My initial plan was to do 2 M-points beside Newtownmore but to no avail, I couldnae even find the road up to the Glen, ne'er mind the hills! So, plan B was to try for Sgor Gaoith. I drove past Feshiebridge and on to the car park, where I donned the sack and began the trek through the forest. It was a cold day and I was glad for all my gear. However, although I was on a track, I had gone on too far and began plodding up Carn Ghuithsachan. Unfortunately, this did not take my any nearer my objective and I had to descend to Loch Ghuithsachan, before re-ascending Carn Ban Beag - good practice for the BL hill race but I was eating into my sustenance before my main objective. I began the ascent up to Carn Ban Mor and by this time, I was plodding through knee-deep snow. Eventually, I approached the pointy summit of Sgor Gaoith and it was bitterly cold. I had my soup on the summit and took in the spectacular plunging cliffs above Loch Einich far below as well as Braeriach, beyond the Loch. I didn't hang about and began the long descent to the path proper - it wasn't long before I was back at the car and on the path that I should have been on - doh! A real tester of a hill in Winter but the views were amazing. One footnote was an old English guy, who turned back halfway up the hill because he was cold - he had hardly any gear and was shivering - silly auld fool. Thank god for mountain pro's like myself!
Hello and welcome to my bagging blog. In 2003, I walked up a Munro for the 2nd time and bled from my eyes. From the majestic pinnacles of An Teallach to the classic pyramidal Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe, follow me round Scotland as I share my experiences.
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Sgor Gaoith - the scenic route
My initial plan was to do 2 M-points beside Newtownmore but to no avail, I couldnae even find the road up to the Glen, ne'er mind the hills! So, plan B was to try for Sgor Gaoith. I drove past Feshiebridge and on to the car park, where I donned the sack and began the trek through the forest. It was a cold day and I was glad for all my gear. However, although I was on a track, I had gone on too far and began plodding up Carn Ghuithsachan. Unfortunately, this did not take my any nearer my objective and I had to descend to Loch Ghuithsachan, before re-ascending Carn Ban Beag - good practice for the BL hill race but I was eating into my sustenance before my main objective. I began the ascent up to Carn Ban Mor and by this time, I was plodding through knee-deep snow. Eventually, I approached the pointy summit of Sgor Gaoith and it was bitterly cold. I had my soup on the summit and took in the spectacular plunging cliffs above Loch Einich far below as well as Braeriach, beyond the Loch. I didn't hang about and began the long descent to the path proper - it wasn't long before I was back at the car and on the path that I should have been on - doh! A real tester of a hill in Winter but the views were amazing. One footnote was an old English guy, who turned back halfway up the hill because he was cold - he had hardly any gear and was shivering - silly auld fool. Thank god for mountain pro's like myself!
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Ben Lomond Hill Race 2008 - Training commences
With some trepidation, I have decided to register for the Ben Lomond Hill Race - this takes in a 9-mile route and ascent of 3162 ft. I have always wanted to have a go at a Kate Bush-style race and will need to seriously get in training for this. One must reach the halfway point by 45 minutes otherwise they turn you back - that will not be happening, I can assure you. So, I'm off out this weekend to get my basic hill-speed up - whether I walk and pelt it down remains to be seen and as usual weather pending. It's on the 10th May so I have a full 2 months - booze will be limited, football is cancelled and plenty of stretching at karate should see me all svelte and ready. However, I have no intention of pursuing the other Munro's with the same gusto and will be happy to plod up and enjoy the views. Wish me luck.