Once again the day begins with a detailed briefing re the weather expected on our day's activities which is the foundation to route choose accordingly. It was an in depth look at Met office data, local data and Avalanche data. Basically, the day was going to be a lot wilder than yesterday's action, stronger blustery winds possible plus -20 wind-chill, could be interesting.
Meall a' Bhuachaille (round hill of the shepherd) |
A very short bus trip, soon aborted, to find the access road to the ski centre closed due to weather. This quite unbelievable considering the resort relies on snow. So back to the lodge to re-evaluate the day.
We decided to incorporate navigation training whilst walking up Meall a’ Bhuachaille (round hill of the shepherd) but nor by the tourist trail. We went up a very rough and formidable snow walking route.
Our objective was to use the Harvey walking map 1:40 and compass to get to the summit cairn. Not allowed to cheat and use my GPS!!
Forest track from lodge |
Where is the track? |
We all agreed the spot but no obvious track so we headed in to the forest edge but we were just a bit too soon before the unobvious track was found 10 metres to our right in the snowy terrain.
Lunch |
Once we broke the trees we were navigating to a fixed spot on the map at 675 metres which had a clear map aspect in the form of a U shape. The terrain was really tough going, straight up a steep incline. Underfoot it was heather based which was mostly covered with deep snow so every step was a real effort. No denying this was tough going, very laboured breathing and I thought I was fit but looking back from time to time others were just as bad. In normal conditions you would at least be looking for sheep trails weaving around the heather but not an option.
Cold, windy, steep |
Take a bearing |
We found the point at 675m following an educated discussion about the map features, took a new bearing and made our way to the cairn which provided some shelter. Not before the wind blew the map out of a colleagues hands, wonder if he had to pay the stores for it.
Group on the summit |
Descent looking East |
Looking south to Bynack Mor |
Ryvoan bothy |
Back at the lodge debrief time and cake.
Overall a superb but challenging two days, both mentally and physically which in fairness made me rethink my fitness for long winter high level walking.
Very glad I went as it was a good group and instructors.
Digging out time |
Enough excitement for 1 day, I need a beer.
Time: 4.38
Ascent: 1556ft
Distance: 4.86m
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