I had last attempted this hill with someone who was not the full shilling. Cramp, fatigue and requests to walk shorter strides fell on my ears before a daft comment 'I'll need medevac'd, Kev", had me reminiscing and laughing at the same time. This time I set out alone and fairly motored along the land rover track to the large boulder. I had been passed by a cycling triumvirate who I would meet later on. The 'tag team' and resultant high fives most likely left them a little bemused. The steep ascent through the forest brought me out at good height as I headed towards the Cam Bhealach. Indeed, my pace saw me catching those up ahead and I was making rapid progress. At the bealach, I ignored the large group sat chatting and continued on my way. Sauchiehall St does not appeal, when I am walking in the hills - nothing unsociable, I just like to relax and concentrate on the task in hand. Plus it was chilly-kind. As I meandered around the first hill, a chap approached and introduced himself as David Marshall. A nice bloke and we chatted all the way to the summit. He even had a neighbour who I knew through work - a sma world.
The wind at the summit was brutal and any exposed flesh was petrified within seconds. We scuttled down the West side of the hill and took our lunch and tea. Bliss. A text to Em-pem and I asked David to carry on to get some perspective in my photograph. At that moment, the large crowd ascended and we bid them farewell. David continued on to the second Munro but I had fulfilled my objective for the day and made a very enjoyable and relaxing jaunt back to the car in 4.5 hours. A cracking excursion and one that did indeed require two to Teanga. The day had a sad twist in the tail as I drove back via Glencoe and was privy to the emergency services overtaking me at high speed. My suspicions were confirmed later that evening and my thoughts are with their families.
