On Monday and Tuesday I was out with David and his dog George (named after George Mallory, yet a bitch!). We had a bluebird day on the Ledge Route of Ben Nevis on Monday, and even picked up a hitch-hiker. We were getting a snack at the C.I.C. hut in Coire Leis when a lady approached us, apparently lost. She had been directed to climb her first Scottish mountain, and the highest to boot, by the CMD Arete as her first day out in Scotland!
The 'advisor' was working for the SYHA, and his instructions to just turn left at the CIC hut may have been technically factually correct, but hardly appropriate. After a chat about her experience and fitness, it was clear that she would be capable of joining us on our ascent, and David graciously allowed her to tag along.
We had the most enjoyable scramble/walk, taking the easier Moonlight Gully Buttress route across No.5 Gully and thus avoiding the wet slab and chossy parts of the ledges. The rock was warm and grippy, and we moved steadily and safely up the route, with Katie really being thrown in the deep end of Scottish hill walking - She loved it. The summit soon came after we left the quiet and solitude of the North Face and joined the throng on the Pony Track. Here she was treated to a piper too, bringing a tear to her eye as she enjoyed her Scottish dream.
The day was rounded off with a nice meal in the Grog and Gruel, whereby Katie treated David and I to dinner and a few pints by way of showing her gratitude. Most appreciated, as we had all had a great day. Good luck on your travels Katie.
The next day was not as pleasant weather-wise, more a 'business as usual' Scottish mountain day - Cloud down to 500m at first, very slowly lifting, and drizzle and rain most of the day, annoyingly intermittent, causing us to put on and remove our waterproofs incessantly.
We did the round of Coire a'Mhusgain, taking in Sgurr a'Mhaim and the Devil's Ridge, Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean. David's remit was for more grass and less boulders for George's sake, and high enough to escape any sheep. This route seemed to fit the bill, but as we soon realised, there were scores of sheep on each and every ridge. Yet there were no sheep in the valleys for some reason. That reason soon dawned on us - they were all up high to escape the midges, attempting to maximise the breeze. This made for interesting walking as George had to be watched constantly, or put back on the lead, which David does most efficiently, employing a devious rustling of a mini-cheddars packet and the occasional titbit!
The walk was predominantly done in clag, but the clouds did finally lift as we descended, giving a fine end to the walk down the North ridge of the final munro. We bade our farewells as we walked towards the car park, as the midges dictated that there was to be no lingering.
A great couple of days.
The 'advisor' was working for the SYHA, and his instructions to just turn left at the CIC hut may have been technically factually correct, but hardly appropriate. After a chat about her experience and fitness, it was clear that she would be capable of joining us on our ascent, and David graciously allowed her to tag along.
We had the most enjoyable scramble/walk, taking the easier Moonlight Gully Buttress route across No.5 Gully and thus avoiding the wet slab and chossy parts of the ledges. The rock was warm and grippy, and we moved steadily and safely up the route, with Katie really being thrown in the deep end of Scottish hill walking - She loved it. The summit soon came after we left the quiet and solitude of the North Face and joined the throng on the Pony Track. Here she was treated to a piper too, bringing a tear to her eye as she enjoyed her Scottish dream.
The day was rounded off with a nice meal in the Grog and Gruel, whereby Katie treated David and I to dinner and a few pints by way of showing her gratitude. Most appreciated, as we had all had a great day. Good luck on your travels Katie.
The next day was not as pleasant weather-wise, more a 'business as usual' Scottish mountain day - Cloud down to 500m at first, very slowly lifting, and drizzle and rain most of the day, annoyingly intermittent, causing us to put on and remove our waterproofs incessantly.
We did the round of Coire a'Mhusgain, taking in Sgurr a'Mhaim and the Devil's Ridge, Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean. David's remit was for more grass and less boulders for George's sake, and high enough to escape any sheep. This route seemed to fit the bill, but as we soon realised, there were scores of sheep on each and every ridge. Yet there were no sheep in the valleys for some reason. That reason soon dawned on us - they were all up high to escape the midges, attempting to maximise the breeze. This made for interesting walking as George had to be watched constantly, or put back on the lead, which David does most efficiently, employing a devious rustling of a mini-cheddars packet and the occasional titbit!
The walk was predominantly done in clag, but the clouds did finally lift as we descended, giving a fine end to the walk down the North ridge of the final munro. We bade our farewells as we walked towards the car park, as the midges dictated that there was to be no lingering.
A great couple of days.