Strathfarrar (Sgurr Fhuar-thuill, Sgurr a'Choire Ghlais, Carn nan Ghobhar and Sgurr na Ruaidhe) 3 November 2012

3 Nov - An excellent day with Steven Fallon and a group of 12 clients on the 4 Strathfarrar munros. The weather was excellent, with a covering of powdery snow, and superb clear views in low winter sunlight. We traversed the ridge west to east, climbing up from the private road to reach the summit of Sgurr Fhuar-thuill (3,441'), then on via a fairly steep section of ridge to Sgurr a'Choire Ghlais, the highest peak of the day at 3,553' and the only one where the clouds rolled in while at the summit - throughout the day brief snow showers moved through from the south with very clear views in between. We then descended steeply to the northeast and then climbed the easier slopes of Carn nan Ghobhar (3,255') which gave spectacular views of the peaks to the northwest, from the Cuillin of Skye round to Fisherfield and An Teallach. The last munro of the day was Sgurr na Ruaidhe (3,258') reached via fairly easy slopes, from where we descended and reached the road at dusk. A memorable day particularly the dramatic views in sunlight/patchy cloud and snow. Munro total now 93.

Stob Coire Sgreamhach 11 Sept 2012

An excellent day, despite the weather, a short notice trip with Steven Fallon as I had to cancel an earlier trip. Our group of 4 ascended Stob Coire Sgreamhach, in Glencoe, via the lost valley, in very showery conditions, wet underfoot and intermittent cloud cover - the ridge itself was extremely windy with wintry precipitation so we did not linger on the summit at 3,517'. Brief views of Bidean nam Bian, and north to the Mamores, east and south round to Glen Etive. A 6h round trip. Munro number 89.

Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime 4 Sept 2012

My second day with Keith, and very windy after overnight rain, with shower cloud and brief brighter spells. A good path up from Arrochar to Beinn Narnain (3,038') via the boulders, the up the gully to gain the summit ridge to the east of the summit plateau. Difficult to stand at the cairn due to the westerly gale! Then NW via the bealach and a trudge up Beinn Ime, the top at 3,316' just being brushed by cloud. Views to Loch Lomond to the east, and the Crianlarich hills to the north.We gave the Cobbler a miss due to the weather - down on a good path to Loch Long. Munro total 88.

Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh and An Stuc 3 Sept 2012

My first day of a brief trip with Keith Gault of hillways.co.uk, and we headed for the Lawers range - the weather was initially foggy at approx 600m, and we trudged up through it to Meall Greigh - the cloud fragmented and rolled away as we reached the summit at 3,284', giving amazing views of the range NE to An Stuc and Ben Lawers. Then on over a broad ridge, in sunshine and with blue skies, to Meall Garbh at 3,668', and up the steep climb to the impressive summit of An Stuc, also 3,668'. We descended back to Loch Tay as a front approached from the west, and it rained heavily late afternoon. Munro total 86.

Nab Scar and Heron Pike 7 July 2012

A brief window of fine weather after a deluge the previous day, which meant my cousin Pete and I diverted to Jorvik at York, as an alternative to the Lakes. An easy ascent from Rydal led to the summit of Nab Scar (1,450') with good views across Lake Windermere to the south, and Loughrigg above Rydal Water, and Langdale, to the west. The ridge then undulated to the north to the higher summit of Heron Pike (2,003') which also gave good views north and east to the Fairfield massif. It was lovely to feel the warmth of the sun, almost summer-like!

The Five Sisters of Kintail 4 June 2012

A really excellent day on the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail, including the 3 Munros. A steep initial climb from the A87 up to the ridge, then via the Spaniards peak to the first Munro, Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe (3,369') via a magnificent ricky ridge. Then down and up to the new Munro, Sgurr na Carnach (3,287'), and on to the highest of the Sisters, Sgurr Fhuaran (3,504'). Wonderful views back across the ridge, across to the South Cluanie ridge from yesterday, and north as far as An Teallach, round to the Cuillin and Skye, then Sgurr na Ciche and the West Highland hills. Photos to follow. Munro total 83. Also see Keith's excellent write-up at http://hillways.blogspot.co.uk.