March 2006

Disorganised Week End at Ratagan

On Saturday, Irene, Marischal and I headed out to climb the unique double topped Corbett, Sgurr a' Bhac Chaolais / Buidhe Bheinn. The ridge containing these two summits runs south west from near the Saddle, towards Kinlochhourn.
There is a right of way that can be followed to the col at Bealach Dubh Leac, and thus to the first top. I missed the start of the track.
This is the view you get of Sgurr na Sgine by going too far up the glen.

 

Approaching the top of Sgurr a' Bhac Chaolais

Looking to Knoydart, Ladhar Bheinn right of centre

Having a little rest on the ridge

Buidhe Bheinn now in sight

Having reached Buidhe Bheinn, and returning,
we found that going up is easier than coming back down!

Back at Sgurr a' Bhac Chaolais

Evening sun reflected in Loch Hourn

By Sunday, the weather had taken a turn for the worse.

A Graham, Biod an Fhithich (and a tick) seemed good enough.
Forcan ridge behind

 

March Bus intended for Crianlarich
We got as far as Bridge of Allan, near Stirling, and climbed Dumyat

On the M9 motorway, things looking a bit grim already.
By this time the back end of the bus was wagging gently from side to side as we glided along.

 

It was agreed that we should stop sooner rather than later.
Dumyat is the at the westerly end of the Ochils, and overlooks the Wallace Monument. (just visible top left as we leave the bus)

Deep soft snow made progress a little slow,
Marischal Sinclair full of beans

Richard Williams setting the pace

I was informed on the way up that an item of ladies underwear was on the top- and here it is- a brazier!

A fine snowman had been built at the door of the pub,
"The William Wallace"
A proud local poses along with our gang.

Doreen Fenwick supplied this nice trace from her GPS unit showing our progress, you can see we went round the back to climb to the top and then came down the tourist route.

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