UKC

Going for a wonder up one of the Arrochar alps tomorrow. Is there any snow at all? worth bring axe/crampons just in case?

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Can't answer your specific question, I doubt there's much left though. However looking at the forecast for the next couple of days I'd be packing them, freezing levels already back down to 1100m and set to go a lot lower overnight!
Report back if you find anything good will you!

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Hmmmm the nearest SAIS blogs don't look like the hills are holding snow outside of the deeper collection areas and then only to quite a limited extent (only the cairngorms and meggie are showing snow on exposed slopes) so I suspect you won't find much refrozen snow especially that which can't be avoided. Given the colder weather its probably prudent to pack an axe and crampons. Although it looks more likely that walking poles and boots will be more appropriate on the day (possibly with micro spikes).

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Saw some photos on FB from Cobbler and Beinn Ime last weekend and there was no snow at all. AFAIK it's been mild since then (?)

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Just seen pics from today (friends fb page), no snow at all visible in any of the pics from around the cobbler area, fresh forecast tonight.

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Went up the Cobbler in trainers and a base layer last week, there were a few small patches of snow. It's much colder today though with rain forecast overnight.

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Thanks all - packing them just in case

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

There was a fair bit of fresh snow, crampons not necessary but useful for steeper bits.

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

ps - on ben vane

In reply to sebastian dangerfield:

Anyone know what the Cobbler is like at the moment? I'm thinking of having a look at the traverse tomorrow.

Cheers, David

In reply to David Gainor:

Drove by yesterday and there was bit of snow high up on the hills but couldn't say anymore than that!

In reply to Nbrain:
No worries, cheers for the reply!

In reply to David Gainor:

There was a lot of fresh snow yesterday on the hills and drifting, deep in places on Sunday The Cobbler was plastered looking over but it might have melted in the sun. It was firming up at 800m. I would probably take axe and crampons

In reply to David Gainor:

Hey

Just wondering if you tried it David? What were the conditions like? Myself and a few pals were considering taking the easy path up and back tomorrow - just to the first peak, no climbing! Some of them wouldn't have crampons - do you think they're needed to get the whole way up?

Cheers
Shauna

In reply to SMcA:

The easy path up the back doesn't get much / any sun at this time of year so if the ground is frozen then the path turns rock hard and crampons and an axe are advisable.

If you still wanted to go up the walk up the front is however exposed to the sun and shouldn't prevent progress with boots - and it is still a walk, just not one with troublesome man made steps

If it turn outs to be too icy then you can always turn back - go and enjoy.

Afterwards pop into the Village Inn, sit by the fire, eat some food, take in a beverage and chat with your mates - enjoy the day.

In reply to subtle:


Other inns are available in the area.

In reply to subtle:

I never did say thanks for the advice

- Thanks!

We had a great day in the end. The path was frozen but we stuck with the easy route, although it was a slog through deep snow for the final push. The scramble up the front was definitely still pretty iced up too, although we did see that it didn't stop some under prepared folks from dragging themselves up there! Some very scared looking faces were appearing over the top of the scramble route when we were there!

In reply to SMcA:

Sounds like you had a good day, thats all one can ask for.