Thursday 17 April 2008 - Dazzled on Beinn Damh

A lie in was allowed as Janet from Inverness was joining us.

Another cloudless morning greeted us, Janet arrived as planned, and we set off up Beinn Damh at 9.30.

The walk through the native pine forest was delightful.

It was a cool morning, with a brisk easterly wind, but we were relatively sheltered right up to the 600 metre col. We made sure that our compulsory 'elevenses' were taken, according to tradition, in a nice warm sheltered spot with a fine view.

Much extra clothing was needed at the col to combat the icy wind, but heading up the ridge we regained the lee of the mountain and enjoyed warmer, calmer conditions. The snow was firm and easy today - not like yesterday's sugary blemonge (sic - see Nick's comment).

The final ridge proved enjoyable, with no horrendous abysses to trouble the vertigo sufferers amongst us.

Remarkably, it was calm and warm on the 903m summit, where the seven of us enjoyed lunch with fine vistas under a dazzling sun. Views extended far and wide, perhaps the best of the week, with all the local hills looking very close, and fine views to the Cuillins and the central and northern Highlands.

The magical vistas accompanied us all afternoon. Janet's chocolate gave us a boost before most of us visited the NW outlier, Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire, which overlooks the magnificence of Loch Torridon and the Hebrides beyond.

An easy descent brought us down to the daily tea and cakes we all enjoy, followed by the Pacific Ramblers' gunpowder sausages, then Sue's apple crumble - finished just in time to witness another stunning sunset.

And so ended yet another wonderful mountain day.

Today's route is shown below - 15 km and 1300 metres ascent for those who did it all.