Ben Lomond

Looking up at the summit

It was getting late on Sunday night and I had just noticed the weather forecast for the west on Monday. Simply too good not to take advantage of it. A quick email and I managed to get the day off work. A quick phonecall and we had a plan. As it was late, we didn't want to set off super early and we had still to pack. Ben Lomond was mentioned and I wasn't too keen at first, but after a quick glance at the OS map, I saw there was a non-tourist path and this quickly changed my opinion. I had also read that it was still very much winter in the West so it would certainly be more than a walk in the park.

I found some ice!

We left Edinburgh at 8am and headed for Stirling and then across to the Trossachs. It was after 11am by the time we got walking from the car park at Meml Pier. The weather folk had come up trumps and, as predicted, it was indeed a glorious day. Little to no wind at all with only a handful of clouds in the sky. Not too cold either. We headed north passed Rowardennan, out of the wood and climbed up to Ptarmigan. The going was good and we got warm rather quickly going up the soft, steep slope. The snow-line was reached at around 600 metres and we continued on in winter conditions up to the small lochan on the Ptarmigan summit. Here we paused for a breather, had a bite and a brew, and inspected the frozen-solid water.

Approaching the top

Refreshed, we pressed on through the Bealach Buidhe to gain the north west ridge leading up the Ben Lomond's top. The going was a little slower here, as the eroded switch-back path was heavily iced up. After a brief slog, we were soon had the summit trig all to ourselves; taking in the breathtaking views all around; certainly living up to it's name of 'Beacon Mountain'. It was a little hazy but we still had a magnificent panorama of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. There was no wind and quite mild so we had a long stop; had some more grub and took quite a few pictures. It was truly beautiful up there.

As the sun started to sink low in the sky, we headed back down the Sròn Aonaich ridge via the 'tourist path'. Our descent was quite slow, as the wide path was rather icy and we narrowly avoided a number of accidents as we skited back down to Rowardennan Forest. As we approached the car park in the dark, we reflected on a great day; beaming from ear to ear.

Allermuir and Caerketton

I had great plans to get out into the hills over the Christmas and New Year break this year, but I had quite enjoyed being able to just chill out and relax. I guess because I had been so busy at work, I was struggling to find the motivation to get out and get stuff done. As if from nowhere, the holidays were almost over so I was keen to make the most of this last weekend and hopefully sneak in a walk or two before heading back to the desk.

Saturday was a glorious morning and when I nipped out for breakfast, I noticed that the Pentlands had received a dusting of snow over night. The sight of the hills in the morning sun filled me with excitement because I knew we could be there in only 20 minutes. I ran upstairs to the flat and threw a quick pack together, then back down again and jumped into the car. We parked just off the slip road at Dreghorn junction and made our way through Chuckle Knowe. Initially, we took the track past the ranges and up the Howden Burn. But soon we left the track and headed straight up the steep slopes to the top of Green Craig. There was little movement in the air but there was certainly a nip in the air! The ground was quite firm, but not frozen. At about 450 metres up, we started crunching on the dusting of snow on the grassy hill. Carrying on up the more gradual incline, we were soon at the top of Allermuir Hill. As it was such a clear day, we were treated to stunningly clear views of Edinburgh.

Despite the views, it was rather chilly at the top. After having a short stop and snapping a few pictures, we continued east along the ridge over Byerside Hill above Windy Door Nick, down to the coll and steeply back up again to the summit of Caerketton Hill. After admiring the views once more, another steep descent took us down to Hillend.

The light was beginning to fade as we headed back to the car; passed Lothianburn and Swanston Golf Clubs and around Shearie Knowe. Back home in time for tea a very happy chappy :)

Cairn Gorm with fresh snow

Starting up the tourist path

After the horrendous weather on Thursday, there had been a big dump of snow on Friday. We had a rest day; took in the sights of the local area and chilled out a little. Out of the window at Nakiska on Friday evening, I could see that there was a good covering of snow on Creag Dhubh above 500m. I was immediately psyched and fancied bagging Cairn Gorm the next day (via the non tourist route of course).

Sun over
Fiacaill a' Choire Chais

We left early and with the short drive up the road, we were ready to leave the car park by 08:30. As we passed the Ski Centre and headed up the wide track, I started to get an idea for just how much snow there had been. There was at least 5 inches of soft fresh powder. We were two of many folk heading up to the top of Cairn Gorm in the sunshine that morning. Not at all surprising considering the excellent weather. We passed under the funicular and into a couple of switch-backs. At this point, it was time for us to leave the tourists behind and let them enjoy their very uninteresting slog up the rest of the track to  Ptarmigan Station. The path was difficult to follow but that wasn't too much of a problem, as we simply headed straight up the slope of Fiacaill a' Choire Chais. As we passed the Ski Tows and gained height, I looked over at the funicular, ski tows, buildings and tourists. Not the most picturesque of mountains to say the least, but at least folk were out enjoying the outdoors and made it more accessible to all.

The controversial funicular

Looking down to Loch Morlich

The going up the slope was tough in the deeper powder as we got higher and as the gradient steepened. However it was great fun in the snow and we were in no hurry at all with most of the glorious day still ahead. As we gained the ridge, we were hit full in the face by the strong southwesterly. We quickened our pace and and took shelter behind the large cairn at 1141m.

Looking south across the plateau

A quick brew and a few photos later; we were heading for the summit slopes. On the way up, there were great views across the plateau over to Ben Macdui; in my opinion one of the best views in Scotland. We hadn't seen a single soul after leaving the track below but when we reached the summit, we found it swarming with people. I think they were all quite surprised to see us appearing up the slope by the non-tourist path. It was rather windy at the top and it was rather chilly, so we took shelter by the weather station on the summit and had a spot of lunch. After that, we joined the tourists in Ptarmigan Station for a hot chocolate... or two.

The Northern Corries

Summit Weather Station

An iced up weather station

On top of the world

Sgor Gaoith in good Scottish weather

Looking South towards Achlean

It was a real dog of a day; just as the weather forecast had predicted. Relentless rain coupled with 80-90 mph winds. Classic Scottish weather! Nevertheless, we had a limited number of days in the Cairngorms so I was keen to get stuff done. I had seen that the weather would also be bad tomorrow with plenty of snow forecast, so I had that planned as a rest day. The day after that was looking excellent weather-wise so I was planning to tackle Cairngorm then. With the weather being so bad, I wanted to tackle something quite straightforward; so we could bail out early and easily if we needed to. Flicking through the books, I quickly homed in on Sgor Gaoith.

Looking South into Glen Feshie

We didn't leave until after 08:30 mainly because I was looking out the window hoping that the wind would stop howling or the rain would ease a little... it didn't. We drove into Glen Feshie and parked up just north along the road from Auchlean. To my horror, the weather had somehow got worse; the wind and rain was now whipping down the glen from the south. We were soaked through only a few minutes after setting off. Somehow, the rain seemed to be getting in underneath our jackets; something I've heard folk joke about in the past when talking about the Scottish weather.

The track heading up towards
Carn Ban Mor

A short walk along the road saw us turn onto the track to the east through some pine trees. The colours were spectacular and the trees gave us some shelter from the wind and the rain. This was shortlived however, as we continued up the track and out onto the open heather covered hillside. As we got higher, the wind cold stronger and more relentless. Finding it difficult to stay on our feet, we took shelter behind a large cairn in the bealach to the south of Coire Ruadh (750m). I couldn't see the top of Carn Ban Mor or the rest of the ridge ahead; it was covered in cloud. By now we were wet through and pretty cold. I made the decision to head back down. Looking back now, it was definately the right call. It would have meant crawling another 350 metres up the slope to the top and then trying not to be blown off the top of the ridge into Glen Einich. Drenched and cold, but in good spirits, we headed back down the track to the car. We joked with each other about how awful the weather was and how no one in their right mind would have attempted a Munro today :)
A good experience considering the weather today. You need days like that occasionally for a reality check and a reminder as to just how savage mountain weather can be. The warm of the wood burning stove and the hot tub back at base were a very welcome end to the day.

GWC Outdoor Ed Visit to Limekilns

Richard asked if I would assist him his new Outdoor Education course that he was running for a few of the sixth years. Obviously I jumped at the chance!

We weren't sure what the weather was going to do so we decided to play it by ear. When we met just before lunch, the sky was bright but overcast, mild and there was little wind: a great day for climbing we thought. We headed over the Forth Road Bridge and took the turn-off towards Limekilns. It wasn't long before we were through Rosyth and parking the mini bus behind the row of houses in the village. We grabbed all the gear and set off through the woods towards The Gellett Rock. It was actually a lot easier to find than I had thought.

Richard had said that he wanted to rig the top ropes on The Gellet face. So while he was away rigging, I briefed the group and helped them to put on their helmets and harnesses. Richard did a great job and we were soon ready to give the kids a demo in belaying and holding a fall. After that, there was no stopping them; they were straight on the rock. It was great fun coaching the kids and trying to get them up the routes cleanly. They did brilliantly; considering the difficulty of the routes on offer. It remained mild and the rain stayed away. It was the perfect afternoon and great to get away from the desk.

Homeward Bound

Day 12 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

As we left Raasay and started the long drive back to Edinburgh, I reflected on the experience of the last two weeks. Being a GWC Projects newbie, I really didn't know what to expect. Back at school, it was simply a word that you would hear every now and again and it was often talked about with great enthusiasm by the older members of staff. However, if someone had asked me, two weeks ago: "What is Projects?", I would have to admit that I really had no idea at all. Certainly, no one had explained it to me so I would consider that a very good question. A question that, I would be willing to bet, all the kids were thinking two weeks ago as well. Now I feel I know what GWC Projects is all about. It's not all about climbing big mountains and pushing yourself to your physical limit. It's more about the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the personal challenges you overcome and the friends you make on the way. Just as important and influential in your life as your first day at school, your driving test, the day you leave home, or your first day in your new job.

Knackered!

Part of me was glad to be heading home, as two weeks is quite a long stretch away from home, and part of me was going to miss the delight of doing something new and making the most of each day. I knew that the kids would be different back at school too. They would go back to their preferred friendship groups and we would pass each other in the corridors almost like strangers. But I also knew that every one of them would remember this trip for the rest of their lives and that they would take much out of the experience. Better than any classroom at school can give. A vital part in the education of these kids, for sure.

Taig Thormoid Dhuibh, North Raasay Exped

Days 10 and 11 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

We had two days left on Raasay and we wanted to end on a a high note. The plan was to walk into the bothy at the north tip of the island from the end of the road. The kit had been handed out and bags had been packed the night before. We set off in the van towards Brochel and then onto Callum's Road. We paused here for a while and told the story to the kids. I'm not sure if they just couldn't grasp the shear scale of building a road by hand or if they were just still asleep, but they didn't seem particularly interested in the tale. Personally, I couldn't believe that someone could have built a road like this; what a monumental effort!

En route through the Bealach a' Chruidh

Grabbing a breather at the sheepfold

We parked up at Arnish and left the vehicles behind, following the faint boggy path north with our large packs on our shoulders. The going was quite tough and the terrain quite complex and the only sound was the occasional moaning of the kids towards the back of the group. Again, the rain, wind and cloud had all stayed away and in was another scorcher. By now the act of putting on suncream was simply part of the morning routine - something I had never imagined I would be saying by the end of this trip. The path wound its way around Beinn na h-lolaire and through the Bealach a' Chruidh. We took a breather at the sheepfold just north of Lochan gun Ghrunnd and had a bite and a brew. By now the kids were complaining of the weight of their bags. Some of them thought that the sheepfold we were approaching was actually the bothy that we were aiming for and weren't too impressed by the state of it. I thought this was hilarious so I kept up the joke while we were eating and then broke the truth to them when we got up to set off again. Needless to say they weren't too happy about this! A short leg down An Caol and a quick switchback to the south east; the bothy of Taig Thormoid Dhuibh came into sight. I must say, I was very impressed with its condition: almost luxurious as far as bothies are concerned. I could tell that the kids were pleasantly surprised too, which was good to see.

Taig Thormoid Dhuibh bothy, Raasay

Upper end of V3. Perhaps an easy V4

We needed to gather some firewood for later so it was time to explore. Heading further north along the path, we reached the small tidal causeway and set foot on the small island of Eilean Tigh. This gave great views across to the island of Rona (Ronaigh). With plenty of firewood now in our possession, we headed back to base to cook some grub. The kids had all been given M.O.D. standard issue ration packs; much to their excitement, fascination and sheer delight. It was like giving a small child a new toy or a box of treasure! After making sure they couldn't set anything (or anyone) alight, I was beginning to get a little 'twitchy', as usual. I had my eye on the south wall of the bothy. It was made of the local stones and had some nice protruding edges for possible crimps. I threw on my rock shoes and quickly set about a couple of problems. After a while I had put together a few moves that could be linked into a V3/V4 boulder problem. That was me happy, great stuff :)

Not for civvies!

After everyone had been well fed and watered, we lit a fire and toasted marshmallows. As we sat around the fire, I looked around and reflected on how well the group had bonded over the last fortnight. They almost seemed like a different bunch of kids when compared with themselves on the first day of the trip. What was most interesting to see was: there started out being a definite boy/girl divide within the group, but now there was only one group and no segregation at all. After a few funny stories and a few songs, it was time to turn in. We all settled down inside our sleeping bags inside the cosy bothy for a good nights sleep. I woke in the morning to a tremendous heat. The combination of the morning sun and the body heat of us all inside made the inside feel like a sauna! I slipped outside quietly to sit quietly and enjoy the still morning air. We gave the kids a long lie as some kind of reward for the success of the trip.

Bothy interior

Once we had eaten breakfast and packed up, we gave the kids some group activities to kill a bit of time before heading back. One of their tasks was to produce a piece of natural art that symbolised the meaning of Projects to them. I was really impressed with some of the things they came up with and it really came across just how much they had enjoyed the whole experience and it was really interesting to hear what each of them enjoyed the most; all different moments.

A 'Stone Man' made by some of the kids

Now it was time to head back to the hostel and pack up, ready for the journey home in the morning. As we wove our way through the rocky outcrops, it was very apparent that spirits were high. This has been a very successful and worthwhile expedition - the perfect finale to a great trip.