Carn Ghluasaid (Glen Shiel) 26 May 2010

26 May - The easternmost Munro of the north Glen Shiel peaks, and a fairly quick ascent on an excellent stalkers path to the summit plateau and cairn (3,140') with any further ridge walking cut short by wintry showers and reduced visibility. Good views prior to this of the Aonachs and Ben Nevis, and the hills to the west. The sixth Munro climbed this week.....

Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas 25 May 2010

25 May - The "tourist" ascent of Ben Lawers, (3,983') by way of Beinn Ghlas (3,619') and the SW ridge. Excellent views in all directions in the clear but cold weather, from Glencoe and Ben Nevis to the Cairngorms - a lot of lying snow visible at higher elevations. Two Munros climbed - Ben Lawers being the 9th highest, and the greatest elevation in the southern Highlands.

Mamores Ridge - Sgurr Eilde Mor, Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean 24 May 2010

24 May - Three Munros on the Mamores ridge climbed in an enjoyable but strenuous ridge walk - firstly Sgurr Eilde Mor (3,307') approached from the SE ridge by a good path - then across the ridge, and some lying snow, to the highest of the Mamores, Binnein Mor (3,701') with amazing views especially north to Ben Nevis and adjacent peaks, south to Bidean nam Bian and Glencoe, and east to Schiehallion. Finally, a rocky traverse to Na Gruagaichean (3,461') and the third Munro of the day, then a descent alongside a stream back to Kinlochleven.

A Cairngorm Corbett - Creag a Chalamain 21 May 2010

21 May - a walk up onto the Cairngorm massif in excellent weather to look for Dotterel and Ptarmigan took in the plateau Corbett top of Creag a Chalamain (2,582') a good viewpoint for Cairngorm at 4075', and considered a top of Ben Macdui. The ascent is straightforward from Cairngorm Ski car park.

Great Gable 15 May 2010

15 May - It's not a Munro, but a good walk! A fine day with increasing sunshine for the ascent of Great Gable, 2949', from Honister Pass - just over 2 hours with an enjoyable approach via Green Gable, the final scree slopes up to Great Gable being very steep in parts. An impressive view from the summit across to the Scafell Range, and round to Pillar and Haystacks to the west, and Helvellyn to the east.

Haystacks 12 Dec 2009

12 Dec - a superb sunny winter's day, and an ascent of Haystacks with Pete. First a winter sunrise from the A66 near Keswick, than a slippery ascent of the Honister pass to Honister slate mine and car park. The ascent itself is a varied route, and was made more interesting by ice and frost, demanding extra care -the summit (1900') gave fantastic all-round views, from Helvellyn in the east, past Scafell Pike and Great Gable, to Pillar and the coast. An amazing day on Wainright's favourite fell.

Schiehallion 17 October 2009

17 October - a fantastic day of weather and a last minute trip to Scotland, and a long-awaited chance to climb Schiehallion. Cloudless skies, and the car park was full. An ascent of the east ridge, maintained by the John Muir Trust, a gradual climb of a narrowing stony ridge, with increasing views - a stunning view from the top (3,553'), particularly to the west across Rannoch Moor to Ben Nevis, Glencoe and the Mamores. Ben Lawers and Ben Cruachan to the south and west, and the Drumochter ranges to the north. An amazing panorama. 2h up and 1'20 min down - am I getting fitter?