Skye Day 5

The fifth day in Skye saw us ascend Sgurr Dearg and at least have a look at the Inacessible Pinnacle, the only Munro that strictly speaking requires a graded rock climb to summit. The weather was a little unpredictable with sunny weather mixed in with some Scottish Clag and a brisk wind which forced a little concentration on the airy ridges between Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr na Banachdich. The second picture shows the ridge between the two. The first shows the "fellowship of the fells" (minus Dave C who was doing his own thing) near Eas Mor. The day was when we all started to feel the effects of a week of hard walking and were relieved that we had planned a more gentle day for our last trip out.

Skye Day 4

Day 4 of our Scottish oddysey saw us ascend the great stone chute to Sgurr Alisdair, the highest point on the Cuillin and indeed the island. The low cloud, as seen in the picture, added to the sense of occasion. After dodging a couple of suitcase sized rocks on the scree slope, dislodged by one of our party, we got to the top. It was at that moment the cloud blew through, showing the "dramatic" exposure on the summit. A ginger retreat on my part saw us back to the slope, the corrie, the car, the cottage and the beer fridge.

Skye Day 3

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Day 3 of our trip to Skye saw yet another change in the weather as we had a low mist and drizzle which seemed to be in for the day. We decided on a trip to the Old Man of Storr which would suit a moody sort of photography session. The walk was a poky little ascent, which for a rest day, was surprsisingly challenging. The rock in the picture is not the old man, but a nearby monolith. We had a wander around looking at the shattered rock and pinnacles.As we were driving back we happened on one of the more surreal experiences, a burger van which didn't sell beef burgers. Instead the menu covered zebra, ostrich, bison and Kudu. As the picture above attests, in the weather, it was a welcome distraction and has been patronised by none less than Sir Jackie Stewart.

Skye: Day 2

The second day of trip to Skye saw us take in Bruach na Frithe, via Sgurr a Bhasteir. The hill is a Munro, and is an ideal introduction the Cuillin Ridge. As you can see from the picture of Sgurr nan Gillean, the weather had changed somewhat from the day before, with a dusting of snow on the tops and the threat of verglas making the scramble up Sgurr a Bhasteir, more "thought provoking" than it's actaul grade. Once we bagged the summit, in what felt like sub zero tempretures, we descended down the corrie and returned to the car. This was not without incident as we foolishly took a "shug induced short-cut" through a forest which led us to extend the walk almost 30 minutes longer than was needed. The panorama of the Cuillin was taken by the Sligachan Hotel on the way back.

Both pictures show the "pointy" nature of the cuillin and is not an area for those who do not like heights or getting their hands on rock!!

A Week in Skye- Day One

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Over the last couple of years, I have joined a group of friends in a week long pilgrimage to Scotland for walking and a few beers. This year we decided to give the Isle of Skye and the Black Cuillin a go.

I am told it does rain in Scotland, but I am unconvinced as you can see by the picture above on Bla Bheinn (Blaven). The views were majestic and the hill is one of the easier to climb on the island, with some of the others requiring some scrambling ability and a head for heights. Despite a little sunburn, we made it down comfortably and set us up nicely for the week. The hills in the background on the second picture are the Red Cuillin, an altogether more simple proposition.

Freedom of the hills

Hills Climbed: Bowfell, Esk Pike, Scafell Pike, Rossett Pike

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When the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) gives a better than 90% chance of cloud free hills and no rain, you take the chance to get a good day out. Whilst driving up, I realised that this would be the first day (winter walks excluded) that I had walked on my own since completing the Wainwrights and wondered what impact that would have on my day. I was pleasantly surprised as to the freedom that being unconstrained by the list gave me, allowing me to wander off course on a whim (I saw a few crags I fancied a gentle scramble on) or to change my plan, almost on the flip of a coin. This started straight from the car with me deciding that I would ascend the "Band" to Bowfell and on to Esk Pike, rather than via Rossett Pike, in order to get to Esk Hause.

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The route from the Hause to Scafell Pike featured on one of my first ever walks with my friend Paul and I have memories of a long slog to the summit, constantly loosing and gaining height. It is perhaps testament to my improved fitness that when faced with the same obstacles, I raced up them without pause. I retraced my steps and descended by Rossett pike, completing a 13 mile walk in great weather. The photos firstly show the Scafells from Bowfell, (You do occasionally get a view from there Paul) and Crinkle Crags from the Langdale Valley.

Summer Breeze, Makes Me Feel fine

Fells Climbed: Souther Fell, Blencathra, Mungrisedale Common, Bannerdale Crgs and Bowscale Fell

I try to get out on the first day of summer, as I hope to set the tone for a summer of walking. Last year I managed Great Gable, this year, I thought Blencathra. The forecast promised a good day. They were half right. It didn't rain, but the wind which was forecast at around 30mph and moderating throughout the day, was blowing at least 50mph and did not let up for the whole circuit. Mrs Vic and I set out from Mungrisedale, looking to saunter over Souther Fell. On good days hang-gliders fly from here, but they thought better of it today. It also put paid to any idea of a look at Sharp edge. The alternative is more of a plod, as shown by the wife in the above picture, but Blencathra was eventually gained to much delight. We then went in search of the dullest Wainwright in the entire 7 volumes, which we eventually "ascended". The flat, featureless terrain, did at least allow me to explain how to pace when navigating to the Mrs. We returned via Bannerdale crags and Bowscale fell, ending up (to no-ones suprise no doubt) in the local pub for a drink and substantial roast beef sandwich. The second picture is Sharp edge from Bannerdale. There were a couple of "loonies" up there but most ducked off the top due to the wind.

They are forecasting snow this week, so who knows, maybe I will have to dig out my crampons again, one can only hope.