On a black mirror..... 02/16/2013
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For a change we didn't head for the hills today but opted for a half day in the Trossachs. The forecast was for murky conditions and thats exactly what we got - however the lack of wind gave a very atmospheric day on the kayak around Loch Ard. Perfect kayaking conditions - felt like we were gliding along a black mirror - the reflection off the water being perfect :) A little paddle around the various islands and up and down saw us back to the car before 13.00 and back hone for two.... Cracking morning Add Comment Lizards, Deer and stuck in the snow at the Corrieyairack... 02/15/2013
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Gairbeinn (896m) at the Corrieyairack
This Corbett has been on my shortlist for over a year but every time I have thought about doing it – something has stopped me!
However today I was going to give it a go. There had been significant snow falls in the highlands in the week leading up to today but the Thursday and Friday were not so bad. With this in mind I reckoned the small road which branches off from Laggan would be ok. As usual the road conditions on side roads can be hard to predict and I gave myself a 50% chance of making it to the start of the walk!
Gairbeinn lies a fair distance along a single track road which stops at a bothy at Melgarve near the Corrieyairack pass. I had driven this road a couple of times before but only till Garva Bridge
I reached Laggan about 09.30 and the road conditions were fine. Even on the single track road the road was black and well treated. My gamble had paid off – or so I thought!!!!! As I reached Garva Bridge I could see snow on the road ahead. As I head on and past Garva the road conditions got worse and worse!!! The road had obviously been treated but only as far a Garva Bridge. I was now traveling along a snow, icy, slushy road…… I wanted to turn back and revert to plan B – a Drummochter Hill – however the road was so narrow I could not turn , I just kept going hoping I would not get stuck…..- However, the inevitable eventually happened – ironically – I saw a turning area without snow on it coming up – so I slowed down. Bad move, I slowed down and stopped, then I spent 10 minute sliding around going absolutely nowhere!!!! I accepted I was stuck and got out to get my shovel out . I had plenty of time I thought and it was unlikely any other cars would be coming along as the road goes to a Bothy and nowhere else. Literally seconds after thinking this a 4 by 4 rocks up! Bugger!! now I was flapping trying to get the shovel out and move the car ASAP!! Turns out the chaps in the 4 by 4 were going sledging with their kids (they are part of the team building the Beauly to Deny power line!). They helped me dig but this was not helping much!! Eventually I got the snow socks out and managed to get one on one wheel only!! However it did the trick and it pulled me out as if there was no snow at all!! Parked at the side to let the sledgers through and then stuck the second snow sock on the other wheel for the return journey!.
I was around 3km from Melgarve and where I originally planned to start. I had thought about doing the round to include Corrieyairack but that was now scrapped, I was questioning whether I would even make it up Gairbeinn now !! However I had all the kit and gave myself a turn around time of 14.00.
Off I went, I must say that (apart from the sledgers!!!) this feels a remote part of the highlands especially in these murky conditions. The forecast was for little wind and a cloud level of around 600m with fog patches, and the fog was certainly right down for most of the way. After coming off the road just past Melgarve , I made for the bealach between the SSW ridge of Gairbeinn and Meall Garbh . I wanted to stay on the ridge as the snow was deep and wet, and not for going up steep gullies or slopes.
The sweat was building as I gained height mainly due to the lack of wind!! A mixture of perspiration and mist drops made for steaming up glasses. Although nowhere near sunny , the amount of snow was a little harsh on the eyes. Once on the ridge there are a few rocky spurs before the summit ridge is gained.
I got to this point, and something amazing happened. The forecast was wrong!!!! And for a change it was in my favour. Stepping along the ridge, the bank of fog dropped below me and the surrounding summits emerged from the fog. A little inversion and although not blue skies above it was like I had won a prize!!
I lingered on the summit and eventually left around 12.30 -1300ish – well ahead of the time I thought I would arrive. Descent was certainly easier and more pleasant that the ascent as large steps in the deep snow made quick progress.
I also wanted to mention the wildlife. All day there had been load of deer and hares around but on nearing the powerline road I almost flattened what looked like a lizard!!!!! I have seen these a few times in Scotland but only in Spring or Summer, I was amazed to see this out on the snow – very sluggish but alive no the less!!! Not sure if it should have been out or not!!!
Anyway I spent the day worrying about getting back down to Garva Bridge in my less than ideal car for the snow!!! However with the snow socks on it was a doddle and I got home safe and sound and with time to spare. Another Corbett ticked off and a few nice memories to savourJ
Hiked on 09/02/13
Add Comment A short escape from the Rat Race!! Ben Vorlich...... 02/10/2013
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Centigrade III* Creag Coire an Dothaidh
Centigrade III*
Creag Coire an Dothaidh
19/01/13
Centrigrdae had been talked about since last year after Salamander Gully proved such a great day out. With strong easterlies blowing for much of the week it also seemed a good choice. We met at the usual meeting place around 08.00am and headed to the train station at Bridge of Orchy. The weather was looking good, not blue skies, but still not raining or snowing as it had been when I left my house a few hours earlier further east!! There were four of us today and we made steady progress to the route. To get to the start of the route we roped up and added an extra pitch and soon we were under the “obvious overhanging rock” and waiting to head to the first ice groove at the end of the wall!!
However waiting was the game today. We spent over an hour and a half at this point waiting on the team ahead to clear the first pitch. Standing on a slanting edge only just big enough for one foot lead to some sore calf muscles and creaking knees!!! Another climbing party had joined us at this point and they eventually decided against starting the route as we had waited so long, and they headed off after over 90 mins they would have had the extra delay of waiting on us too!!
Eventually we got going, I must admit that I was not enjoying this until now – all this hanging around, cramp and getting cold was not my idea of fun – however I suppose it comes with the territory…. Anyway first proper pitch slants rightwards under a wall to the ice. This section was rather cruddy, the turf was not 100% frozen and it was a traverse basically across wet snow and grass until the first ice groove was reached. Belay was set up and off we went up the ice groove – now this was more like it!! This was my first winter climb of the year and I must admit it was not until we got on to the ice that I realised again why I was doing this. It was much more fun now. The ice was good, the turf frozen and my aching, cold legs and arms were finally moving and generating some heat!! Up and over the ice groove and to the belay which was just below a sloping ramp with a little ice in it right hand side- just enough to get up. The bottom part was thicker but the top was really thin and a couple of outcrops of frozen turf appeared at exactly the right time!! Over the ramp then a little hop up to the next part – if I had been a little more flexible – it would have helped here!!! Then up into a little scoop. The last pitch was a little more ice and a little more turf – a nice little end to the route….
However due to the long wait – it was now nearly 16.00. Our other team was finished and back at the car and we were aware one of them had a long drive home to England, with this and the fact that day light was starting to fade we literally ran off the hill once the crampons were taken off!! Can’t say that my La Sportiva boots are the comfiest things to run in!! However we made it back just as it was getting dark!!
The drive home was interesting with white roads and blizzard from Comrie eastwards – however I eventually made it home and was happy with todays outdoors activities!!!!
Creag Coire an Dothaidh
19/01/13
Centrigrdae had been talked about since last year after Salamander Gully proved such a great day out. With strong easterlies blowing for much of the week it also seemed a good choice. We met at the usual meeting place around 08.00am and headed to the train station at Bridge of Orchy. The weather was looking good, not blue skies, but still not raining or snowing as it had been when I left my house a few hours earlier further east!! There were four of us today and we made steady progress to the route. To get to the start of the route we roped up and added an extra pitch and soon we were under the “obvious overhanging rock” and waiting to head to the first ice groove at the end of the wall!!
However waiting was the game today. We spent over an hour and a half at this point waiting on the team ahead to clear the first pitch. Standing on a slanting edge only just big enough for one foot lead to some sore calf muscles and creaking knees!!! Another climbing party had joined us at this point and they eventually decided against starting the route as we had waited so long, and they headed off after over 90 mins they would have had the extra delay of waiting on us too!!
Eventually we got going, I must admit that I was not enjoying this until now – all this hanging around, cramp and getting cold was not my idea of fun – however I suppose it comes with the territory…. Anyway first proper pitch slants rightwards under a wall to the ice. This section was rather cruddy, the turf was not 100% frozen and it was a traverse basically across wet snow and grass until the first ice groove was reached. Belay was set up and off we went up the ice groove – now this was more like it!! This was my first winter climb of the year and I must admit it was not until we got on to the ice that I realised again why I was doing this. It was much more fun now. The ice was good, the turf frozen and my aching, cold legs and arms were finally moving and generating some heat!! Up and over the ice groove and to the belay which was just below a sloping ramp with a little ice in it right hand side- just enough to get up. The bottom part was thicker but the top was really thin and a couple of outcrops of frozen turf appeared at exactly the right time!! Over the ramp then a little hop up to the next part – if I had been a little more flexible – it would have helped here!!! Then up into a little scoop. The last pitch was a little more ice and a little more turf – a nice little end to the route….
However due to the long wait – it was now nearly 16.00. Our other team was finished and back at the car and we were aware one of them had a long drive home to England, with this and the fact that day light was starting to fade we literally ran off the hill once the crampons were taken off!! Can’t say that my La Sportiva boots are the comfiest things to run in!! However we made it back just as it was getting dark!!
The drive home was interesting with white roads and blizzard from Comrie eastwards – however I eventually made it home and was happy with todays outdoors activities!!!!
Garbh Bheinn - Kinlochleven
The forecast was for blue skies, and with snow capped peaks I felt the need to get out and about. I did not have much time so I wanted to choose a peak close to the road that would not take up too much time (I was also due out the day after too so did not want to tire myself too much!).
However the only down side was going to be the wind – 40-50mph and 85mph gusts on exposed ridges and summits!! It was forecast to be coming from a south easterly to easterly direction so a bit of searching through books and maps and I decided on Garbh Bheinn near Kinlochleven. I planned to ascend up the WNW shoulder hoping that I could keep out of the wind if need be.
I left the car just before the bridge at around 09.00AM and it was a little gusty but not too bad. I headed up Torran nan Crann – trying to keep my feet of the water ice and on the grass to stop me slipping (was not too bad – not enough for crampons yet!!). I quickly reached the snow line at Torran and the views over to the Mamores from here were brilliant. The white peaks with clouds scudding by was awesome. Stob Ban looked particularly close. Looking west I could see down Loch Leven into Ardgour past the Pap of Glencoe.
The route levelled out a little here but I could see it was going to be a steep pull for the rest of the way!! I headed up toward Stob Coire Sgoite going past two or three little rocky outcrops (which were easily skirted round). The wind was not too bad, but every now and again I’d be hit by mini “snow Devils” which were probably being caused by down winds coming over the summit perhaps?? Anyway there were quiet impressive – you could see them coming down the hill like mini tornadoes towards you!!
Looking up I could not see the summit and there were a few false summits on this walk. The clouds were whizzing over the top so I knew that when I reached the top it would be very windy. My main concern at this point though was “the stiff scramble” when reaching Stob Coire Sgoilte. It looked a little daunting when I reached it, but I traversed to the right (south) of the crag and gained the ridge via a short steep gully. The top was now in sight and the wind was certainly picking up!!
I reached the top took some pictures and video and about turned! It was now 1145. It was taking me longer than expected. I think this was due to the powdery snow which covered the loose rocks which made the going a little tough with crampons on L (that’s my excuse anyway!!).
However the only down side was going to be the wind – 40-50mph and 85mph gusts on exposed ridges and summits!! It was forecast to be coming from a south easterly to easterly direction so a bit of searching through books and maps and I decided on Garbh Bheinn near Kinlochleven. I planned to ascend up the WNW shoulder hoping that I could keep out of the wind if need be.
I left the car just before the bridge at around 09.00AM and it was a little gusty but not too bad. I headed up Torran nan Crann – trying to keep my feet of the water ice and on the grass to stop me slipping (was not too bad – not enough for crampons yet!!). I quickly reached the snow line at Torran and the views over to the Mamores from here were brilliant. The white peaks with clouds scudding by was awesome. Stob Ban looked particularly close. Looking west I could see down Loch Leven into Ardgour past the Pap of Glencoe.
The route levelled out a little here but I could see it was going to be a steep pull for the rest of the way!! I headed up toward Stob Coire Sgoite going past two or three little rocky outcrops (which were easily skirted round). The wind was not too bad, but every now and again I’d be hit by mini “snow Devils” which were probably being caused by down winds coming over the summit perhaps?? Anyway there were quiet impressive – you could see them coming down the hill like mini tornadoes towards you!!
Looking up I could not see the summit and there were a few false summits on this walk. The clouds were whizzing over the top so I knew that when I reached the top it would be very windy. My main concern at this point though was “the stiff scramble” when reaching Stob Coire Sgoilte. It looked a little daunting when I reached it, but I traversed to the right (south) of the crag and gained the ridge via a short steep gully. The top was now in sight and the wind was certainly picking up!!
I reached the top took some pictures and video and about turned! It was now 1145. It was taking me longer than expected. I think this was due to the powdery snow which covered the loose rocks which made the going a little tough with crampons on L (that’s my excuse anyway!!).
Ben Vrackie New Years Day
Ben Vrackie – 2013
My plan had been to head up Gairbeinn near Newtonmore, however
when I did not get to bed till nearer 03.00AM and awoke at 08.00AM (with a sore
head) I decided on something closer (read shorter and higher chance of good
weather). Headed off just after ten and reached a full car park –the hill looked
extremely busy with New Year hikers J So I parked up at the “overflow car park “ down the road and set
off.
With things being busy I decided on taking the bealach path which
was quieter. Additionally I then decided to forgot the path altogether and make
my own way up to the summit from the north west side of Loch a’ Choire. The
first part was steep and I meandered through the crags but nothing too
difficult. Higher up and the gradient eased a little. The views south over
Strathtay and into the central belt were really good. I could pick out the
Lomond Hills easily and am sure if I had looked long enough I might have seen
Edinburgh!!! Further north and some of the hills had cloud on the tops – not too
bad though
Anyway spent 5 minutes on the top where I met the first people of
the day – lots of people actually ! I decided to skirt round to the Eastern top
and then down from there as this would miss out the steep and slippy top section
of the path. Due to the number of people coming up the way –I stayed on the
grassy and heather just to the south of the path the most of the way to the
lochan- actually easier walking – less slippy and easier on my old
knees!!
A gentle stroll to the car and I was back home for 15.00. A good
start to the year…
My plan had been to head up Gairbeinn near Newtonmore, however
when I did not get to bed till nearer 03.00AM and awoke at 08.00AM (with a sore
head) I decided on something closer (read shorter and higher chance of good
weather). Headed off just after ten and reached a full car park –the hill looked
extremely busy with New Year hikers J So I parked up at the “overflow car park “ down the road and set
off.
With things being busy I decided on taking the bealach path which
was quieter. Additionally I then decided to forgot the path altogether and make
my own way up to the summit from the north west side of Loch a’ Choire. The
first part was steep and I meandered through the crags but nothing too
difficult. Higher up and the gradient eased a little. The views south over
Strathtay and into the central belt were really good. I could pick out the
Lomond Hills easily and am sure if I had looked long enough I might have seen
Edinburgh!!! Further north and some of the hills had cloud on the tops – not too
bad though
Anyway spent 5 minutes on the top where I met the first people of
the day – lots of people actually ! I decided to skirt round to the Eastern top
and then down from there as this would miss out the steep and slippy top section
of the path. Due to the number of people coming up the way –I stayed on the
grassy and heather just to the south of the path the most of the way to the
lochan- actually easier walking – less slippy and easier on my old
knees!!
A gentle stroll to the car and I was back home for 15.00. A good
start to the year…