Sgorr Ruadh

Today looked like it was going to be a wet one and visibility might be quite poor. I decided to go for something relatively straightforward and hoping that the weather would improve later in the week. Ideally I wanted to save the best weather for our attempt on Beinn Eighe.
I set our sights on Sgorr Ruadh. I had never been up this hill before but I had done my research and it seemed quite straightforward and would give us a nice circuit, even if we didn't make it to the summit. We left before 9am and headed back towards Achnasheen, where we turned off towards Achnashellach. We parked the vehicles at the lay-by opposite the private road leading up to Achnashellach Station (opposite Achnashellach Lodge). After a bit of a faff with waterproofs we were on our way along the forest track. We had quite a few maps so I gave them out to a couple of the kids and asked them to take it in turns to navigate. I didn't give them any instruction or advice, I just wanted to see how they did at this stage, although I knew some of them were already involved in DofE at GWC.

Looking up at The Nose of Fuar Tholl as we head through the forest at Achnashellach

Fuar Tholl

After exiting the forest, the rain had stopped and the sky was a little brighter so we to the opportunity to take of a few layers and make the most of the milder air. The path got steeper as we headed around Coire Mac an Leasgadair and then we were treated to a magnificent view of The Nose of Fuar Tholl. On seeing the buttress protruding out of the eerie mist, James and I exchanged a look that said: "We've got to come back and climb that one day!".

Crossing the River Lair

We headed to the banks of the River Lair and looked for a safe place to cross. It wasn't too high actually and we soon found a spot with some stepping stones across. We then followed the good path that wound it's way through Meall Teanga Fiadhaich, under Fuar Tholl and up to Bealach Mor. The kids were setting a steady pace and were doing a great job of staying together as one group. The rain was now back so we paused for a munch just below Bealach Mor.

Sheltering from the elements just below Bealach Mor

The group at Bealach Mor with Moal Chean-dearg and An Ruadh-Stac behind

We pushed on and up onto Bealach Mor, where we were treated to a great view of Moal Chean-dearg and An Ruadh-Stac - some hills for another day. I lead the kids at a steady pace up the grassy slope all the way to the summit of Sgorr Ruadh - and without a single moan or complaint from any of them - amazing. At first we were surrounded in cloud but it then suddenly cleared and we were treated to a breathtaking view North towards Torridon and Liathach. I asked the kids if they could make out the hostel, because I had told them earlier that the summit of Sgorr Ruadh could be clearly seen from there.

Moal Chean-dearg and An Ruadh-Stac from Bealach Mor

James and I on the summit of Sgorr Ruadh

After a few photos, we made our way slowly down the Northwest shoulder. There were a couple of tricky steps that James and I spotted the kids through, but this was more of a precaution rather than a danger - better safe than sorry. After a steep descent, we were all huddled at the lochan at the bealach between Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh. The kids seemed to be buzzing but I knew time was getting on. I said that they had done really well and I was wondering who wanted to go up a second Munro today. I knew we didn't have time but I wanted to see just how keen they were. To my astonishment, most of them voted to bag another peak! James and I looked at each other and chuckled. I told them that we didn't have enough time to bag another today but that we would bag at least another, maybe two, tomorrow. They all seemed happy with that so we set off back down the main track towards Achnashellach again.

Heading down the Northwest shoulder of Sgorr Ruadh

Heading back down to Coire Lair

The rain stayed away but it still felt like a long way back to the minibus and it took more out of the kids than they had anticipated. But we were soon celebrating another successful day back at the hostel tucking into some grub. Later on the air had cleared and I pointed out the summit we had been standing on a few hours earlier.

Diabaig to Red Point Exped and Climbing at Beginners' Slabs

After a very successful first day, I asked the kids to pack their expedition packs and be ready to leave first thing.

We woke up to an absolute scorcher of a day without a single cloud in the sky - you don't get many of them in Scotland during the month of May - so I was determined to make the most of it. We loaded up the transit van, piled into the minibus and then headed along the road to Inveralligin. We stopped to take a couple of snaps at the Upper Diabaig viewpoint that looks down on Loch Torridon and I pointed out some of the peaks to the kids - what a glorious day. We then headed along the crazy road to Lower Diabaig and down to the pier at the shore. My plan was that James and Margot would walk with the kids around the coast, via Craig bothy, to Red Point beach. While Laurie and I would drive all the way round to Red Point with the bus and the van. Then Laurie and I would run in and meet the group from the other side.

Loch Torridon from the Upper Diabaig viewpoint

Looking accross to Beginners Slabs from the Upper Diabaig viewpoint

We left the group and headed back to the hostel to pick up some camping and BBQ supplies. Just as we were turning out of the hostel and onto the main road, we met the GWC Cycling Project who had stopped at the Ranger's Centre to take a breather. It was good to see Lewis, Jane, Pete and all the kids enjoying the cycling in the great weather. Nevertheless, I was secretly glad not to be on the Cycling Project this year after my shift on it the previous year - hard work indeed!

Shipwreck on the shore at Lower Diabaig

Loch Diabaig from Lower Diabaig

Heading around the coast from Lower Diabaig towards Craig Bothy

Laurie and I parked made the drive to Red Point in the glorious sunshine and parked the minibus at the end of the public road near the entrance to the farm track. Ideally, I wanted the group to camp in the dunes at the other beach at the end of the farm track but I wanted to drive the van down there so all of our kit could be close by. We found the farmer in one of his nearby fields; hard at work. We went over to him, introduced ourselves politely and explained the situation. He was very understanding and accommodating and he allowed us to drive the van down the bumpy track through his land.

Looking West to Skye from the coast near Lower Diabaig

Looking West to Skye from the coastal path near Craig Bothy

After abandoning the van at the top of the dunes, Laurie and I set off at a good pace to meet the others coming from the other direction. I had great fun bounding from rock to rock on the trail; Laurie, on the other hand... not so much! It was a glorious day and we had a great view to the West looking over to Skye above the brilliant blue sea. The others had made good time and I think some of the kids were surprised to see us, as we hadn't told them too much about what was happening.
It wasn't long before we were all back in the dunes looking for a good spot to camp. It was now rather blustery and the main section of the beach was quite exposed. Luckily there was a sheltered spot in a natural dip that was fairly still at it's base so we made camp there. I split the group into tents and gave them their various tasks for the evening: some would put up the tent, some would gather firewood and the remainder would be on BBQ duty (cooking). I have to give the kids credit here and say that they were extremely efficient and helpful - most impressive.

The group at Red Point in the dunes around the fire after a great day

After a successful disposable BBQ session, it was time for some games of touch rugby and ultimate frisbee. After everyone was tired out, we toasted marshmallows around a very impressive campfire on the shore until late - a great day.

Staff crew enjoying the fire at Red Point

The group at Red Point in the dunes around the fire after a great day

I woke everyone early, as I could see the weather wasn't great and I knew it would take us a while to pack up and get on our way. James and I were hoping to head back to Torridon and introduce the kids to some rock climbing at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig. Sure enough, it was after 9am by the time we were in the minibus and on our way back to Torridon.

Packing away tents in blustery conditions at Red Point

Back at the Upper Diabaig viewpoint and heading over to Beginners Slabs for some rock climbing

We parked at the Upper Diabaig viewpoint and loaded the kids up with the climbing kit, ropes and bouldering mats for the short walk to Beginners Slabs. It was rather chilly compared to yesterday and the view wasn't quite as clear but we all layered up and didn't complain about it. James set up a bottom rope and I took 3 at a time to climb, belay and backup on the first slab - meanwhile James rigged an abseil. After everyone had tried their hand at abseiling, James then set up a top rope and the kids had a chance to climb the slightly harder and longer slab.

Bottom-roping at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig

Top-roping at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig

Top-roping at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig

It was now rather chilly and it looked like it was about to rain so we called it a day and headed back to the hostel with a bunch of shattered kids.

Sheltering from the wind at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig

Top-roping at Beginners Slabs, Upper Diabaig

On reflection, I was really happy with how the Red Point expedition had gone. It worked really well and I would definitely do it again and would even be a possible bad-weather option. Climbing at Beginners Slabs worked really well and it was great as a group venue - something that I will also bear in mind for future trips.

Beinn Eighe Nature Trail and Gaineamh Mhor beach

We woke to a chilly morning with the snow still coating the high tops like a light dusting of icing sugar. The conditions meant that any tops were out, especially on the first day. Due to getting back late from South Africa, there had been no time for the planned practice walk in the Pentlands like I had hoped, so I had no idea of the abilities or limitations of the group - they all looked fairly fit, but that was nothing to go on when it came down to the bigger hills. I knew that the hills I planned to take them up over the next two weeks would be a serious undertaking for everyone so I wanted to put my mind at ease initially and see what they could do and what they could cope with.

I told James that I wanted to break them in easy to see what they could do - especially because the weather wasn't looking to great (although tomorrow was looking like it was going to be a stunning day). James agreed that it was a sensible approach so I suggested that we try the Beinn Eighe Nature Trail. With the plan decided we set off back along the windy road to Kinlochewe. We turned left and headed along the Western shore of Loch Maree to the car park on the right hand side. The kids were all excited and they couldn't wait to get going but we held them back and explained to them about the strategy of walking together as a group, what pace to go along at, etc, etc. We also said to them that we wanted to see if they could cope well with this task and if they did, then we could attempt some of the bigger hills and do some real peak bagging.

I hadn't walked this particular trail myself but I had read about it online and in a couple of guidebooks. I knew that it was a fairly steep walk but didn't go higher than around 550 metres and it was meant to have an amazing view of Beinn Eighe from the viewpoint at the trail summit. I knew that this would be the perfect test for the kids and it would break them in gently and give them a taste for what was to come.

Ready for their first test in the Beinn Eighe Nature Trail car park, Loch Maree

Winter on the Beinn Eighe Nature Trail

We set off through the forest at a blistering pace; climbing steeply up the good path. However, the pace soon slowed and everyone stopped to take off layers - it was suddenly very mild. We stopped again at the waterfall and crossed the bridge over the Alltan Mhic Eoghainn. We then left the forest and the terrain turned into broken quartzite rocks and the path picked it's way through the complex landscape. As we reached 450 metres, it suddenly started snowing quite heavily without warning. Of course, everyone thought that this was hilarious, as we layered up again and then pushed on - not a complaint from anyone (I was most impressed). It wasn't long before we had reached the viewpoint and were looking out at a winter wonderland in all directions - stunning. There was some low cloud but the main tops of the mighty Beinn Eighe were mostly visible. Some of the kids asked if that was where we were going. "Not today...", I replied, "...but maybe later in the week." The look on some of their faces was priceless and James and I grinned at each other. This is exactly the start that I had wanted - it suited to keep them guessing and not to break them too early - it was meant to be fun (the most important thing). We huddled in the group shelters and munched down our grub. One of the girls then came over to us and showed us the perfect snowflakes on her gloves; I put out my hand to have a look for myself and, sure enough, they were perfect flakes. James explained that snowflakes like that meant that it was very cold high up in the air and you would usually expect those kind of conditions in winter.

A wintery looking Creag Dhubh, Sgurr Ban and Ruadh-stac Beag from the Beinn Eighe viewpoint

Perfect Snowflakes on the Beinn Eighe Nature Trail

We set off again and the clouds had now blown through and the views were even better than before. We followed the path around a couple of lochans and had an amazing view of a rather snow-covered Meall a' Ghiuthais. We continued the descent around the top of the Allt na h-Airighe and down the Cnoc na Gaoithe, where we had a spectacular view over Loch Maree to Slioch. The kids were all doing brilliantly and I knew that they were going to be an excellent group; all strong walkers with similar abilities.

Looking up to Meall a' Ghiuthais on the Beinn Eighe Nature Trail

Heading back down in the sun with a snowy Slioch in the clouds behind, Beinn Eighe Nature Trail

Further down, we entered the woods again at Coille na Glas-Leitire and we were soon back down at the car park in no time at all. The sun was now out in full force and it was really quite warm all of a sudden. I overheard a couple of the kids talking and they were laughing about how the walk had been like all four seasons at once - they were absolutely right!

The mighty Slioch above Loch Maree

As it was still early afternoon and the sun was now out, we headed to the Gaineamh Mhor beach at Gairloch - a short drive up the road. James and I also remembered that we had all of the bouldering matts in the van with us so we took them down to the beach with us. Apart from the wind, it was a bit like summer on the beach. We had a couple of games of touch rugby and ultimate frisbee to keep the kids amused - but they seemed happy enough to amuse themselves while we chilled a little and admired the view of Beinn Alligin across the bay.

Sunny at Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

A snowy Beinn Alligin from Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

James and I then ran a small bouldering session for a few of the lads that were keen to give it a try. There were a few bigger rocks along the shore that were a perfect introduction.

Bouldering on the rocks at Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

Bouldering on the rocks at Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

As the afternoon wore on, the wind picked up and got a little cooler so we headed back to Torridon to get some grub and make plans for tomorrow. I was really pleased with how well the first day had gone and I was thankful that we had such a great group of kids - I knew that we would certainly be able to make the most of our time here in Torridon. On arrival back at the hostel, all the kids noticed how most of the snow on the hills had started to melt and that things were not quite as cold and wintery as they once were. The updated weather forecast was even better than what I had read this morning so I wanted to make the most of it. One of the options I had in my head was to take the group on an expedition from Diabaig to Red Point beach and camp there for one night - so tomorrow could be the perfect weather for that.

Chilly at Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

Winter has gone from Liathach above Torridon Hostel

Snow melting on the top of Maol Chean-dearg from Torridon Hostel

Winter in Torridon

After a great deal of last minute organising, it was finally time for the GWC Torridon Project 2010 and my first year in charge of the trip. I hadn't exactly had an ideal amount of preparation time, due to being 'stranded' in South Africa because of the ash cloud. But now none of that mattered because we were off - 6 boys, 6 girls, 4 staff, 12 days.

The kids seemed like a really good bunch and after meeting them all a few times over the past couple of weeks I knew that they were going to be good fun on the trip. I also knew that I had a good team of staff in James, Laurie and Margot. Hopefully the weather would be kind to us - May can be an unpredictable month in Scotland.

After a long drive, and a lunch stop in Dingwall to stock up on fresh supplies for the week, we finally turned off the road at Kinlochewe and along the windy road to Torridon. It had been raining for most of the drive but as we wound our way along the single-track, the clouds lifted and the kids were given their first glimpse of the impressive Torridon Munros.

A rather wintery scene on arrival in Torridon

I had been keeping an eye on the weather and I had noticed that the temperatures were quite low in the last week - but I hadn't expected quite so much snow on the hills! As we arrived at the hostel and unpacked the van, we all looked at Laithach and it really felt like winter. The forecast for tomorrow looked chilly and a little stormy, but it looked like it would improve in the next few days. I knew the weather might effect what we were able to do with the kids but after scouting out Torridon and Gairloch last October, I was confident that I knew the area well enough to keep us occupied.

A rather wintery scene on arrival in Torridon

Matt and Steve gave us all a very warm welcome and we all got settled in to our rooms before I divided the kids into their duty groups before we got the grub on the go. I didn't want to give the itinerary away, because I wanted to keep the kids on their toes, so I just told them all to assume that we would be walking each morning - unless I told them otherwise.

The lads were clearly surprised by the snow in Torridon

I decided to see what the weather was like in the morning, before making a plan for the day - bring it on!

Carn Mairg circuit from Invervar

After an amazing trip to South Africa, we finally got home safe after being 'stranded' there for an extra 2 weeks. But now it was time to get back into the training groove, after quite a bit of downtime on holiday (never a bad thing!), and get ready to lead the GWC Torridon Project 2010.

As if perfectly timed, my folks had arranged a weekend visit to Edinburgh to catch up with us after our amazing trip. Needless to say, after our very successful day on An Socach, Herbie was even more keen than before for bag some Munros. I knew that this would be the case so I had a plan: the Carn Mairg circuit in Glen Lyon. I picked it because I thought it would be worthwhile training and preparation for myself and also because it was quite an easy way to bring up Herbie's tally of Munros.

We left early but were delayed slightly by some slow moving traffic and roadworks just over the bridge. The weather forecast wasn't brilliant, but as we parked at the car park at Invervar it wasn't raining and the temperature was quite mild. As we set off up the track through the woods, we looked up and realised that it was highly likely that we would be spending most of the day walking in the cloud. This didn't bother me too much, as I knew it would be good nav practice and I never turned down an opportunity to stay sharp and keep my eye in, but it was a shame that Herbie wasn't going to experience much of a view.

Herbie ready to set off from the car park at Invervar, Glenlyon

Ready to set off from the car park at Invervar, Glenlyon

We left the track, crossed the Invervar Burn and followed the Northwest side of the woods until the boundary fence changed direction slightly. This was the point I was aiming for, as I knew this was where we would attack the Southeast shoulder of Carn Gorm. The cloud was now down below 550 metres. I explained the plan and the route to Dad, but I'm not convinced he knew what was happening - he wasn't very experienced after all - but very keen to learn. I took a bearing and headed up the grassy slope into the mist.

Invervar, Glenlyon

There were quite a few other cars in the car park at Invervar when we arrived, and we could hear voices ahead of us in the cloud but we weren't sure what direction they were coming from; quite disorientating. The lack of a view seemed to spur us on and we motored up the steep slopes to the pointed summit of Carn Gorm. It was rather wet and a little blustery at the top and, to our surprise, quite a few other folk. We knew that most of the climbing was now over for the day so we chose not to hang around at the top and admire the non-existant view; we pressed on.

Herbie enjoying the mist on An Sgorr, Glenlyon

Looking West towards Carn Gorm from the bealach between Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor (Meall na Aighean), Glenlyon

Passing around the Northwest side of An Sgorr, there was still quite a few patches of snow; nothing serious, just a surprise to come across in the thick mist. We picked up the dry-stone wall and followed it up to the top of Meall Garbh without much bother and, to our delight, the mist and clouds started to lift slightly. Still no view but the air now wasn't quite as damp. A few folk raced passed us on the summit and didn't look like they were having much fun. We weren't in a hurry - I was very much enjoying just being out in the hills with Herbie and just having the opportunity to have a good old natter and catch up. I was probably boring him to death to be honest, telling him all about our South Africa adventure.

Herbie happy to be on the summit of Creag Mhor (Meall na Aighean), Glenlyon

The wall had now turned into the iron remains of an old fence. The view was getting a little better but the summit of Meall a' Bharr was still surrounded in cloud. As we headed up the slope before we gained the summit plateau, I took a bit of cramp in my thighs. I'm unsure of the cause, but it's not something I've ever experienced before; in any form of activity or exercise. Herbie suggested that it could be due to the long flight / travel time coming back from South Africa via Dubai. I was totally fine after a few minutes but it was a strange experience. However, we were soon having a bite on the summit of Carn Mairg and joking about what had just happened and how little a view there had been all day.

On the summit of Creag Mhor (Meall na Aighean), Glenlyon

Now rejuvenated and rehydrated, we headed steeply down to the bealach between Carn Mairg and Meall Liath. The mist was back and thicker than ever but we hit the middle of the col no problem. Just then, a middle-aged couple came wandering towards us out of the dampness. They greeted us but seemed a little uneasy. It turned out that they were lost and didn't know where they were. They said that they were lost because they had lost the path and they didn't have a map between them - I was shocked. The conditions today were far from perfect, for any level of experience. I showed them on my map where we were standing and I said that they could follow us. I took a bearing and we headed South towards the spot height of 855 metres. We soon hit a path and, sure enough, the couple strode on into the mist and left us behind.

Herbie on the grassy slopes below the summit of Creag Mhor (Meall na Aighean), Carn Gorm in the clouds behind

After negotiating quite a bit of peat hag and very boggy ground, we were standing on the summit of Creag Mhor - the fourth and final Munro of the day. Herbie was elated at what we had just achieved in a relatively short day... and we suddenly had a view of Glen Lyon and the hills we had just conquered - spectacular. I was really pleased that we were treated to some kind of a view during the day. We raced along the grassy ridge and then picked up the path to zigzag steeply back down to Invervar; a sore one on the knees after quite a tough day in challenging conditions.

Herbie enjoying the view and clearer skies with Carn Mairg behind, Glenlyon

Herbie with Glenlyon, Invervar and Carn Gorm behind

On the way back to Edinburgh, we talked about what an enjoyable day it had been, despite the weather and few vistas we had. A note to everyone: please take maps with you to the hills. Thank you.