Beinn Alligin

After a great few days in the Northern Pennines, I arrived home on Monday evening and had to pack up the car again in preparation for our drive to Torridon yesterday. I had been asked to lead the GWC Torridon Project next year and I had happily agreed to this - on the condition that I would need to go and check out the area first (having only been through there briefly in the past). So, Emily and I made the long drive North yesterday and got ourselves settled into the highly recommended Torridon Hostel. Today, I wanted to check out Beinn Alligin. I had a few other hill in mind that I wanted to do with the kids but the one that concerned me the most was Beinn Alligin so I thought it was best to explore it and make a decision afterwards. From a variety of research and much reading, it seemed that the 'normal' route circles the entire mountain in a clockwise direction, leaving The Horns of Alligin until last. Given my experience, I wasn't comfortable about taking a group over The Horns so the other option seemed to suggest returning to the summit of Tom na Gruagaich after Sgurr Mor and back down Coire nan Laogh - the route of ascent. However, I've never been a fan of descending the same way as you came and much more prefer circular routes, as I'm sure many others do also. With this in mind, I had read that there was a possible 'escape' route down to the west of the coll at Fasreidhnean Beinn Alligin. This route descends down towards An Reidh-choire and then follows the deer fence back to the beginning in an anticlockwise direction. The books say that this is an extremely long and unpleasant way down but I was curious to check it out, as it may make for a more entertaining route with the kids.

Beinn Alligin in the clouds

Looking South from Alligin across Loch Torridon

We were up early and made the short drive through Torridon village to the car park by the waterfall on the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil. As we left the car and gazed up at Alligin, we couldn't see the summit of Tom na Gruagaich and the mountain was completely covered in mist. Despite this, it was a fine day and we weren't complaining, as the forecast for the UK this week was really quite horrendous. However, on this occasion, it seemed that Torridon had found itself in it's own wee weather bubble; and as we made our way up the initial steep incline on the excellent path, we joked about how mild it was for this time of year. The going was swift on the good path with the big steps and we were soon at a height of around 400 metres, where the incline levelled out somewhat. Here, we paused and took the opportunity to gaze up at the summit and the entrance into the spectacular Coire nan Laogh. As the cloud had now lifted, the air was very clear so we had great views of Beinn Dearg, Liathach and through the Torridon Forrest to the mighty Beinn Eighe. After pausing to catch our breath, we pressed on and rounded the corner of Na Fasreidhnean and into Coire nan Laogh. Here, the path is still excellent (clearly a great deal of work went into laying it) and winds it's way up to the top of Coire nan Laogh following the stream. On entering the corrie, I had spotted a steep gully on western wall that seemed to lead all the way to the head. On closer inspection, it looked even more interesting and inviting and it certainly had more appeal than stepping up the path. After a brief chat we simply headed straight up and were rewarded with a most enjoyable, easy scramble to reach the grassy plateau with no one in sight. We sat in our t-shirts to have a bite for lunch, so that gives an indication of how still and mild the air was today.

Looking into the magnificent Coire nan Laogh, Beinn Alligin

The mighty Na Rathanan, The Horns of Alligin

Looking East through the Torridon Forrest from Coire nan Laogh

Emily scrambling up the steep side of Coire nan Laogh, Beinn Alligin

Loch Torridon from the top of Coire nan Laogh, Beinn Alligin

The Skye Cuillin from the top of Coire nan Laogh, Beinn Alligin

On the grassy slopes of Tom na Gruagaich with Loch Torridon behind

After lunch, we had a short stroll over to the large summit cairn of Tom na Gruagaich, where we took in the breathtaking view of Sgurr Mor and The Horns of Alligin (Na Rathanan). I can't really describe how much there was to take in: stunning views in every direction and even the Cuillin of Skye were clearly visible. I was sure that this must be one of the most amazing views I have seen to date - what a setting. It was also a special moment as it was Emily's first Munro - very well done, Mily!

We headed North down the narrow ridge towards Fasreidhnean Beinn Alligin over a couple of tricky steps but nothing that wouldn't be 'manageable' with a group - great fun actually. On reaching the col, we looked up at the summit of Sgurr Mor and The Black Notch (Eag Dubh). It was tempting, but I wasn't too fussed about going to the top of this one, as I knew I would be back in the near future so I thought it better to save it for another day. Instead, we headed down the steep grassy slopes to the West towards An Reidh-choire. As we started the descent, we looked back and spotted a large heard of Red Deer above us - what a day!

Sgurr Mor and The Horns of Alligin (Na Rathanan), Beinn Alligin

Tom na Gruagaich Summit, Beinn Alligin

Red Deer on the side of Sgurr Mor, Beinn Alligin

The slope was steep, pathless and boggy in places. It was not fast, easy-going or in any way a pleasant route to take. It turned into a relentless bog-slog that was never-ending and it was very late when we eventually made it back to the car with our head touches. I certainly wouldn't recommend this route to anyone, unless they had no other option but even then I can't see why you would go that way - in winter it would be a serious undertaking. The way down the good path back to Tom na Gruagaich and down Coire nan Laogh is by far the more sensible and better option. On the plus side, we were treated to a spectacular sunset to the West and despite the epic journey down, it was a great day and well worth exploring as I now feel great about taking the kids up there... bring it on!

Sunset from An Reidh-choire, Beinn Alligin

Sunset from An Reidh-choire, Beinn Alligin

Sunset from An Reidh-choire, Beinn Alligin

Sunset from An Reidh-choire, Beinn Alligin

Sunset from An Reidh-choire, Beinn Alligin

D of E Assessing - Northern Pennines 2009

This week I have been helping with Duke of Edinburgh for GWC in the Northern Pennines, based at Ninebanks YHA.

I arrived late on the Wednesday night and only Jamie was still up when I arrived at Ninebanks. After a brief bit of banter and a catch up, we headed to the bunks for a good nights rest. The next morning I met my group for the first time; a Gold Qualifying group of sixth year lads - a nice bunch. The weather that morning was rather dreich; perfect for some micro nav so we set out from the hostel over Mohope Moor. We spent the morning 'finding' various features in the landscape using the 1:50k map. The boys quickly discovered that fences and walls are not marked on these maps... and that there are a lot more of them about down here compared to Scotland! Usually in the D of E groups there is one pupil who is the navigator for the group, so I was keen to try and get them all up to speed and not just be relying on one person all the time. We also looked at pacing and different types of bearings and how to use them. After messing around, we met Jane and her group for lunch on top of Hard Rigg. After a bite to eat, we gave both groups the challenge of leading us all safely to Alston for some afternoon tea. A gentle first day.

Looking South down the track towards Townhead, Pennines

On Friday, the lads left around 9am and the mist was still down. They were heading to first but not across the moor this time. I took the opportunity to grab a cooked breakfast in Alston before seeing them through the village safely - their spirits seemed high, despite the drizzle. Once through Alston, their route took them South and then West, over the river to Leadgate. Here, they joined the A686 for a short time before turning off and heading South along the Maiden Way to Townhead (Camp 1). I saw them join the main road at Leadgate, and then I drove round to introduce myself to the farmer at Townhead. Once I had established which field the lads were to camp in, I dropped off the jerry cans and headed up Muska Hill. By now the mist had all burnt off and it was a glorious sunny day so after Muska, I headed over to the summit of Brown Hill to see if I could spot the lads coming towards me. However, as I gazed across Srony Rigg and along to Melmerby Fell, there was no trace of the group. A little puzzled, I pushed on to the summit of Melmerby to look right along the Maiden Way; but still nothing. Even more confused by now, I re-traced my steps back to the campsite and waited in the car for a while. Just as I was starting to get a little anxious, the lads appeared coming up the road in front of me: the complete opposite way to what they were meant to be doing. They looked shattered, but smiled broadly as they greeted me. After a quick chat, and helping them put up tents, it transpired that they had come down off the ridge too early and ended up in Melmerby - but they understood where they had gone wrong and found their way to camp without difficulty. Pleased by how they were performing and that they were now settled, I left them to it and headed back to Ninebanks for a late supper and a good sleep.

Looking up at Brown Hill from Townhead, Pennines

Nearing the top of Muska Hill, Pennines

On Saturday morning I left swiftly after breakfast to check the campsite and to collect their rubbish - all was well and they had left me a route card to let me know that they had left on schedule. After the farmer had kindly let me fill the jerry cans, I headed up the road to Dufton (Camp 2). After introducing myself to the campsite warden, I drove up towards the radar station on Great Dun Fell. I parked the car at the side of the road, just behind Knock Pike, and set off along the side of the tarmac road. I found this road walking pretty tedious so I hopped over the barrier and contoured up through the gully above Knock Ore Gill - an interesting and very loose scramble! I passed swiftly around the edge of the radar station and joined the Pennine Way to Little Dun Fell and then on to Cross Fell. I was surprised to find a large, multi-sided drystone shelter on the summit, but made good use of it for my lunch stop as I waited for the lads to arrive. It was another fabulous day, with clear views South to The Dales - spectacular. It wasn't long before the lads arrived for lunch and by the look on their faces: didn't expect to see me up there waiting for them. A couple of them were covered in mud and they told me that they had encountered a rather large bog on the way up from Kirkland. I din't hang around long and I left them in good spirits to head back over the ridge to the car. When rounding Great Dun Fell for the second time, I spotted Jane coming around the other side. We walked on a little and had a natter, and then Jamie wandered casually around the corner, coming across the ridge from the other direction - what a coincidence! Jamie said he was heading back to his minibus and I said I would give Jane a lift back down to Dufton. When we arrived there, Tam's group were already at the campsite and all set up. Jane and I grabbed a quick coffee and a cake in the Pub across the road and watched for my lads coming into town. They were bang on schedule and after a quick 'hello' I left them to it and headed back to Ninebanks for the evening.

Radar Station on the summit of Great Dun Fell, Pennines

Great Dun Fell from Little Dun Fell, Pennines

Sunday was a real dog of a day, but not surprising after a glorious two days of sun - it had to break sooner or later. The lads were following the Pennine Way for most of the day but I was a little concerned about them navigating their way through to Cauldron Snout in the thick mist. Tam said he would check the campsite for me in the morning, so I took another opportunity to grab a cooked breakfast in Alston. Afterwards, I went and introduced myself to the farmer at Dale Head (Camp 3) and dropped off a couple of jerry cans for the lads. I then headed down the road to Cow Green Reservoir and parked up at Cauldron Snout. Now it just so happened, that I had my mountain bike with me on the back of the car; and I was very glad I did. I had tremendous fun tearing along the track to Birkdale farm. But if anyone wants any advice for the next bit... be prepared for you lungs to burst! It was a steep and technical climb up a single track with rather large stones to negotiate. Once onto the open ground, there is a nice wooden walkway over the worst of the bog. However, this soon ends and the terrain becomes pure bog and is not cycle-able. I accepted defeat at this point and waited here, hoping that the lads would appear out of the thick fog at some point - I could just about see my hand in front of my face! I had only been resting there for a couple of minutes when I heard singing coming from somewhere in the mist; it was the lads! I was quite pleased to see them and I could tell that they definitely did not expect to come across me there in the mist, much to my delight. They were in good spirits but clearly finding the conditions hard, but they were pleased to now be on the home stretch. I left them and cycled off into the mist ahead of them and back to the car to get warm and to dry off - unfortunately the lads had no such luxury. I grabbed a quick coffee at Langdon Beck before seeing the boys into their final camp and then headed back to Ninebanks.

The lads leaving the summit of Cross Fell, Pennines

On The Screes of Cross Fell, Pennines

Monday was the final day and all the groups, including mine, were to finish in Alston in the afternoon. We all went for an assessors breakfast in Alston before going our separate ways to check on our respective groups. There was no trace of the lads at their final campsite; only their bag of rubbish and the empty jerry cans. I headed back towards Garrigill, hoping to spot them from the road - but visibility was poor and I saw no sign of them. At Garrigill I bumped into Alan waiting in his car for his group to pass through. He then told me rather casually that the lads had pasted through 'ages ago' and I thought that they should be finished by now. A bit gutted to have missed them, I headed back to Alston. I found them all in the cafe happily munching on all-day breakfasts. Once fed and watered, we had a bit of a debrief about how everything went. It turns out that they had decided to get up really early and just get the last few km over and done with. I didn't have a problem with this, it was just a bit of a shame that I wasn't waiting for them at the finish to congratulate them properly. Despite this, I was very impressed with them as a group and I told them this. Sometimes I DO get the good groups after all...

Looking South towards The Dales from Brown Hill, Pennines

All of the other groups finished safely without any drama so all they could do was sit around and wait for the coach to arrive and take everyone back to Edinburgh. I headed home buzzing after a very enjoyable few days in the Pennines and I couldn't wait to go back - what a place! On the drive home, my thoughts turned to Torridon: where Emily and I are heading tomorrow!

GWC Kenya Trip 2010 - Training Weekend

Every couple of years, GWC run a trip to Kenya in the summer holidays. The trip involves many worthwhile charity activities and also incorporates a bid for the summit of Mount Kenya. In order to simulate the amount of ascent that will be faced on Mount Kenya, a training weekend up at Loch Tay was proposed and Fletch had asked if I would come along as a member of staff to help lead on the hill.  Naturally, after doing the SML Training earlier in the year, I jumped at the chance.
The plan was to traverse the Ben Lawers Ridge (5 Munros) on the Saturday and then bag the two other Munros (behind the main ridge) on the Sunday. However, the plans had to change last minute on the Friday night, as it transpired that half of the pupils were involved in hockey matches that were taking place on the Saturday morning in Edinburgh. The only obvious solution was to split the group in half; those that were not playing hockey could continue with the original plan, while the hockey players would climb the other two Munros on the first day (after their hockey matches) and attempt the ridge on the Sunday. Thankfully, I was instructed to stick with the group and the original plan.
We met at GWC at 7am sharp and were soon past Stirling and making our way to Killin. Most of the group took the opportunity to nap and they woke with a jolt as we pulled up at the Ben Lawers Hotel in the minibuses. We set off past the farm and up through the woods, while Jamie drove one of the buses back along the road to the Ben Lawers Visitors Centre and came back in his car and would catch us up. We were soon clear of the woods and out onto the open, grassy south slopes of Meall Greigh. The weather was ok: dry and mild, but not too warm. The sky was cloudy but only covered parts of the ridge ahead. The kids were doing well and the lads were, as usual, trying to show the girls how fit they were by setting a blistering pace out at the front. We weren't worried though, as they would have to slow eventually (hopefully!). The pupils seemed like a great bunch and were all very mature, which made it a pleasure to be with them on the hill. It was a comforting thing to know also, we knew that they had all done at least some Munro walking in the past, thanks to S3 Projects. By the time we were three quarters of the way up Meall Greigh, Jamie had caught us up in no time and we were taking a breather before heading to our first summit. As we sat on the grassy hill, we had a great view back down to Loch Tay where the sun was just creeping through the thick cloud and reflecting on the water - not a bad place to be on a Saturday morning.

Looking South to Loch Tay from the grassy slopes of Meall Greigh

Dramatic shot looking south from Meall Greigh

The mist rolls in over the summit of Meall Garbh

Which way now?!

Not much of a view...

Looking up at An Stuc

After a short break, we pushed on and we were soon standing on the summit of Meall Greigh with a buzzing group of pupils. We didn't hand around, but as we pressed on towards Meall Garbh, the mist well and truly rolled in; covering the top in front of us. Unaffected by this, we took a bearing and heading straight up through the mist to the summit. No view here at all so we steamed on along the ridge to An Stuc. Jamie, Fletch and I knew that the steep ascent up the side of An Stuc was going to be the crux of the day, and possibly the whole weekend, for many of the kids. As we approached the steep sides and looked up, it didn't look as daunting as the kids had envisaged... mainly because we couldn't see a thing because of the mist! However, this turned out to be a blessing; as no one could see how far away the top was! Everyone simply plodded up at their own pace and reached the top with relative ease - we were most impressed. As we stood on the summit for a brief chat and to take a breather, the clouds lifted and we were treated to a tremendous vista all around us. We could now see what we had just concurred and what still lay ahead.

Looking down to Lochan nan Cat as the clouds clear from An Stuc

Crew deep in thought

Looking West from Creag an Fhithich

Ben Lawers

We pressed on along the ridge and over to Creag an Fhithich and found a nice sheltered spot to have a munch. Here, we also had a great view to the west and were able to see over to the two targets for tomorrow. The kids were trying to spot the other group but they were nowhere to be seen - to be fair, I think they wouldn't be long started on their walk, as they hadn't left Edinburgh long ago. Straight after lunch, we just went for it. It was a long but relatively easy climb to the top of Ben Lawers but we were all glad to be at the top. Time for some tea and... lollies?!

Top of Ben Lawers

Lolly time for Fletch

Lolly time for Jamie

But we weren't finished yet; we carried on across the ridge above Creag nan Gabhar, towards Beinn Ghlas. The going was still good and the wind wasn't too strong at all. The ridge was still very grassy and never really 'narrowed', so we had none of the group freaking out at the exposure, or anything like that. We were soon celebrating our fifth and final Munro of the day, standing on the summit of Beinn Ghlas. As we reached the top, one of the lads spotted the other group across the valley on top of Meall Corranaich. Most of the group were now pretty beat after a long day and started to separate into a longer line, as we descended down through the small wood and past the remains of the Shielings, before arriving safely at the visitors centre car park. Everyone had coped brilliantly with the hard day and none of the group seemed particularly tired; very encouraging, considering what still lay ahead tomorrow.
We were staying just along the road at the High Creagan campsite. A very short drive later, and we were all busy putting up tents and cooking various boil in the bag meals on the Trangia stoves. Soon, the hockey group arrived and then it was their turn to get set up for the night. Speaking to Paul, Martin and Fiona, it sounded like they had a great day also and made very short work of the two Munros. After some good chat and some catching up, I turned in... only to be woken up later on by Paul's horrendous snoring! Just like the SML Training week all over again...

Day 2
We woke early the next morning, got packed up and had a good breakfast. Over a brew we talked about the plan; it was decided that Jamie, Fiona and I would take the group that did the ridge yesterday and tackle the two remaining Munros as planned. Fletch decided to go with Paul, Martin and the hockey group and traverse the ridge in the opposite direction to yesterday. We had enough minibuses and cars for the shuttles to work out and for everyone to get back to Edinburgh, so it made sense to do it this way.

Lochan na Lairige

Heading up the grassy slopes of Meall Corranaich

We took our group just up the road and parked the buses at the North end of Lochan na Lairige. There was no warm up; straight up the grassy slopes we went. Any stiffness from yesterday had to be put to the back of our minds - none of the kids were complaining though. We continued to climb due east over the boggy grass until we reached the remains of an old iron boundary fence. We then simply followed this to the summit of Meall Corranaich. And what a boring top it was; a very gradual rounded top with a small cairn with iron posts mixed in - we were also in the clouds, so I guess that didn't help inspire us either. Not wanting to dwell here any longer than was needed, we pressed on along the grassy ridge. As we passed over the top of Coire Liath, the wind picked up and we took quite a buffeting until we turned slightly and stated up the steeper path around to the summit of Meall a' Choire Leith. Not much to say about this summit either; very flat, very round, with a big cairn in the middle. What I can say is that the kids were absolutely elated to be at the top and to have completed the challenge of all 7 Munros over the weekend. A great feeling for everyone indeed.

On the summit of Meall Corranaich

Heading north along the ridge towards Meall a' Choire Leith

After a few photos, we headed back down the path we had just walked up until we reached the bealach before Coire Liath. On the way down, we had a great view of Ben Lawers and the ridge we had successfully conquered yesterday - much to the kids' delight. At the coll, we headed down steeply and around the shoulder of Coire Gorm. We contoured around to the south past the Sheilings and tried not to loose too much height. The going was quite rough here; very wet and boggy in places - a bit of a slog with tired legs! It wasn't long before we had reached the minor road to Glen Lyon and were back in the minibus safe and well, all celebrating a job well done.

Approaching the top of Meall a' Choire Leith

Having a moment...

On the summit of Meall a' Choire Leith

Heading back down to the coll above Coire Laith

On the drive back to Edinburgh, Jamie and I chatted about what a success the weekend had been and how fantastic the group of kids were. They should have absolutely no problem climbing Mount Kenya - good luck!
I must say: the kids were brilliant and what a pleasure it was to help take them up those hills - what a great weekend.

Traprain Law

Over the past week, Emily and I have made two evening visits to Traprain Law (East Lothian) for our first 'real' attempts at some Trad climbing. Having broken ourselves in gently with some sport climbing in Gairloch, I hadn't really used most of my new gear, so I was keen to put it to more use on the rocks this summer. I had purchased a copy of the Lowland Outcrops guidebook and at first glance, Traprain Law looked like it had quite a few easy routes. Some folk at work had suggested Rosyth Quarry but I wasn't sure it was the best idea, as it may well have been full of young 'layabouts'.

Setting up the belay at the top of The Vertical Ladder VD*, Traprain Law

As it happens, Monday was a great evening to be out at Traprain - as we had the whole place to ourselves and the weather was just lovely. I thought we had better start on something easy so a quick scan of the crag and the guidebook had me eying up The Vertical Ladder VD*. I had been doing a lot of reading of various climbing manuals and chatting to a few mates that climbed about Trading so I felt that I had a pretty good idea about what I had/needed to do with all the gear etc; the only problem being that I'd never really done it before and had very little experience at this sort of thing. But anyway, undeterred, off I went with my half rack of nuts and hexes clinking away on my harness. The climbing was actually very easy; it was trying to place the gear 'well' that was the problem. I found it interesting, as I was automatically drawn to try and use the bigger hexes in the bigger cracks; simply because I trusted them more than the smaller wires. Once I had figured out how the hexes worked and how they needed to be placed to 'cam', all was well and I was putting in loads of gear all over the shop in order to get a bit of practice in. I felt totally at ease and completely comfortable until I was almost at the very top of the climb. Straight above me and in front of me was a very large block that, quite frankly, seemed impassable! After a good few minutes of feeling around with my hands, I eventually found the good holds and was able to pull myself over the block. But I still thought it was a bit exposed and a great deal harder than the rest of the climb had been - scary stuff!

Abseiling down The Vertical Ladder VD*, Traprain Law

After a few moments to catch my breath, I managed to get two solid hex placements in as my two good anchors. A few screwgates and a couple of clove hitches later and I was ready to bring Emily up safely. We had practiced all this at home over the weekend so we were pretty comfortable with the set up and the calls. Not to my surprise: Emily flew up the climb and did a great job of pulling out the gear. As I thought, she wasn't too happy with going over the large block at the end so I suggested that she move to the left and finish up there instead; which she did in her usual style.

Abseiling at Traprain Law

Totally elated with our efforts, we wanted more! So we abseiled back down the crag and we quickly dispatched Shuffle VD (me leading once again). A brilliant first evening of Trading together and we were both beaming all the way back to Edinburgh.

With the good weather still holding, we went back on Wednesday we managed to tick: Spider Route 1 S, Spider Route 2 S, Brute S, Double Stretch S* and The M.S. Route HS**. We were a lot quicker completing the climbs as a team the second night and we both agreed that they didn't feel much harder than the first climb we did on Monday night but it was probably mostly down to our confidence growing. Very happy with how the week has gone and super excited to get out on more rock!

Abseiling at Traprain Law

Scald Law Ridge

We were just back from a great tour of the west coast of Scotland and to my astonishment, the good weather was still here in Edinburgh. My folks were still over from the IOM, so we wanted to make the most of the time with them too; this meant that we didn't want to travel too far to make the most of the weather. I had explored much of the Pentland Hills during my time in Edinburgh, but it struck me that I had never stood on top of Scald Law. Emily had never been up there either so she was keen on getting up there too.

Carnethy Hill summit looking northwest to Turnhouse Hill and Allermuir Hill

We had a bit of a long lie, so we didn't set off that early but we had parked up at the Flotterstone Ranger Centre by midday and were soon on our way with our light packs. Being such a nice day, there were plenty of local Edinburgh folk out enjoying the hills and we met many a dog walker and mountain biker on our way up the tarmac road through the woods. We headed off the road to the left and through the gate to take the large track along the edge of the wood before crossing the river to the left. Now on the path heading west, we were certainly climbing now; straight up the steep grassy (muddy) slopes of Turnhouse Hill. It was certainly good training, and we paused under a small clump of trees, halfway up, to catch our breath. Another push and we were soon at the top. On our way we passed a number of 'tourists' who had clearly underestimated the scale of the undertaking that lay ahead of them and were now clearly struggling and contemplating retreat. Our reward was spectacular views over Edinburgh in every direction, as it was a superbly clear afternoon.

Scald Law from Carnethy Hill, Pentland Hills

We headed along the ridge to the southwest and began to enjoy the easy walking on the soft, grassy turf. Great views down to the reservoirs to the north with the sun glistening on the chilly waters below. The gradient steepened a little to gain the summit of Carnethy Hill, where we looked across to the main event: Scald Law. We then had to loose over 120 metres in height to reach the bealach; much to Emily's disgust! It was a bit of a slog to the top but it wasn't long before we were triumphantly leaning on the trig point at the top and admiring more stunning views. We paused here for a bite, and while Emily munched down her piece, I ran over to bag South Black Hill just because... it was there.

Allermuir Hill above the Loganlea and Glencorse Reservoirs from Carnethy Hill, Pentland Hills

After a nice rest and some catching of rays, we headed back down to the bealach to pick up the path heading down to The Howe. On reaching the road, we really regretted not bringing our bikes and dropping them off here before starting out on the route. On a bike, we would have been back at the car in no time. Nevertheless, we had a very enjoyable stroll along the by the water on our way back to Flotterstone; no rush, and back just in time to meet up with the folks for dinner. What a day.

Scald Law summit trig, looking north, Pentland Hills

An Cliseam

So far, the rain had limited our adventures on Harris and Lewis but today was forecast to be mostly sunshine with patch showers - certainly the best weather so far. The morning was a hot one, so we took the opportunity to head to Luskentyre beach and enjoy the sun. Herbie and I had our eye on the Clisham horseshoe but the entire ridge had been in cloud all morning. However, while we were having lunch on the beach, we watched as the clouds suddenly lifted. It's funny how a simple glance between two people can mean so much; we were straight into action - gear sorted and in the car heading back towards Tarbert. Just as we approached the parking bay at the side of the A859, the clouds reappeared and the heavens opened on us.

Herbie, ready to go!

Undeterred, we merrily set off straight up the grassy slopes around Sron Carsacleit. Despite the rain, it was still rather warm; almost too warm for waterproofs... annoyingly warm. Herbie was super-excited, as this would be his first 'proper' summit in Scotland and he had been nagging me to take him up a hill for a while. As it was quite late in the day and the weather wasn't great, I knew we wouldn't be able to take in the entire horseshoe; instead we took the direct route.

Heading into the Clisham boulder field

Heading into the Clisham boulder field

We were going well and we gained a lot of height very quickly and we would have had a great view... but unfortunately we were well and truly in the mist and cloud. Just over half way up, the gradient steepened and we entered into the Clisham boulder field. It was a little tricky picking our way through the large rocks but it didn't slow us down too much, but some care was needed as the rocks were wet and slippery. On exiting the rocks, I picked up a well-trodden path heading straight up the last steep grassy section. The wind had picked up and we were being buffeted a little so it was hoods up and heads down for the final push to the top.

Soaked - glad to be at the top of Clisham

Clisham summit

Herbie enjoying the rain at the top of Clisham

Looking north from the summit of Clisham, Harris

Looking south from the summit of Clisham, Harris

We found a large drystone circle surrounding the trig point at the top - we also found more cloud, lots of it in fact. No view, but spirits were high; Herbie was well chuffed and I was proud that he had made it to the top with ease. We took shelter and had a quick snack and just before we started to set off back down to the car, the cloud started to lift and we were treated to spectacular views all around Harris and Lewis. The clouds stayed away for the descent back down to the road and we held the grins on our faces all the way down. A great day with great company.