2007 – Page 2

Sgurr nan Eag

This was to be the day of a great outing in the Cuillins. Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr Alasdair in one go. So with a lot of energy we started our hike from the public car park close to Glen Brittle camp site. We passed the toilet block of the camp site and climbed up the path leading to Coir’ a’Ghrunnda.

At some intersection we missed the upper branch of the path and so we finally got to the flattish area where the Allt Coir’ a’Ghrunnda has already emerged from beneath the great slabs. Admitting navigational defeat we climbed the great glacial slabs (real fun, impressive terrain), headed in a northerly direction and rejoined the path leading to Loch Coir’ a’Ghrunnda 150 m higher up. Once on the path we followed it through a jumble of big boulders to a final rising on a rocky section by the Allt (optional scambling) and strolled into the bowl of the marvellous corrie. Pausing for a few minutes we took in the views which were obstructed by low clowds most of the time, however. Passing the loch on its northern side we than continued up very bouldery terrain (rough, rough volcanic rocks – my gloves and my trousers suffered a lot) to the beallach north of Caisteal a’ Garbh-choire, climbing through a rock window just at the beallach. A cool terrain for sure.

Then we bypassed Caisteal a’ Garbh-choire on the north side and headed due south up the ledges of the south/southwest ridge of Sgurr nan Eag. This was an entertaining climb/scramble of sorts, with the path appearing and disappearing in the clouds and mist. The wind had picked up considerably and some precipitation had made the rock slippery. On we climbed over one, two or three false summits until we reached the highest point of the hill. We rested in the lee below the summit for sandwiches and tea and exchanged a few words with a couple of friendly English walkers. Unfortunately there were no views to be … [Read More]

Druim Shionnach

2007 The day before Frank and I walked Creag a’Mhaim we had arrived in Scotland. Our journey had taken us from Glasgow via Crianlarich, Ballachulish, Fort William and Spean Bridge to the Glengarry Hotel. There we had spent a good evening and had slept off the effects of the pints consumed. The next day, 19 May 2007, we left the hotel and drove to Loch Cluanie at the west end of which we parked our car close to the Cluanie Inn.

The rain was coming down at us in the form of curtains and blustery showers, very much depending on whether there was a lull in the wind or whether it was gusting. The mood was not too enthusiastic but at least we managed to put on our raingear without getting drenched. So, finally, we left the Inn and headed for the bridge spanning the River Cluanie. From there we followed the road which leads to the pass between Glen Cluanie and Glen Loyne. The going was good on the tarmac and gravel surface and we continuously made progress reaching the flat beallach in due time. At the foot of the southeast ridge of Creag a’Mhaim we located the path leading up the hill without any problem. Soon we were climbing up the very good path gaining height quickly. The wind had picked up again and the rain was getting stronger.

It was a rather squishy climb and the earth was slippery in places. Then, we reached the more exposed summit ridge of Creag a’Mhaim and were battered by wind and sleet. It was definitely not an outing for great views on an easy stroll – Sir, No, Sir. We touched the summit cairn of Munro No. 1 of our 2007 holiday and headed on to Druim Shionach over the broad ridge connecting the two hills. We battled on and got to the summit of the second Munro. In the relative lee of some banks of rock below the summit we paused for a short while only to realize that … [Read More]