about 5-10minutes and with the blue sky and moon – made for a memorable scene. The early bird caught the worm!!!!!! After playing around with the cameras, I headed on, and made the summit of Sgor Dubh about 08.30ish. The views from here to the Cairngorm massif were great, well worth the effort of an early start. However I was still wary about my promise to be back for lunchtime so I soon headed off for the summit and Sgor Mor. The views continued – north were the mighty Cairngorms, south was Lochnagar and Beinn a’ Ghlo. The air was crisp and the visibility about as good as it gets. The hills were white, the skies had gone from red, to pink, to yellow to a deep blue. The sun was shining and the moon was still smiling down! Does walking get any better ???? Made the summit about 09.30am and headed over to a rocky outcrop which overlooked a panoramic vista- not a bad place to stop for breaky. For the first time the wind had picked up a little however and I soon started to feel he chill, especially with the gloves off. A few pictures at the summit and I got moving quickly again. Left the summit just before 10.00am. Time to motor back to car to get home for lunch. I had thought about a circular route and had it not been for the “promise” I would have stayed out all day!! However I had a promise to keep so headed back the way I came (well almost – came across a little howff / shelter thing which I missed on route up – anyone else seen that?). Got back through the “horrible heather” and was back at car for 11.30 and home for 13.00 and in time for lunch. Easily the best “morning” outing I have had in recent years and I had a smashing lunch at home …… |
Munro Wars - A New Hope..................
Beinn Fhada and A’ Ghlas-Bheinn
Having cracked my radial head (elbow) a few weeks ago – I was
itching to get out and about again. I had not done any exercise since that trip
and was a little apprehensive about not being knackered at the end of this
trip!!! No heavy lifting for 6 weeks they said – but nothing was mentioned
about walking J ha-ha
I have around 20 Munros left to do and all of those are in far
flung places which are too far away for a day trip. So the plan was to drive up
to Morvich the night before and it was decided that we would use the cars
instead of tents. I have done this a few times before and I must admit I
personally find it more comfy than the tent option (plus the fact that I had a
duvet, pillow, sleeping back numerous mats – simply
luxurious!!).
Left home around 20.00 on the Saturday night and
the plan was to meet up at the commando memorial at 22.00. It went
to plan and we found ourselves at Morvich for around 23.15. Perfect – no
sunlight in October after 19.30 – so we parked up and got our kit ready and off
to bed. Slept ok – woke a few times with a sore arm but apart from that it was
pretty comfy!!
Woke at 05.15 and had the brew on by half past. A coffee and some
Weetabix got me set up and before long we were off along Gleann Choinneachan. It
was pitch black – not even a hint of sunrise so we were reliant on the head
torches. As we headed towards Bealach an Sgairne – light started to filter
through the eastern sky. I had been hoping that we would get a nice sunrise and
was hoping reach the bealach for this. Initially I thought the sunrise was not
going to be impressive, however on reaching the Bealach, I was met by probably
the best sunrise I have ever witnessed. It certainly made up for the last
sunrise I witnessed (which caused my broken arm!!!). On that topic – my arm was
doing well, it was not too sore and the only time I had pain was when I pushed
it out to balance after a slip - that was
sore!!!!!
Anyway after 10mins at the Bealach we headed
north and summited A’Ghlas Bheinn. A few false summits and a ridge which seemed to go on forever, however we
topped out at about 09.15. An interesting hill but with a nice path all the way
up.
The same cannot be said for Meall a Bealaich!! A grubby, wet ,
manky hill side with only hints of a path. The wet moss and grass and steepness
made slipping a real possibility and with my bust arm, this made this ascent
unpleasant!! I made sure that I had my good arm nearest the hillside as much as
possible. Anyway eventually reached the saddle on Beinn Fhada’s north ridge and
from here it was a slog to the summit. Arm was hurting a little now and my legs
were a little tired now but the views were sill fantastic. Carn Eighe and Mam
Sodhail had a good covering of snow but there was just
sprinkle on Bheinn Fhada. It was now near noon and we had to head back to
the car. We met a few people on our descent and eventually got back to the car
around 14.30. A fantastic trip and a sunrise to make up for the evil sunrise in
Atholl.!! Plus the benefit of know that I can get back walking (still cannot get
on a bike thoughL). A few ibuprofen
and solpadol sorted that out!! Hopefully will get out again
soon…..
Having cracked my radial head (elbow) a few weeks ago – I was
itching to get out and about again. I had not done any exercise since that trip
and was a little apprehensive about not being knackered at the end of this
trip!!! No heavy lifting for 6 weeks they said – but nothing was mentioned
about walking J ha-ha
I have around 20 Munros left to do and all of those are in far
flung places which are too far away for a day trip. So the plan was to drive up
to Morvich the night before and it was decided that we would use the cars
instead of tents. I have done this a few times before and I must admit I
personally find it more comfy than the tent option (plus the fact that I had a
duvet, pillow, sleeping back numerous mats – simply
luxurious!!).
Left home around 20.00 on the Saturday night and
the plan was to meet up at the commando memorial at 22.00. It went
to plan and we found ourselves at Morvich for around 23.15. Perfect – no
sunlight in October after 19.30 – so we parked up and got our kit ready and off
to bed. Slept ok – woke a few times with a sore arm but apart from that it was
pretty comfy!!
Woke at 05.15 and had the brew on by half past. A coffee and some
Weetabix got me set up and before long we were off along Gleann Choinneachan. It
was pitch black – not even a hint of sunrise so we were reliant on the head
torches. As we headed towards Bealach an Sgairne – light started to filter
through the eastern sky. I had been hoping that we would get a nice sunrise and
was hoping reach the bealach for this. Initially I thought the sunrise was not
going to be impressive, however on reaching the Bealach, I was met by probably
the best sunrise I have ever witnessed. It certainly made up for the last
sunrise I witnessed (which caused my broken arm!!!). On that topic – my arm was
doing well, it was not too sore and the only time I had pain was when I pushed
it out to balance after a slip - that was
sore!!!!!
Anyway after 10mins at the Bealach we headed
north and summited A’Ghlas Bheinn. A few false summits and a ridge which seemed to go on forever, however we
topped out at about 09.15. An interesting hill but with a nice path all the way
up.
The same cannot be said for Meall a Bealaich!! A grubby, wet ,
manky hill side with only hints of a path. The wet moss and grass and steepness
made slipping a real possibility and with my bust arm, this made this ascent
unpleasant!! I made sure that I had my good arm nearest the hillside as much as
possible. Anyway eventually reached the saddle on Beinn Fhada’s north ridge and
from here it was a slog to the summit. Arm was hurting a little now and my legs
were a little tired now but the views were sill fantastic. Carn Eighe and Mam
Sodhail had a good covering of snow but there was just
sprinkle on Bheinn Fhada. It was now near noon and we had to head back to
the car. We met a few people on our descent and eventually got back to the car
around 14.30. A fantastic trip and a sunrise to make up for the evil sunrise in
Atholl.!! Plus the benefit of know that I can get back walking (still cannot get
on a bike thoughL). A few ibuprofen
and solpadol sorted that out!! Hopefully will get out again
soon…..
The Big Grey Man of Ben Macdui....... 24/11/12
Ben Macdui -24th November 2012
Prologue:
“Am Fear Liath Mòr; also known as The Big Grey Man of Ben MacDhui or simply
The Greyman) is the name of a presence or creature which is said to haunt
the summit and passes of Ben Macdui, the highest peak of the Cairngorms and the
second highest peak in Scotland. It has been described as an extremely tall
figure covered with short hair, or as an unseen presence that causes uneasy
feelings in people who climb the mountain. Evidence of the existence of this
creature is limited to various sightings and a few photographs of unusual
footprints.”- Wikipedia
Professor Norman Collies
-1890:
"I was returning from the cairn on the summit in a mist when I began
to think I heard something else than merely the noise of my own footsteps. Every
few steps I took I heard a crunch, then another crunch as if someone was walking
after me but taking steps three or four times the length of my own. I said to
myself 'this is all nonsense'. I listened and heard it again but could see
nothing in the mist . As I walked on and the eerie crunch, crunch sounded behind
me I was seized with terror and took to my heels, staggering blindly among the
boulders for four or five miles nearly down to Rothiemurchus Forest. Whatever
you make of it I do not know, but there is something very queer about the top of
Ben MacDhui and will not go back there again by myself I know."
Walk
Report
Initially we had talked about trying Ledge Route
on the Ben, however my arm had still not healed 100% so we decided on the Grey
Corries……. but a look at the forecast mid week led us to move further east and
the Cairngorms. My friend had yet to go up Derry Cairngorm so we planned an
attack from the Northern Corries, up and over Macdui to Derry
Cairngorm.
Another early start saw us on the A9 before 7 and
we arrived at the ski car park for 08.30. Things were looking promising on the
route up with starry skies giving way to clear blue skies. Heading into Coire
an-t Sneachda and this was still the case, looked like it was going to be an
awesome day!
With thoughts more on Derry Cairngorm
than Macdui at this point and with the sun splitting the sky, little thought was
given to darker things and the Am Fear Liath Mòr……
My previous two trips up Macdui
were contrasting – one on a fine November day in 2002 with a couple of friends
and the other on a fine day from Derry lodge where I had camped for a number of nights. I must admit when I
ventured up Macdi on my own I did feel a little unsettled wondering if the Big
Grey Man would make an appearance, however a sunny warm July day offset these
thoughts……. The sunshine today was having a similar effect as we headed toward
the Goat Track.
We stopped and enviously watched
some climbers tackle some of the mixed routes. The Goat track was also getting
icy so we stopped and put the crampons on. It was at this point that I started
to see the “table cloth” effect. The skies were blue overhead but the eye was
drawn to the lip of the Corrie towards the plateux. Whisps of cloud were falling
over the edge and streaming in the upper part of the Corrie before evaporating.
As we took a direct route up near the Goat Track we were greeted on the plateux
by a spectacular sight with patches of mist floating eerily around the plateux.
Perfect conditions for the Grey man…….
I still had hopes of a fine
outing over the plateux to Macdui and beyond, however the closer we got the
Britain’s second highest peak, the darker things became and soon all signs of
the sun were gone. Macdui was caped in a thick mist. Initially, I was optimistic
that its summit may be poking through the cloud to give a spectacular inversion,
however as we reached the summit that hope had disappeared along with any chance
of a view!! The clag was well and truly in and our mood lowered. The fact that
our water had frozen did not help and it was decided the Derry Cairngorm would
be part of a summer adventure in 2013!!
Figures appeared and disappeared
out of the mist, but these were figures of the worldy kind and like minded
hikers like us heading for the top.
All
was not lost however and as we returned to the top of the Northern Corries the
mist broke again and some fantastic views were given away of the Fiacaill Ridge.
We decided to walk around Corries Edge and descend via Choir Chais…. The views
back were fantastic if not a little spooky –somewhere in the table cloth mist
was the Grey man! Conditions had been perfect for him today but he did not make
an appearance – or…. did he………- see for yourselves the end footage on the video
– spooky…………………..
Prologue:
“Am Fear Liath Mòr; also known as The Big Grey Man of Ben MacDhui or simply
The Greyman) is the name of a presence or creature which is said to haunt
the summit and passes of Ben Macdui, the highest peak of the Cairngorms and the
second highest peak in Scotland. It has been described as an extremely tall
figure covered with short hair, or as an unseen presence that causes uneasy
feelings in people who climb the mountain. Evidence of the existence of this
creature is limited to various sightings and a few photographs of unusual
footprints.”- Wikipedia
Professor Norman Collies
-1890:
"I was returning from the cairn on the summit in a mist when I began
to think I heard something else than merely the noise of my own footsteps. Every
few steps I took I heard a crunch, then another crunch as if someone was walking
after me but taking steps three or four times the length of my own. I said to
myself 'this is all nonsense'. I listened and heard it again but could see
nothing in the mist . As I walked on and the eerie crunch, crunch sounded behind
me I was seized with terror and took to my heels, staggering blindly among the
boulders for four or five miles nearly down to Rothiemurchus Forest. Whatever
you make of it I do not know, but there is something very queer about the top of
Ben MacDhui and will not go back there again by myself I know."
Walk
Report
Initially we had talked about trying Ledge Route
on the Ben, however my arm had still not healed 100% so we decided on the Grey
Corries……. but a look at the forecast mid week led us to move further east and
the Cairngorms. My friend had yet to go up Derry Cairngorm so we planned an
attack from the Northern Corries, up and over Macdui to Derry
Cairngorm.
Another early start saw us on the A9 before 7 and
we arrived at the ski car park for 08.30. Things were looking promising on the
route up with starry skies giving way to clear blue skies. Heading into Coire
an-t Sneachda and this was still the case, looked like it was going to be an
awesome day!
With thoughts more on Derry Cairngorm
than Macdui at this point and with the sun splitting the sky, little thought was
given to darker things and the Am Fear Liath Mòr……
My previous two trips up Macdui
were contrasting – one on a fine November day in 2002 with a couple of friends
and the other on a fine day from Derry lodge where I had camped for a number of nights. I must admit when I
ventured up Macdi on my own I did feel a little unsettled wondering if the Big
Grey Man would make an appearance, however a sunny warm July day offset these
thoughts……. The sunshine today was having a similar effect as we headed toward
the Goat Track.
We stopped and enviously watched
some climbers tackle some of the mixed routes. The Goat track was also getting
icy so we stopped and put the crampons on. It was at this point that I started
to see the “table cloth” effect. The skies were blue overhead but the eye was
drawn to the lip of the Corrie towards the plateux. Whisps of cloud were falling
over the edge and streaming in the upper part of the Corrie before evaporating.
As we took a direct route up near the Goat Track we were greeted on the plateux
by a spectacular sight with patches of mist floating eerily around the plateux.
Perfect conditions for the Grey man…….
I still had hopes of a fine
outing over the plateux to Macdui and beyond, however the closer we got the
Britain’s second highest peak, the darker things became and soon all signs of
the sun were gone. Macdui was caped in a thick mist. Initially, I was optimistic
that its summit may be poking through the cloud to give a spectacular inversion,
however as we reached the summit that hope had disappeared along with any chance
of a view!! The clag was well and truly in and our mood lowered. The fact that
our water had frozen did not help and it was decided the Derry Cairngorm would
be part of a summer adventure in 2013!!
Figures appeared and disappeared
out of the mist, but these were figures of the worldy kind and like minded
hikers like us heading for the top.
All
was not lost however and as we returned to the top of the Northern Corries the
mist broke again and some fantastic views were given away of the Fiacaill Ridge.
We decided to walk around Corries Edge and descend via Choir Chais…. The views
back were fantastic if not a little spooky –somewhere in the table cloth mist
was the Grey man! Conditions had been perfect for him today but he did not make
an appearance – or…. did he………- see for yourselves the end footage on the video
– spooky…………………..
A Return to West Gully........
A great day on Beinn An Dothaidh with outstanding views on top:)
Had planned on another technical route going for Taxus, however on closer insepection the ice had not formed properly and was mainly ice from the previous day. So we headed for West Gully. Initially the gully did not look in condition however the snow and Neve turned out to be fantastic and we soloed up the gully having a great time. The weather was good as well and once we had finished the route the views of central and southern highlands were excellent. Could even see the distant cairngorms in the sun through and beyond Loch Ericht. Cracking visibility today. :D A great day and some of th best neve yet experienced in my short time climbing!! (climbed winter 2011/2012) |
Report - Two hills and a broken arm.....
An Dun and A’
Chaoirnich October 2012-10-11 I have had these hills on my radar for some time now and today seemed the perfect time to tackle them. First day of my holidays and the weather was to be perfect. I decided to get up early and try and catch the sunrise as it promised to be a good one with a little cloud but mainly clear skies. I arrived at the turn off to Trinafour at around 07.00am and promptly got ready for the bike and hike ahead. Crossing the A9 would be the most dangerous part of the day (or so I thought at the time) so I took care and time and pushed the bike across watching the yellow and pinks arrive in the sky behind Ben Vrackie. It was stunning. After a short cycle I was out of the forest and heading up beside the River Edendon. The colours in the sky were fantastic – today was going to be one of those days in the hills that live long in the memory!!! Heading along the track the sky was lighting up with colours changing all the time – I couldn’t keep my eyes off it!! That was where it all went a bit wrong – gazing skywards and THWACK, THUD , SMASH – my wheel had caught a raised piece of turf in the middle of the track on a down hill section!!! It all seemed to go in slow mo!! I could see I was going to fall – no doubt about it - but could I land some where soft – answer – no. My arm went down and my elbow broke the fall as I rolled onto my back – glad I was wearing my helmet. I lay motionless. I was aware my elbow had taken a crack – so I lay and waited for some sort of shooting – terrible pain- nothing. 30 seconds passed and I eventually hauled myself up. A bit shaken, I thought it was not too bad so decided to push on. In any event I was not too far from the lodge where I would leave my bike and head up the hill on foot (not needing my elbow for that!!). There was some discomfort on the final leg on the bike. However I thought once I was up and away on the hill then the arm would get better in time for the cycle home!!!! Anyway heading up A’Chaoirnich first and the noise of the stag rutting was echoing all around. I have never seen so many deer (glad I used hill phone night before!!). I can understand why stalking take place in October – the amount of deer I “stumbled upon” was unbelievable – they definitely seem more interested in each other than us at this time of year!!! Anyway back to walking– the pull up to the summit plateaux was not too bad and I headed to both summits – the larger cairn being at the second highest point!!! Views were fantastic looking down toward Schiehallion and Farragon hill and west toward Glen Lyon. Elbow was a little sore so I decided to take some Ibuprofen. I was supporting my sore arm utilising the waist belt of my rucksack which had been fine. However you don’t realise how much you rely on both hands and arms for balance. I found this out whilst descending off A’ Chaoirnich. It was very steep and I would recommend heading off towards the north east of the hill towards Gaick as further north and west it was even steeper!!! The hike up An Dun was relentless and steep and my elbow was now protesting a lot. Had I actually done some serious damage!! I was starting to question myself now – time for more Ibuprofen. The skies were clearand visibility superb and this certainly helped keep my mind off my sore arm. Back to bike now. I reached the bike around 12.45 and as soon as I tried to get on the bike I realised my arm was not good. The pain shot straight through my lower arm and elbow as soon as I put any weight on it – i.e. holding the handle bars and getting on the bike!! To cut a long story short – a very painful cycle back to the car – then a drive (in extreme pain to hospital). Spent 4 hrs in A and E eventually getting X rayed. Broken Radial head apparently. Spent next morning in fractures clinic getting a plan sorted –doesn’t look like I’ll be doing much exercise for a few weeks!! However – even given the pain – the walk and weather was superb – and it’ll definitely be a day which will last long in the memory for both good and bad reasons!!!!!!! |