Cairn Gorm with fresh snow

Starting up the tourist path

After the horrendous weather on Thursday, there had been a big dump of snow on Friday. We had a rest day; took in the sights of the local area and chilled out a little. Out of the window at Nakiska on Friday evening, I could see that there was a good covering of snow on Creag Dhubh above 500m. I was immediately psyched and fancied bagging Cairn Gorm the next day (via the non tourist route of course).

Sun over
Fiacaill a' Choire Chais

We left early and with the short drive up the road, we were ready to leave the car park by 08:30. As we passed the Ski Centre and headed up the wide track, I started to get an idea for just how much snow there had been. There was at least 5 inches of soft fresh powder. We were two of many folk heading up to the top of Cairn Gorm in the sunshine that morning. Not at all surprising considering the excellent weather. We passed under the funicular and into a couple of switch-backs. At this point, it was time for us to leave the tourists behind and let them enjoy their very uninteresting slog up the rest of the track to  Ptarmigan Station. The path was difficult to follow but that wasn't too much of a problem, as we simply headed straight up the slope of Fiacaill a' Choire Chais. As we passed the Ski Tows and gained height, I looked over at the funicular, ski tows, buildings and tourists. Not the most picturesque of mountains to say the least, but at least folk were out enjoying the outdoors and made it more accessible to all.

The controversial funicular

Looking down to Loch Morlich

The going up the slope was tough in the deeper powder as we got higher and as the gradient steepened. However it was great fun in the snow and we were in no hurry at all with most of the glorious day still ahead. As we gained the ridge, we were hit full in the face by the strong southwesterly. We quickened our pace and and took shelter behind the large cairn at 1141m.

Looking south across the plateau

A quick brew and a few photos later; we were heading for the summit slopes. On the way up, there were great views across the plateau over to Ben Macdui; in my opinion one of the best views in Scotland. We hadn't seen a single soul after leaving the track below but when we reached the summit, we found it swarming with people. I think they were all quite surprised to see us appearing up the slope by the non-tourist path. It was rather windy at the top and it was rather chilly, so we took shelter by the weather station on the summit and had a spot of lunch. After that, we joined the tourists in Ptarmigan Station for a hot chocolate... or two.

The Northern Corries

Summit Weather Station

An iced up weather station

On top of the world

Sgor Gaoith in good Scottish weather

Looking South towards Achlean

It was a real dog of a day; just as the weather forecast had predicted. Relentless rain coupled with 80-90 mph winds. Classic Scottish weather! Nevertheless, we had a limited number of days in the Cairngorms so I was keen to get stuff done. I had seen that the weather would also be bad tomorrow with plenty of snow forecast, so I had that planned as a rest day. The day after that was looking excellent weather-wise so I was planning to tackle Cairngorm then. With the weather being so bad, I wanted to tackle something quite straightforward; so we could bail out early and easily if we needed to. Flicking through the books, I quickly homed in on Sgor Gaoith.

Looking South into Glen Feshie

We didn't leave until after 08:30 mainly because I was looking out the window hoping that the wind would stop howling or the rain would ease a little... it didn't. We drove into Glen Feshie and parked up just north along the road from Auchlean. To my horror, the weather had somehow got worse; the wind and rain was now whipping down the glen from the south. We were soaked through only a few minutes after setting off. Somehow, the rain seemed to be getting in underneath our jackets; something I've heard folk joke about in the past when talking about the Scottish weather.

The track heading up towards
Carn Ban Mor

A short walk along the road saw us turn onto the track to the east through some pine trees. The colours were spectacular and the trees gave us some shelter from the wind and the rain. This was shortlived however, as we continued up the track and out onto the open heather covered hillside. As we got higher, the wind cold stronger and more relentless. Finding it difficult to stay on our feet, we took shelter behind a large cairn in the bealach to the south of Coire Ruadh (750m). I couldn't see the top of Carn Ban Mor or the rest of the ridge ahead; it was covered in cloud. By now we were wet through and pretty cold. I made the decision to head back down. Looking back now, it was definately the right call. It would have meant crawling another 350 metres up the slope to the top and then trying not to be blown off the top of the ridge into Glen Einich. Drenched and cold, but in good spirits, we headed back down the track to the car. We joked with each other about how awful the weather was and how no one in their right mind would have attempted a Munro today :)
A good experience considering the weather today. You need days like that occasionally for a reality check and a reminder as to just how savage mountain weather can be. The warm of the wood burning stove and the hot tub back at base were a very welcome end to the day.

GWC Outdoor Ed Visit to Limekilns

Richard asked if I would assist him his new Outdoor Education course that he was running for a few of the sixth years. Obviously I jumped at the chance!

We weren't sure what the weather was going to do so we decided to play it by ear. When we met just before lunch, the sky was bright but overcast, mild and there was little wind: a great day for climbing we thought. We headed over the Forth Road Bridge and took the turn-off towards Limekilns. It wasn't long before we were through Rosyth and parking the mini bus behind the row of houses in the village. We grabbed all the gear and set off through the woods towards The Gellett Rock. It was actually a lot easier to find than I had thought.

Richard had said that he wanted to rig the top ropes on The Gellet face. So while he was away rigging, I briefed the group and helped them to put on their helmets and harnesses. Richard did a great job and we were soon ready to give the kids a demo in belaying and holding a fall. After that, there was no stopping them; they were straight on the rock. It was great fun coaching the kids and trying to get them up the routes cleanly. They did brilliantly; considering the difficulty of the routes on offer. It remained mild and the rain stayed away. It was the perfect afternoon and great to get away from the desk.

Homeward Bound

Day 12 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

As we left Raasay and started the long drive back to Edinburgh, I reflected on the experience of the last two weeks. Being a GWC Projects newbie, I really didn't know what to expect. Back at school, it was simply a word that you would hear every now and again and it was often talked about with great enthusiasm by the older members of staff. However, if someone had asked me, two weeks ago: "What is Projects?", I would have to admit that I really had no idea at all. Certainly, no one had explained it to me so I would consider that a very good question. A question that, I would be willing to bet, all the kids were thinking two weeks ago as well. Now I feel I know what GWC Projects is all about. It's not all about climbing big mountains and pushing yourself to your physical limit. It's more about the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the personal challenges you overcome and the friends you make on the way. Just as important and influential in your life as your first day at school, your driving test, the day you leave home, or your first day in your new job.

Knackered!

Part of me was glad to be heading home, as two weeks is quite a long stretch away from home, and part of me was going to miss the delight of doing something new and making the most of each day. I knew that the kids would be different back at school too. They would go back to their preferred friendship groups and we would pass each other in the corridors almost like strangers. But I also knew that every one of them would remember this trip for the rest of their lives and that they would take much out of the experience. Better than any classroom at school can give. A vital part in the education of these kids, for sure.

Taig Thormoid Dhuibh, North Raasay Exped

Days 10 and 11 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

We had two days left on Raasay and we wanted to end on a a high note. The plan was to walk into the bothy at the north tip of the island from the end of the road. The kit had been handed out and bags had been packed the night before. We set off in the van towards Brochel and then onto Callum's Road. We paused here for a while and told the story to the kids. I'm not sure if they just couldn't grasp the shear scale of building a road by hand or if they were just still asleep, but they didn't seem particularly interested in the tale. Personally, I couldn't believe that someone could have built a road like this; what a monumental effort!

En route through the Bealach a' Chruidh

Grabbing a breather at the sheepfold

We parked up at Arnish and left the vehicles behind, following the faint boggy path north with our large packs on our shoulders. The going was quite tough and the terrain quite complex and the only sound was the occasional moaning of the kids towards the back of the group. Again, the rain, wind and cloud had all stayed away and in was another scorcher. By now the act of putting on suncream was simply part of the morning routine - something I had never imagined I would be saying by the end of this trip. The path wound its way around Beinn na h-lolaire and through the Bealach a' Chruidh. We took a breather at the sheepfold just north of Lochan gun Ghrunnd and had a bite and a brew. By now the kids were complaining of the weight of their bags. Some of them thought that the sheepfold we were approaching was actually the bothy that we were aiming for and weren't too impressed by the state of it. I thought this was hilarious so I kept up the joke while we were eating and then broke the truth to them when we got up to set off again. Needless to say they weren't too happy about this! A short leg down An Caol and a quick switchback to the south east; the bothy of Taig Thormoid Dhuibh came into sight. I must say, I was very impressed with its condition: almost luxurious as far as bothies are concerned. I could tell that the kids were pleasantly surprised too, which was good to see.

Taig Thormoid Dhuibh bothy, Raasay

Upper end of V3. Perhaps an easy V4

We needed to gather some firewood for later so it was time to explore. Heading further north along the path, we reached the small tidal causeway and set foot on the small island of Eilean Tigh. This gave great views across to the island of Rona (Ronaigh). With plenty of firewood now in our possession, we headed back to base to cook some grub. The kids had all been given M.O.D. standard issue ration packs; much to their excitement, fascination and sheer delight. It was like giving a small child a new toy or a box of treasure! After making sure they couldn't set anything (or anyone) alight, I was beginning to get a little 'twitchy', as usual. I had my eye on the south wall of the bothy. It was made of the local stones and had some nice protruding edges for possible crimps. I threw on my rock shoes and quickly set about a couple of problems. After a while I had put together a few moves that could be linked into a V3/V4 boulder problem. That was me happy, great stuff :)

Not for civvies!

After everyone had been well fed and watered, we lit a fire and toasted marshmallows. As we sat around the fire, I looked around and reflected on how well the group had bonded over the last fortnight. They almost seemed like a different bunch of kids when compared with themselves on the first day of the trip. What was most interesting to see was: there started out being a definite boy/girl divide within the group, but now there was only one group and no segregation at all. After a few funny stories and a few songs, it was time to turn in. We all settled down inside our sleeping bags inside the cosy bothy for a good nights sleep. I woke in the morning to a tremendous heat. The combination of the morning sun and the body heat of us all inside made the inside feel like a sauna! I slipped outside quietly to sit quietly and enjoy the still morning air. We gave the kids a long lie as some kind of reward for the success of the trip.

Bothy interior

Once we had eaten breakfast and packed up, we gave the kids some group activities to kill a bit of time before heading back. One of their tasks was to produce a piece of natural art that symbolised the meaning of Projects to them. I was really impressed with some of the things they came up with and it really came across just how much they had enjoyed the whole experience and it was really interesting to hear what each of them enjoyed the most; all different moments.

A 'Stone Man' made by some of the kids

Now it was time to head back to the hostel and pack up, ready for the journey home in the morning. As we wove our way through the rocky outcrops, it was very apparent that spirits were high. This has been a very successful and worthwhile expedition - the perfect finale to a great trip.

Raasay Rock Climbing

Day 9 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Helping the group gear up

Today was the day I was looking forward to the most. Once again we were to be joined by Russell Zenthon and other staff from Kushi Adventures. The plan was to spend the entire day climbing and abseiling on Raasay's sea cliffs. The weather was once again on our side: overcast and not too warm. A short drive north, followed by a short walk down to the shore at Brochel. While Russell got the kids sorted out and gave his intro to rock climbing, the other instructors set up a few top ropes and an abseil. Martin and took the opportunity to explore the cliffs a little and we were soon bouldering a short distance away from the rest of the group. After getting pumped we headed back to join the group, where a massive chalk fight had broken out! After blazing up the 4 roped routes, we had a spot of lunch. The kids all seemed to really enjoy the climbing, particularly the girls.

After lunch it was time to see who would cope with the abseil :) The whole group managed to 'step over the edge' without much fuss. Obviously there was the odd tentative step and the usual shrieking from some of the girls, but no-one hesitated very long or 'froze'. We were really impressed by the confidence and ability showed by every member of the group. Thanks to Russell et al for an excellent day on rock.

After dinner, the very nice lady came by the hostel and spent a good hour giving a Gaelic lesson to the kids. To be honest, I didn't think they'd be very interested but it turns out they loved it and didn't stop talking about it! I just shows you that there's a great deal to be said for the spirit of the local 'Islanders' in Scotland.

Rhododendron clearing

Day 8 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Martin: man at work

Today was a chance to give something back. We headed down the road to Inverarish where we had arranged to meet a couple of the locals. The plan was to help clear some Rhododendrons from a communal picnic area. Rhododendrons were brought to Raasay as part of the gardens in Raasay House and have since overrun parts of the island. The day was overcast and quite muggy; it was a nice change from the relentless sun we had been experiencing over the past 7 days.
Everyone got stuck into the massive task at hand. The Rhodies were everywhere! Some of them were more like medium sized trees with thick trunks. It was clear that nothing else was able to grow there and that nothing would until the Rhodies were cleared. I had read about the problems that Rhododendrons could cause in woodland areas but, until now, had never experienced it first hand. I'm not sure I'll look at a Rhododendron in the same way again! Apparently, Rhododendrons cover the woodland floor in a blanket of shade; where nothing can grow. To add to that, they also turn the soil very acidic; making it harder still for other plants to grow. The plan of attack was a simple one: staff would use saws and loppers to cut down the offending bushes and the kids collected them and piled them high in one huge pile. It was hard work but great fun and the kids had a ball.

It was nice to talk to some of the local legends and get a feel for the place and the background. One of the women kindly offered to come and teach the kids some Scottish Gaelic one evening. After lunch we cleared some more and then some more. We had now amassed a huge pile of Rhodies in the picnic area car park. There was only one thing for it; a fire! And a rather large bonfire it was too, much to the delight of the kids. For some, probably the highlight of Projects so far.

Dun Caan

Day 7 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Looking towards the Crowlin Islands
from Dun Caan

We woke to another glorious day... El Scorchio! The warden at the hostel was telling us last night that it hadn't rained on Skye for 6 weeks! Time for the suncream kids...

We set off down the road; it was a nice change not having to drive anywhere first thing. We headed into Raasay Forest and made our way up the track to the old mines. Here, the old railway line is clearly visible and runs back down towards Suishnish. The path was faint and the going was quite tough but everyone was in great spirits. It was clear that this route hadn't seen much traffic in recent years. Around the west side of Loch na Mna, through the Bealach Ruadh and a brief pause at Loch na Meilich (Raasay's water source). Then a short, steep slog up the switchback path to the summit of Dun Caan. What a day... and what a view. Clear as far as you could see; from the Cuillin to Applecross. After lunch we headed back down the path and continued west to reach the road, just above Loch Eadar da Bhaile.

The bay at Bagh an Inbhire

As it was only early afternoon, we decided to head north along the road and make our way down to the beach at Bagh an Inbhire. A lovely secluded cove at the end of a short track through the forest; a great spot to chill out. With the kids happy enough, Martin decided to go for a dip in the sea. Meanwhile, I had my rock shoes in my bag and had my eye on the small stack of rocks at the shore... time for some bouldering :)

As tea time approached, we headed back along the road to the hostel for some grub. Another great day on Raasay. Later that evening, one of the boys decided it would be a good idea to juggle a football in the middle of the cattle grid outside the hostel. Amazingly he didn't break anything, as his leg disappeared between the metal slats, and he only suffered a bruised ego as his peers and I doubled over with laughter. Something for the risk assessment perhaps?! Indeed, this was the same lad who had to dig out a tent pole from deep in the ground a few days earlier. A pattern emerging perhaps? The mind boggles :-S

Kids: Don't play football on cattle grids. That is all.

Raasay

Day 6 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Approaching Raasay. Dun Caan is
the highest point you can see

Today we left Achininver and Sutherland behind. This marked the end of the very successful first week of S3 Projects 2008. However, the adventure was far from over as we made our way south towards Skye. Our first target was Sconser; were we would catch the small car ferry to the Isle of Raasay.

The drive was quite uneventful but gave us time to reflect on the first week and how successful it had been, how lucky we had been with the weather, etc. All in all, good thoughts and feelings all round... now bring on the second week!

Skye Cuillin from Raasay

We arrived at Sconser mid afternoon and boarded the ferry for the short journey across the sea to Raasay. I had heard that the usual landing spot (the pier at Churchton Bay) was being refurbished. Sure enough, the ferry landed at the pier at Suisnish. All that remained was the very short drive up the road to Creachan Cottage (Raasay Youth Hostel). Once again, a great hostel in a breathtaking setting.

We spent the evening outside in the sunset, looking out to Skye and the Cuillin.

The Crew at Creachan Cottage

Cam Loch Canoeing Exped

Day 4 and 5 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

This morning, we were slightly shocked to see clouds in the sky, as we had been totally spoiled by the weather of the last few days. But an overcast day was perfect, as it meant that the kids wouldn't be frazzled by the sun in the boats today. We had briefed the kids on what they would need the night before, so all they needed to do was to pack their bags for the adventure. As usual, this was easier said than done and there seemed to be an endless amount of faffing before we were eventually on our way and on the road to Elphin. Our guides for the next two days were to be Kushi Adventures.

Packing up the boats near Elphin

We rendezvoused at the bridge just north east of Elphin where we were introduced to Russell and his crew. The kids then decided (or rather... tried!) if they would rather be in a Canoe or a Kayak. This seemed to almost cause tears for some of them, even though we did our best to explain that they would be experiencing both!

Double Kayak action

Once we had overcome this dilemma, kit was handed out and boats were loaded up with equipment and belongings. Then it was time for the put in. After helping the kids get safely onto the water, Martin and I suddenly realised that we had forgotten about sorting out our own transport. Russell then pointed to the boat trailer and our eyes lit up immediately. To our delight, the only boat that was left was a blue, two man Kayak... result! This meant that we could steam off and scout out possible camping spots while the kids got to grips with the basics.

Our berth for the night on the shore of Cam Loch

We quickly made our way up the shallow river and out on to Cam Loch and then north westward via the small islands of Eilean an Tighe and Eilean na Gaoithe. I had seen on the map that there was a natural bay on the north shore not to far from Creag a' Chaise. I was pretty confident that we'd find some decent ground there to set up camp, so we headed there but only after doing a complete circuit of the loch! I was amazed at how fast we could go in this thing; it was awesome! We landed at the beach at the natural bay on the north shore and had a bit of a look round; it was grand. I high patch of ground with a flat plateau of dry heather to sleep on. We headed back to inform the rest of the group of our successful scouting mission... and to soak some of them too, of course.

Due to it being such a still day, the group was coming along nicely with their skills and had moved onto some games; which they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying. A few soakings later, we all headed towards our campsite for the night. What a setting it was; with Suilven looking down over us. The group unpacked the boats and started to put up their tents. A young lad, Duncan, then made one of the biggest school boy errors I had ever witnessed. He was slacking and watching the other boys in his tent group hard at work and while standing there, was leaning on an assembled elasticated tent pole. He noticed that the ground underneath was very soft, and so the pole went into the ground with ease. However, instead of realising the error of his ways, he continued to push the assembled pole into the ground. Chuckling as I saw what was happening, I went over to him and informed him that he was going to have a hard job getting that back out of the ground. Obviously he knew he was smarter than me and disagreed entirely and proceeded to pull at the pole in the ground. Obviously, I said to him, that's not going to do anything except break the elastic, and you don't want that to happen because then you're really in trouble (I had suddenly become my father!). He just had a stupid grin on his face as he realised just how annoyingly stupid the situation was.... and so he began digging to retrieve the pole from the ground; much to the amusement of the group.

The kids then settled down with the Trangias to cook up a brew. After showing them the basics and easing our concerns that they weren't going to burn down their tents, my attention was drawn to the small crag overlooking the camp; Creag a' Chaise. The rock was catching the last of the evening sun, as if it was trying to get my attention. It worked, and I snuck away for a quick bouldering session, making sure I didn't attract any unwanted attention from the kids. Not the best example to be setting!

As the sun started to go down, we got the disposable BBQs on and it was time for burgers, hot dogs and marshmallows - yum. We then lit a fire on the beach to keep the midge away due to the still air. It was a beautiful night on Cam Loch. The kids settled in their tents for the night and Martin and I decided to bivvy on the beach under the stars. Magic.

The morning brought mixed weather. Drizzle in the morning as we packed up camp and loaded the boats, followed by glorious sunshine for the paddle back to base. The kids swapped over so they had tried both Kayaking and Canoeing. A very worthwhile trip for all of them with a great sense of adventure. More pictures of the Cam Loch trip.

Definitely a V3 problem

We headed back to Achininver, with a van load of weary 14 year olds, to reflect on the events of the past two amazing days. Once again, oh so lucky with the weather in Sutherland. We had a slight problem when we got back: we had been locked out of the 'staff' building. Not to worry though, I managed a V3 move through the VERY narrow open window so we could get in and get a well-deserved hot shower.

Conival

Day 3 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Taking a breather looking up at Conival

We awoke to another stunning, bright sunny day in Achininver... 3 days in a row... wow!

The plan today was to attempt Conival and perhaps Ben More Assynt. We had an early breakfast and set off in the van for Inchnadamph. After the high temperatures yesterday, we gave the kids strict instructions to sun cream it up today, as a couple of them were sporting 'Scottish Tans'! As we waited in the car park for some of the group (last chance for a toilet stop!), one of the girls managed to sit down right in the middle of a tick nest... brilliant... After a few moments privacy with a pair of tweezers, all was well and we set off following the track eastward into Gleann Dubh.

Crew

The going was good along the track and I really longed for my bike. After a couple of kilometres, the track branched left to a path that continued to follow the river Traligill. This stretch felt loooong in the sweltering heat, as the path seemed to rise and fall relentlessly. Needless to say, the kids were less than impressed by this. I tried to take their minds off the slog by getting them to watch out for the limestone pavements... but I don't think it made any difference :-S

Na Tuadhan

We stopped for a breather at the foot of the Allt a Choinne Mhill burn and took time to gaze up at the quartzite scree slopes of Conival. We knew that the next leg up to the bealach between Na Tuadhan and the summit ride would really test the group. As we climbed up following the burn, there was plenty evidance of recent path building. Again, I tried to take their minds of things by explaining the method of building the path an the use of one tonne bags brought in by helicopter. Not much of a response, as I expected. Eventually, we reached the col and took another breather. Undetered by my earlier failures to capture their attention with geology, I attempted to explain and point out the Moine Thrust Belt. Thankfully, a little more enthuthiasm this time, but I got the feeling they were merely humouring me!

Looking along the ridge to the summit of Conival

The summit of Ben More Assynt from Conival

A few more zig zags up the scree led us to the summit ridge and we were treated to magnificent and clear views of Sutherland in every direction. The kids quickly spotted the patches of snow that still remained on the northeast face, and they found it hard to believe that it was still there with such high temperatures over the last few days. An univentful 500m took us to the summit of Conival and its large circular shelter. There was no need for shelter however, as the air was perfectly still. We ordered all to be quiet for a moment and take in the surroundings and the silence. A few minutes later while we were snacking, a fighter jet flew through the valley below us with a great rumble. The kids thought this was amazing; to be above the flying fighter! Great to see the enjoyment in their faces, especially after a tough walk in and a steep climb.
We decided not to push on to Ben More Assynt, as we hadn't moved as fast as we had hoped and time was getting on. Instead, we headed back down via the route of ascent. The heat was still sweltering and relentless. This made the walk out, back towards Inchnadamph, a neverending slog for the group. A great deal of energy was expended by the staff in trying to keep the kids positive, eventhough the staff were feeling the same! Arriving at the van with weary legs, we reflected for a few moments with the group on another very successful quality day in the hills. I explained to the kids that you don't get many days like that in Scotland, and we had been lucky enough to get two in a row!

Deer!

We drove back into the sunset towards Achiltibuie to cap off another fantastic day of Projects.

Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir

Day 2 of GWC S3 Projects 2008.

We woke to another glorious day in Achininver. Sunshine and blue skys... plenty of suncream I thought! A couple of minutes drive down the road to the parking lay-by just before Culnacraig and we were there. It was a nice change not to have a long drive and a long lie in the morning.

Martin and lead the group up the Allt a Choire Reidh and then traversing along the slope to follow the Allt nan Coisiche. With the ground being rather dry, the going was steady. The initial steep incline was a great first test for the group. They coped with the complex ground fairly well and it was useful for us to access their confidence and fitness levels. We decided to attack Ben More Coigach from the north so we started up the steep slope to the bealach between Ben More Coigach and Garbh Choireachan. It was a bit of a slog in the blistering heat and the lacking breeze. The group was stretched as we paused and looked back down the slope. Kids finding it tough but doing well.

The group slogging up the slope from the Allt nan Coisiche

As we gained the ridge, I forgot about the effort and feeling tired as the view was revealed before me; magnificent. The narrow ridge led to views in every direction as far as the eye could see.

The group on the summit of Garb Choireachan

Ptarmigan on the summit of Garb Choireachan

It was then an easy walk along the ridge to the top of Garb Choireachan, and then back again to the east to the top of Ben More Coigach. The weather was fine indeed today. Warm in the sun and only a slight breeze. Up there in the isolated Coigach horseshoe, taking the time to look around the landscape and reflect on the surroundings; it reminded me of pictures I had seen of the surface of Mars! A very unique place.

Approaching the summit of Ben More Coigach

Garb Choireachan from Ben More Coigach

Martin and I heading towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir

A short decent to the north led us down to the plateau and easily towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir. On reaching the summit, we were treated to stunning views of Stac Pollaidh and further north to the other Sutherland peaks. It was impressed that most of the kids recognised the hill from the previous day's adventure.

Martin and I checking out the view over the north face of Sgurr an Fhidhleir!

Stac Pollaidh, Beinn an Eoin, Cul Beag, Suilven and Cul Mor - not a bad view!

We didn't bother with the spot height of 648m, as time was getting on. Instead, we headed straight for Beinn nan Caorach, then on to Cairn Conmheall to complete the circuit. At the final summit we had excellent views over the Summer Isles to the west.

The Ben More Coigach ridge from Beinn nan Caorach

The Summer Isles from Cairn Conmheall

Heading back down

All that remained was the steep decent down to the van via the northwest slopes. The group had made a great effort for the first full day on the hill and we now had a good idea of their abilities and tolerance. A full on day by any standards so the evening meal back at the hostel was a very welcome one! Another good day.