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.

The South Cluanie Ridge 3 June 2012

An excellent, long day with Keith Gault from Hillways and fellow client Jennifer. We started from the Cluanie Inn, heading up the stalkers path behind the hotel onto Druim Shionnach (3,238'), the second peak in the chain. We then headed to the easternmost peak, Creag a Mhaim (3,107')and proceeded to tackle the ridge from east to west. The ridge is a mixture of grass, with rocky outcrops, and consists of 7 Munros - the 2 above - Aonach air Chrith (3,350'), Maol Chinn-dearg (3,218'), Sgurr an Doire Leathain (3,314'), Sgurr an Lochain (3,294'), and Creag nan Damh (3,012'). The views from the western end of the ridge, in fine weather, were stunning over the coast, with the Cuillin ridge, Knoydart and Loch Quoich round to Ben Nevis, and, to the north, Torridon and the Mullardoch Hills. Five new Munros out of 7 gives a total of 80. Photos to follow. Also see Keith's excellent write-up at http://hillways.blogspot.co.uk.

Toll Creagach and Tom a'Choinich 2 May 2012

This was supposed to be an easier day after the previous 2 megadays, so was only 8 hrs ! We started from the River Affric, climbing the heathery southern slopes of Toll Creagach to the summit (3,458'). Again, perfect weather conditions with some lying snow. We crossed the bealach and then ascended the east ridge of Tom a'Choinich to the summit (3,645'), an enjoyable scramble to another amazing viewpoint in the sparkling sun, with the snow cover giving the peaks an alpine aspect - from Carn Eighe and the Affric giants, round Glen Shiel, to the distant Cairngorms and the Mullardoch hills that were shrouded in mist on the first day. Down for 7.30pm. Munros 2, total 75.

Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, Mullach na Dheiragain and An Socach 1 May 2012

Another extremely strenuous but very enjoyable day with Jim, this time in perfect weather conditions, sunny with an easterly breeze. A 17 km cycle ride on rough tracks took us to our starting point, the Alltbeithe youth hostel in upper Glen Affric. From here we ascended SW then followed the SE ridge of Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, a narrow corniced snow-covered ridge, to reach the small snowy summit and cairn (3,776'). Amazing views today in all directions, with the Cuillin ridge, Ben Nevis and the Grey Corries and the Glen Shiel peaks being particularly prominent. The winter walking again felt slightly beyond my experience, but I followed the footsteps of the others on the snowy sections. We then descended N and crossed to a neighbouring peak, Mullach na Dheiragain (3,222') lower so less snowy. Finally, we cut across the corrie below Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, and climbed An Socach (3,018') reaching the top after 8pm. A mug of tea at the youth hostel was gratefully accepted before cycling back to the vehicle by the light of our headtorches. We arrived back in Cannich 15h after setting out, after midnight ! 3 Munros, total 73.