I was out today with Kendra, who hails from Germany but is living in Glasgow. She had been teased by some friends that 'there's not really any good snow in Scotland', but good old Storm Caroline had passed by overnight, and despite the fact it doesn't look deep on the photos, the drifts were there alright, and tiring to boot. There was also a reasonable amount of ice build up, given it had been warm until Thursday am.
Kendra had not done a lot of walking in Scotland, and none in winter, so did not have any preconceptions or particular objectives. I had to be discerning with the route due to the tail-end of the storm, as it was gusting Northerly up to 50mph with squally snow showers. The Lost Valley was chosen for shelter, but with an option of a summit in Stob Coire Sgreamhach.
We had it to ourselves all day, (I wonder why? ;) and had a great time cramponing over the ice flows on the path above the meadow, and the final exit gully was excellent, (so much better than the loose choss of summer conditions). The drifts did make it hard work at times, and whilst we were steady and efficient, we still decided to call it a day at the bealach rather than make the summit, as we knew it would mean an hour or so in the dark at the end of the walk. As it was, we were back just as night fell, and celebrated with a pint in the Clachaig.
Thanks to Kendra for being a model client - prepared, well-kitted out, cheerful and fit. An absolute pleasure, and I know this has given you the impetus for more, so go for it!
Kendra had not done a lot of walking in Scotland, and none in winter, so did not have any preconceptions or particular objectives. I had to be discerning with the route due to the tail-end of the storm, as it was gusting Northerly up to 50mph with squally snow showers. The Lost Valley was chosen for shelter, but with an option of a summit in Stob Coire Sgreamhach.
We had it to ourselves all day, (I wonder why? ;) and had a great time cramponing over the ice flows on the path above the meadow, and the final exit gully was excellent, (so much better than the loose choss of summer conditions). The drifts did make it hard work at times, and whilst we were steady and efficient, we still decided to call it a day at the bealach rather than make the summit, as we knew it would mean an hour or so in the dark at the end of the walk. As it was, we were back just as night fell, and celebrated with a pint in the Clachaig.
Thanks to Kendra for being a model client - prepared, well-kitted out, cheerful and fit. An absolute pleasure, and I know this has given you the impetus for more, so go for it!