Scotland February 2008

Two members of the HMC went on a trip to the Highlands of Scotland. This is their story....... Based ourselves in Glen Coe Youth Hostel just down the road from the Clachaig Inn. The morning of the first day was spent practising ice axe arrests and testing out crampons. In the afternoon we bagged Aonach Mor (1221m), then looked over to the west to figure out our route for the following day on Carn Mor Dearg (CMD). After an early rise and a small drive we started our ascent of CMD via Carn Beag Dearg. From the top (1220m) it was onto the CMD Arete which leads rather narrowly to Ben Nevis (1343m). Down the tourist path to the Lochan Meall, turned right and back to the car park to make a full circle and a total ascent for the day of 1600m. Our third day was supposed to be an easier day. After a leisurely breakfast we decided to explore the local Glen Coe mountains behind the Three Sisters. Climbed Stob Coire nan Lochan (1115m) via the valley of Coire nan Mochan and a steep head wall gully. Onto Bidean nam Bian (1150m), then Stob Coire Sgreamhach (1072m) before descending rather nervously via the Lost Valley head wall. Fourth day again staying local and keeping crampons on, we ventured up the most photographed mountain in Scotland, Stob Dearg (1022m) via Coire na Tulaich. Then onto the beautifully shaped Stob na Doire before returning to the car. On our fifth and final day we decided to push the boat out and tackle the Ring of Steall in the Mamores. After another early rise and a drive up the Glen Nevis valley, we scrambled our way up to Sgurr a Mhaim (1099m). Next was Sgurr an Lubhar (1001m) via the narrow and exposed Devil's Ridge with lunch on Am Bodach (1032m). Following lunch was the exciting ridge of An Garbhanach which lead to our final munro An Gearanach (982m). A quick descent completed the Ring in 10 hours with a total ascent of 1500m. On our return journey to Hereford, with the weather still on our side, we decided to pop into the Lake District and whipped up Helvellyn to bring a fantastic week to a close.