Bidean nam Bian 29 May 2009

29 May - a superb cloudless day, and a fantastic but fairly arduous walk/scramble up Bidean nam Bian from the A82, via Coire nam Beith to the ridge, then E along the ridge to the summit of Stob Coire nam Beith - amazing views of Ben Nevis and the Mamores (over the top of Aonach Eagach) to the N, and S to Ben Cruachan. Then the last climb up to Bidean nam Bian 1150m (3,773'). A 360 panorama of Glencoe from its highest point, distant views as far as the Cuillin ridge and Glen Shiel. A very satisfying day, 6h up and down. Apparently the first clear day for 10 days!

Liathach 14 May 2009

14 May - my first foray to Scotland this year, hoping to catch the tail end if this week's fine spell. An arduous ascent of Liathach followed, definitely the hardest walk I have done if the "locked" legs the next day are anything to go by....
I ascended by the "tourist" path (in fact a steep rocky staircase requiring some scrambling) to gain the ridge at the col, then turned west to climb Stob a'Choire Liath Mhor. The final steep pull up rough boulders led to the munro, Spidean a'Choire Leith (3,456') - an amazing viewpoint over the ridge of Liathach N across Beinn Eighe to Fisherfield, Slioch and An Teallach - W across Beinn Alligin to Skye - and S/E to Glen Shiel, the Fannichs and distant Ben Nevis. The pinnacles of Am Fasarinen could be seen to the W but I descended by my route of ascent, total 6 hrs and very sore knees! The weather was fine with scattered cumulus and a high cloud base, cloud increasing during the afternoon.