Monday, February 24, 2020

Glencoe Winter Meet

Despite a (very) poor forecast, club members headed to Blackrock Cottage for the February meet. Avoiding much water on the roads, five arrived at this comfortable hut in good time on Friday and soon settled around a roaring fire to discuss the wet weather options.
Blackrock Cottage (photo credit - Helen)
With strong winds evident, there was litle incentive for an early start on Saturday. The collective decision was for a low-level walk from Kinlochleven and a trip to the Ice Factor. This proved to be an appropriate choice with some shelter in the trees on the path up to Blackwater Dam and fine views of the raging River Leven.
 
 
River Leven videos (credit - Donald)

Between the hail showers, there were some good view.
Above River Leven (photo credit - Ewan)
Stopping for a bite to eat at the Dubh Lochan, in sight of the dam, Helen, Hazel and Donald decided to turn around. Mark M and Ewan continued to see vast quantities of water pouring over the dam.

Blackwater Dam (photo credit - Ewan)

Dam video (photo credit - Ewan)

All stopped at the Ice Factor cafe for coffee and cake. Bob arrived at the hut soon after us and Robert M not long after. We soon had the hut cosy while preparations were made for the usual evening feast.

On Sunday, with an improving forecast, another leisurely start was in order. Bob, Hazel, Mark, Robert, Ewan and Helen walked along the Lairig Gartain which runs to the west of Buachaille Etive Mor before heading up to bag Stob na Broige.  Full winter conditions were experienced with some older hardened snow topped with plenty of fresh windblown powder, powerful Westerly winds and whiteout conditions in the snow flurries.     

Before the ascent begins (L-R Hazel, Helen, Mark, Ewan & Robert) (photo credit - Bob)

Hazel & Helen ascending the Coire (photo credit - Bob)
The approach ascent up into Coire Altruim was reasonably sheltered from the strong winds and snow showers which were felt in full force once on the summit ridge. 

The team stopping for a short break (photo credit - Bob)
Bracing for the wind and sharp spindrift at times, the team made the summit and returned by the same route. 
At the summit with enough of a break in the wind to take a quick photo (photo credit - Bob)

Making progress down from the summit (photo credit - Hazel)
Continuing the descent (photo credit - Bob)
The route involved a few burn crossings to add to the adventure (photo credit - Bob)
Looking back at our objective along the Lairig Gartain, between Buchaille Etive Mor and Beag, the sun finally making an appearance (photo credit - Bob)
The forecast was accurate and as we were leaving, the clouds lifted.
View from the Cottage on departure (photo credit - Donald)

Thanks to the LSCC for the use of an excellect hut.