Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh 30 April 2011

Another superb day's weather, and a strenous round of Coire Lair by the ridge, taking in 2 Munros. First a steep pull up onto Beinn Liath Mhor (3,035'), and an airy and at times narrow ridge walk ending at the cairn on the northern edge with amazing views across Torridon, with the immense ramparts of Liathach and Beinn Eighe dominating, and the Fannichs with An Teallach on the skyline.
Then down to the bealach and a pull up on to Sgorr Ruadh (3,150'), and a view even better out to Skye and Loch Carron the the west. Down the stalker's path into Coire Lair to finish the round. A cloudless day throughout but a strong east wind.

Gairich 29 April 2011

Superb weather for an afternoon ascent of Gairich from Loch Quoich dam. A long walk up the east ridge, ending with a steep scramble up to the summit (3,015') with excellent views west towards the wilderness of Knoydart, with distant views of Sgurr na Ciche and Ladhar Bheinn - southeast to a slightly hazy Ben Nevis - and north to Glen Shiel. Only just a Munro, by 15ft, but worth it ! On the way down, an amazing sunset looking down Loch Quoich to the western hills.

Skiddaw 23 April 2011

An early start up Skiddaw from the car park above Keswick got me to the summit (3,053') along a nice airy ridge just in time for a brief view before the cloud filled in - some mist on the upper part of the path. Longside Edge was visible to the west and north the fells towards the Solway Firth. Descent in mist until emerging above the car park.

Helvellyn by Grizedale, Swirral Edge and Catstycam 22 April 2011

A really enjoyable route in fantastic weather from Patterdale, up the Grizedale valley to the tarn, then north up the ridge of Dollywaggon Pike to Helvellyn itself with wonderful views across Striding Edge. The summit (3,118') was quite crowded on the Bank Holiday. Down via Swirral Edge, surprisingly steep initially, and a diversion to the summit of Catstycam (2,920') on the return route to Patterdale via the "hole in the wall". An excellent walk.