Crampons and ice axes were deployed after a couple of hours. They stayed on our feet for around four hours. At the top of the icy ramp that led us to the summit of Carn na Criche, a huge avalanche reverberated from the vicinity of Sgurr nan Clach Geala. A big slab of snow slid down its steep east face, leaving a huge brown slash down the mountain.
The five of us, Pam, Paul, Neil, Sam and I, had a great day out, continuing over Sgurr Mor and Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich to add two Munros to Paul's impressive quota (56 at the last count). 18 km and 1150 metres ascent, in 8 hours, were the day's stats (14 km, 750 metres, 6 hours - yesterday), particularly impressive in Sam's case as she was wearing brand new Scarpa Mantas for the first time and suffered no ill effects.
Snow showers did their best to blur our views through the otherwise clear air, and the above image taken from BLM Fannaich towards Loch Broom is sadly deficient despite incorporating a number of iconic profiles. Can you spot Stac Pollaidh, for example?
We saw nobody on the hill yesterday, but today, being Munro country, we got waves from two distant walkers, and a gruff greeting from a lone speedster who appeared just as we had finished using the self-timer on Sgurr Mor.
Nick - thanks for your comment, we'll certainly add some better images when we get home.
While Lucy and Rosemary stayed at home today, the others (Sue, Andrew, Ken and Anne) contrived to arrive home later than the rest of us after their brave ascent of the Graham, Beinn Ghobhlach. Very impressive!
Tonight's catering, courtesy of P+P's stilton and pine nut mountain, was nothing less than superb.
And so, it's goodnight from Ullapool, after another fine day in the hills.
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1 comment:
Exciting stuff Martin! I've yet to witness an avalanche in Scotland, and hope that, when I do, it'll be from a safe distance. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and I hope the weather's reasonably kind to you.
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