Cruach Ardrain - Sea of Islands

The High Road

Wednesday 31st December

David had decided to escape on the last day of 2008.

His chosen path was up the 'normal' Grey Height route.

Thick, cold, clammy mist gave no hint of the treat in store.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful day, with extensive views in every direction.

How do you capture such a day?

To the North lay Breadalbane.

It was an amazing scene.

The ridge to Beinn Tulaichean held back a wall of mist which boiled up then ebbed back.

Looking South West toward Arrochar, it was difficult identifying the jumble of peaks.

The hills in the foreground are Beinn a' Chroin and An Caisteal

The clarity was stunning

Ben Nevis was unmistakable

Poor wee Beinn Bhuidhe in Argyll looks all alone!

Cruachan seemed a long way off

Nearer to hand, Ben More and Stob Binnein were suprisingly snow free.

David wasn't alone for long - other lucky folk also enjoyed the sparkling day

Tulaichean's ridge which had held back the mist earlier on, was lightly caressed by a flowing river of cloud
A day of stunning summit views.

David was one lucky guy!

Contrast the weather in the glens below.

Cruach Ardrain Y Gully

Sunday 16th March

There was a debate about whether we should cross one at a time as the bridge weight restriction was 3 tons!

The approach has considerably changed since our last visit, the forest having been clearcut.
It was difficult to pick out the old approach line to Grey Height, remember that's where Julie had to be rescued from being a stick in the mud.
A new graded path is very welcome.
Andy had difficulty with the deer fence...........
Winter snow cover was lean today and we hoped that 'Y' gully on the west face would have sufficient depth to play in.
We observed three dots in the gully; climbers toiling up to the summit.
They seemed frozen in place, moving very, very slowly.

Our progress across Coire Ardrain was exhausting, soft deep conditions sapping energy.
The snow became much firmer in the gully and we formed a tight little party.
A snow profile didn't give any indication of unstable conditions, however there was plenty of avalanche debris.
Bill led the way and negotiated the icy bit, cutting steps.
Julie walked casually upwards.
The day improved, it became pleasantly warm, unfortunately the steepest part was ahead.

We could see why the party of 3 we had watched had been moving so slowly, they were roped and had used traditional belay methods. We discovered it was a guide and 2 clients.

We found it too hot on this section, are we ever satisfied?

The girls posing on the suprisingly bare summit ridge.

(too cold for that kind of bare)

After pictures and drinking in the view we wandered down the ridge to Grey Height.

(This is the Gray two, at Height!)

Views westward were very pleasant.

It was a very contented group that meandered homewards. A good day out.

Andy to Bill, 'I wonder what Ben Lui is like?'

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