I don’t think this day needs very many words to sum it up. A 4* Classic mountaineering ridge, on a blue bird day in the middle of exam season with a bunch of good mates. Is there a better way to spend a Monday?
The alarms were set early – a long drive to Glencoe ensued, but by 9:30, we were setting off on the long slog up to the summit from Am Bodach.
The first section of technical ground you encounter is a short downclimb of Am Bodach. Robbie downclimbed it – but advised that it was a bit fiddly and it would probably be quicker if we did a short abseil. A small amount of rope faff later and we were down at the start of the first section of the ridge.
An awkward slab proved the first section of proper scrambling – whilst looking deceptively straightforward, in these conditions, the snow was very unconsolidated which made life more difficult. Nevertheless, we all made it down safely, and sunglasses were put on! What a treat
The ridge continued in a straightforward but beautiful manner until we reached the pinnacles. These were engaging, exciting, and exposed, with several moves of interest! We all felt comfortable soloing the ground – but we avoided any route-finding errors that would quickly bring you onto serious ground. Doing this without at least a rope in the backpack in case a retreat is needed would be foolhardy for most.
We then had lunch watching the sun setting over the distant sea. It was just 2:30 and already hues of gold and orange spread across the landscape.
Then, we made the push to the final Munro, where we had a short rest and them made the rapid descent down to the Clachaig (which alas was shut).
A stop for a burger and chips on the way home was well deserved, and we were back in Edinburgh for 9pm. The day was pretty damn close to perfect – and a real treat when everyone else was slogging through practice papers in the library!
Oscar Outdoors 