Sunshine in the West

Saturday 28^th April

Former AMC member Stuart Mcleod (AKA 'Mental') and Mark set off to tick 3 Munros in Glen Etive – Stuart is counting down to his last one later this year. 

After leaving one car at the bottom of Glen Etive we headed a few kilometers up the road and in the morning sunshine headed up  Sgor na h-Ulaidh.  From the top we had fantastic views across to snow clad Ben Nevis, and to the back of Bidean, as well as most the rest of the West Highlands. 

View across to Ben Nevis from Sgor na h-Ulaidh

                                 

We then headed across to neighbouring Beinn Fhionnlaidh , enjoying a scramble up rocks/choss to the 841m top and from there to the summit. It was cold on the top so we headed down the south west slopes to have a late lunch in a sheltered spot beside the lochans below the summit. 

A long slog ensued across undulating land to reach the north east ridge of Beinn Sgulaird.     Unfortunately this meant descending to 250m before reascending.  This final hill tired us out, especially Stuart, who had spent too much time on cruise ships around the Galapagpos Islands lately, and consequently wasn't up to his usual fitness!  It was a late finish which meant  missing last orders for food at the Kingshouse so we had to settle for a liquid supper!

Sunday 29^th April

After an frosty night we awoke to clear blue, sunny skies.  However, due to the 25km and 2500m of ascent the previous day, we opted for an easy day climbing on Aonach Dubh. This crag is a 30  minute walk from the road and we did Curving Crack (S**) in 3 pitches. After enjoying lunch basking in the sunshine, we headed up Archer Ridge, the classic 3* V.Diff., another 3 pitches, before reluctantly heading for home. 

The West seems to have missed all the East coast rain and the ground and rocks are very dry and so worth a visit if you are looking for dry rock.

Stuart starting up Curving Crack