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Hi,
I am after information regarding the best winter walking routes in Scotland. Anything with a mountaineering slant that doesn't have any proper grade I sections (even if short) would be of interest. That said some exposure and steepish snow slopes or easy aretes (that you can walk along) would not be a bad thing.
I'm particularly interested in doing something with good views that would be away from large crowds roughly 6 - 12 miles in length.
If you have any info regarding the routes being particularly avalanche prone or prone to cornice difficulties that are un avoidable please include.
I've previously done a route traversing the main ridge in the grey corries that was pretty good as well as a route traversing the rim of the northern corries that was less good. (as well as winter climbing on most the honey pot areas)
Thanks in advance,
Stevo
I am after information regarding the best winter walking routes in Scotland. Anything with a mountaineering slant that doesn't have any proper grade I sections (even if short) would be of interest. That said some exposure and steepish snow slopes or easy aretes (that you can walk along) would not be a bad thing.
I'm particularly interested in doing something with good views that would be away from large crowds roughly 6 - 12 miles in length.
If you have any info regarding the routes being particularly avalanche prone or prone to cornice difficulties that are un avoidable please include.
I've previously done a route traversing the main ridge in the grey corries that was pretty good as well as a route traversing the rim of the northern corries that was less good. (as well as winter climbing on most the honey pot areas)
Thanks in advance,
Stevo
In reply to CurlyStevo:
In my opinion, the traverse of Bidean nam Bian from the Lost Valley to Coire nam Beith is one of the best winter walking routes I have done. A fantastic mountain but with no real technical problems, although it can be serious as walking routes go.
The crossing of the Buachaille Etive Mor main ridge is quite good, although short.
Ben Starav is excellent, albeit top-end for a walk. The Munros to its East have a great wild feeling, particularly Stob Ghabhar, despite its accessibility.
In my opinion, the traverse of Bidean nam Bian from the Lost Valley to Coire nam Beith is one of the best winter walking routes I have done. A fantastic mountain but with no real technical problems, although it can be serious as walking routes go.
The crossing of the Buachaille Etive Mor main ridge is quite good, although short.
Ben Starav is excellent, albeit top-end for a walk. The Munros to its East have a great wild feeling, particularly Stob Ghabhar, despite its accessibility.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
Martin Moran gives a list of long walking days in Scotland's Winter Mountains.
The traverse of the black mount and a round of the orchy hills are two that I can recall, there were others.
I'd suggest that any walk that is good in summer will be as good or better in winter, why not just pick a few from the SMC munros book?
Martin Moran gives a list of long walking days in Scotland's Winter Mountains.
The traverse of the black mount and a round of the orchy hills are two that I can recall, there were others.
I'd suggest that any walk that is good in summer will be as good or better in winter, why not just pick a few from the SMC munros book?
In reply to CurlyStevo:
The best winter walking routes are generally the best summer ridges. So Five Sisters, Mamores / Ring of Steall, Grey Corries.
Individual big hills that are great under snow - Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui, Ben Lawers, Beinn Bheithir, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, Ben Alder.
Then the elite individual hills that are superlative under snow - Bidean nam Bian, The Saddle, An Teallach and any of the Torridon hills, Aonach Eagach ridge.
Note the hills listed in the last group can have sections up to Grade II. Most difficulties are avoidable, but one should never venture out to this last group under snow without having served an 'apprenticeship' on the other hills.
Personally though the best winter hillwalking route I've done:
Day One: Cairngorm - Ben MacDui - Carn a'Mhaim - Corrour bothy.
Day Two: Corour bothy - Devils Point - Cairn Toul - Braeriach - Rothiemurchus.
Non-technical, but committing - particularly venturing over the Cairn Toul-Braeriach plateau if the weather is less than perfect.
The best winter walking routes are generally the best summer ridges. So Five Sisters, Mamores / Ring of Steall, Grey Corries.
Individual big hills that are great under snow - Ben Cruachan, Ben Lui, Ben Lawers, Beinn Bheithir, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, Ben Alder.
Then the elite individual hills that are superlative under snow - Bidean nam Bian, The Saddle, An Teallach and any of the Torridon hills, Aonach Eagach ridge.
Note the hills listed in the last group can have sections up to Grade II. Most difficulties are avoidable, but one should never venture out to this last group under snow without having served an 'apprenticeship' on the other hills.
Personally though the best winter hillwalking route I've done:
Day One: Cairngorm - Ben MacDui - Carn a'Mhaim - Corrour bothy.
Day Two: Corour bothy - Devils Point - Cairn Toul - Braeriach - Rothiemurchus.
Non-technical, but committing - particularly venturing over the Cairn Toul-Braeriach plateau if the weather is less than perfect.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
A few decent rounds are:
Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh - possibly better anticlockwise, but do both and decide for yourself (it's good enough to keep going back...)
Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr nan Coireachan - but there's a long walk in and out along Glen Finnan
The circuit of Lock Muick and the Dubh Loch - higher mileage than you asked for, but easy going.
A few decent rounds are:
Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh - possibly better anticlockwise, but do both and decide for yourself (it's good enough to keep going back...)
Sgurr Thuilm and Sgurr nan Coireachan - but there's a long walk in and out along Glen Finnan
The circuit of Lock Muick and the Dubh Loch - higher mileage than you asked for, but easy going.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
One of my favourites for remoteness (It's a long winter's day as well) is to start at Strathan in Glen Dessary, cross the Feith a Chicheanais from Glendessary lodge and climb Sgurr Mor. Then head west over Sgurr Beag, An Eag, Sgurr nan Coireachan, Garbh Chioch Beag, Garbh Chioch Mor and Sgurr na Ciche. Descend the Feadan na Ciche down to Glen dessary and long walk back to Strathan. With some bivvy gear you could descend from Sgurr na Ciche down to Sourlies bothy, overnight there then back on the track to Glen Dessary.
A nice "two pubs" walk is Cluanie Inn to Kintail Lodge hotel over Aonach Mheadhoin, Sgurr a Bhealaich Dearg, Saileag, Sgurr nan Spainteach, Sgurr na Ciste Duibh, Sgurr na Carnach, Sgurr Fhuaran, and Sgurr nan Saighead. Neither of these has "techical" bits but both offer narrow ridges and fantastic views.
Nearer to the central belt you could do Beinn Eunaich, Beinn a Chochuill, Stob Diamh and the Cruachan ridge to Stob Dearg(Taynuilt Peak).
The latter two walks involve some public transport logistics. The first would unfortunately be a WEE bit outside your mileage parameters.
As previosly mentioned the Starav round over Glas Bheinn Mor and Stob coire Albannaich are good in winter.
A final suggestion - but again a bit longer than your 6-12 mile is the Blackmount traverse starting at White Corries over Meall a Bhuiridh, take in Creise ocer Clach Leathad and on to Stob Ghabhar. Descend Sron nan Ghiubhais ridge of Stob Ghabhar down Coire Ba to Ba bridge then take the old drove road(part of West Highland Way) back to White Corries.
One of my favourites for remoteness (It's a long winter's day as well) is to start at Strathan in Glen Dessary, cross the Feith a Chicheanais from Glendessary lodge and climb Sgurr Mor. Then head west over Sgurr Beag, An Eag, Sgurr nan Coireachan, Garbh Chioch Beag, Garbh Chioch Mor and Sgurr na Ciche. Descend the Feadan na Ciche down to Glen dessary and long walk back to Strathan. With some bivvy gear you could descend from Sgurr na Ciche down to Sourlies bothy, overnight there then back on the track to Glen Dessary.
A nice "two pubs" walk is Cluanie Inn to Kintail Lodge hotel over Aonach Mheadhoin, Sgurr a Bhealaich Dearg, Saileag, Sgurr nan Spainteach, Sgurr na Ciste Duibh, Sgurr na Carnach, Sgurr Fhuaran, and Sgurr nan Saighead. Neither of these has "techical" bits but both offer narrow ridges and fantastic views.
Nearer to the central belt you could do Beinn Eunaich, Beinn a Chochuill, Stob Diamh and the Cruachan ridge to Stob Dearg(Taynuilt Peak).
The latter two walks involve some public transport logistics. The first would unfortunately be a WEE bit outside your mileage parameters.
As previosly mentioned the Starav round over Glas Bheinn Mor and Stob coire Albannaich are good in winter.
A final suggestion - but again a bit longer than your 6-12 mile is the Blackmount traverse starting at White Corries over Meall a Bhuiridh, take in Creise ocer Clach Leathad and on to Stob Ghabhar. Descend Sron nan Ghiubhais ridge of Stob Ghabhar down Coire Ba to Ba bridge then take the old drove road(part of West Highland Way) back to White Corries.
In reply to CurlyStevo: Get yourself up to Kintail. The S. Cluanie/5 Sisters ridges which run either side of the road are a delight under the whiteness
Ben Alder is a great winter hill if you can get to it, the Leaches provide some sport and you sure don't meet many folks!
My best days winter walking/scrambing involved Seana Braigh from Coire Mhor bothy up a steepish rocky ridge to the plateau.
Other fun winter walks/ridges include Bruach na Frithe, An Teallach, Suilven, Ptarmigan Ridge and Garbh Bheinn.
Happy hunting.
Ben Alder is a great winter hill if you can get to it, the Leaches provide some sport and you sure don't meet many folks!
My best days winter walking/scrambing involved Seana Braigh from Coire Mhor bothy up a steepish rocky ridge to the plateau.
Other fun winter walks/ridges include Bruach na Frithe, An Teallach, Suilven, Ptarmigan Ridge and Garbh Bheinn.
Happy hunting.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
As a final suggestion - if you want to avoid Munro Baggers(these are Corbetts)!- how about the round of Druim Fiaclach, Sgurr na Ba Ghlais, Rois Bheinn and An Stac. On a good winter's day the views of Rhum and Skye are superb - especially at sunset.
As a final suggestion - if you want to avoid Munro Baggers(these are Corbetts)!- how about the round of Druim Fiaclach, Sgurr na Ba Ghlais, Rois Bheinn and An Stac. On a good winter's day the views of Rhum and Skye are superb - especially at sunset.
In reply to Only a hill:
)
In my opinion the ascent of the Lost Valley headwall can feel like grade I for exposure and possible cornice difficulties. I think any winter walker should expect to at some point encounter bits of ground that merit that grade; this is why Winter ML candidates are expected to log and perform on grade I ground.
)
> In my opinion, the traverse of Bidean nam Bian from the Lost Valley to Coire nam Beith is one of the best winter walking routes I have done. A fantastic mountain but with no real technical problems, although it can be serious as walking routes go.
In my opinion the ascent of the Lost Valley headwall can feel like grade I for exposure and possible cornice difficulties. I think any winter walker should expect to at some point encounter bits of ground that merit that grade; this is why Winter ML candidates are expected to log and perform on grade I ground.
In reply to Jamie Bankhead:
Right I'm sure that's true but for this winter walk I'd like to avoid any ground where a rope is likely to be necessary for a beguinner to complete the route. Obviously I'd already considered bidean, but the headwall there was something that I'd probably avoid. For this walk I'd probably opt to do something very simple in terms of the terrain but a less good walk over a better walk with a reasonable risk of grade I ground being encountered.
Right I'm sure that's true but for this winter walk I'd like to avoid any ground where a rope is likely to be necessary for a beguinner to complete the route. Obviously I'd already considered bidean, but the headwall there was something that I'd probably avoid. For this walk I'd probably opt to do something very simple in terms of the terrain but a less good walk over a better walk with a reasonable risk of grade I ground being encountered.
In reply to paul-1970:
How tricky are the following in typical winter conditions (are they likely to have any grade I ground, cornice difficulties etc) ?
- 5 sisters
- Ben Cruachan
- Beinn Bheithir
Ben lawers was something I was considering not because it's really the type of route I want to do but more because the views would be pretty good and the terrain straight forward.
How tricky are the following in typical winter conditions (are they likely to have any grade I ground, cornice difficulties etc) ?
- 5 sisters
- Ben Cruachan
- Beinn Bheithir
Ben lawers was something I was considering not because it's really the type of route I want to do but more because the views would be pretty good and the terrain straight forward.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
Cruachan round has a short rocky step but it can probably be detoured.
5 Sisters not technical but quite a long day and inescapable.
The technical crux of the Beinn Bheithir circuit is negotiating the forsetry on descent!
Cruachan round has a short rocky step but it can probably be detoured.
5 Sisters not technical but quite a long day and inescapable.
The technical crux of the Beinn Bheithir circuit is negotiating the forsetry on descent!
In reply to CurlyStevo:
5 sisters is straightforward, though there may be some cornices to avoid.
Cruachan: depends on the route: there can be a short awkward step high up on the E ridge of the main summit. Also beware of awkward slabby ground if returning from Stob Dearg to the Bealach an Lochain.
Beinn Bheithir: the NE ridge of Sgurr Ban has a couple of tricky rock steps. The N ridge of Sgurr Dearg is straightforward.
Ben Lawers via Beinn Ghlas has no difficulties. The N side of An Stuc can be close to Grade I in icy conditions, and may be best avoided in descent. The Tarmachan ridge is a better winter route: the only difficulty is an eroded slabby section of the path W of Meall Garbh, but this can be avoided by keeping to the north (left in ascent).
5 sisters is straightforward, though there may be some cornices to avoid.
Cruachan: depends on the route: there can be a short awkward step high up on the E ridge of the main summit. Also beware of awkward slabby ground if returning from Stob Dearg to the Bealach an Lochain.
Beinn Bheithir: the NE ridge of Sgurr Ban has a couple of tricky rock steps. The N ridge of Sgurr Dearg is straightforward.
Ben Lawers via Beinn Ghlas has no difficulties. The N side of An Stuc can be close to Grade I in icy conditions, and may be best avoided in descent. The Tarmachan ridge is a better winter route: the only difficulty is an eroded slabby section of the path W of Meall Garbh, but this can be avoided by keeping to the north (left in ascent).
In reply to paul-1970:
I second that exact same route! I still look back and think it's one of the best walks I've ever done.
> (In reply to CurlyStevo)
> Personally though the best winter hillwalking route I've done:
> Day One: Cairngorm - Ben MacDui - Carn a'Mhaim - Corrour bothy.
> Day Two: Corour bothy - Devils Point - Cairn Toul - Braeriach - Rothiemurchus.
> Non-technical, but committing - particularly venturing over the Cairn Toul-Braeriach plateau if the weather is less than perfect.
> Personally though the best winter hillwalking route I've done:
> Day One: Cairngorm - Ben MacDui - Carn a'Mhaim - Corrour bothy.
> Day Two: Corour bothy - Devils Point - Cairn Toul - Braeriach - Rothiemurchus.
> Non-technical, but committing - particularly venturing over the Cairn Toul-Braeriach plateau if the weather is less than perfect.
I second that exact same route! I still look back and think it's one of the best walks I've ever done.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
You'll need to use your hands for balance at times, but if this gets grade I then it is in the same way as the Carn Mor Dearg arete, not because of 45 degree snow slopes. There are a few avoidable short sections of slightly trickier scrambling (e.g. the short slabby crest just east of Cruachan). Unlikely to have cornice difficulties.
If ascending the NE ridge of Sgor Bhan from Ballachulish, there are easy scrambly steps in the ridge (again, probably graded I, but still easy scrambling). If descending into the west coire of Sgor Dhonuill then it's a little steep at the top and gives a hellish long walk out. I'm not sure about cornices on the main access coll between Sgor Dhonuill and Sgor Dhearg, but I doubt there's be a problem.
A good alternative route for Ben Lawers (and a cracking winter day) is to approach over Meall Greigh, etc., from the east. The ascent of An Stuc's east face is more or less a Grade I snow slope, but not a serious one. Descend off Lawers' east ridge.
> How tricky are the following in typical winter conditions (are they likely to have any grade I ground, cornice difficulties etc) ?
> - Ben Cruachan
> - Ben Cruachan
You'll need to use your hands for balance at times, but if this gets grade I then it is in the same way as the Carn Mor Dearg arete, not because of 45 degree snow slopes. There are a few avoidable short sections of slightly trickier scrambling (e.g. the short slabby crest just east of Cruachan). Unlikely to have cornice difficulties.
> Beinn a' Bheithir
If ascending the NE ridge of Sgor Bhan from Ballachulish, there are easy scrambly steps in the ridge (again, probably graded I, but still easy scrambling). If descending into the west coire of Sgor Dhonuill then it's a little steep at the top and gives a hellish long walk out. I'm not sure about cornices on the main access coll between Sgor Dhonuill and Sgor Dhearg, but I doubt there's be a problem.
> Ben lawers was something I was considering not because it's really the type of route I want to do but more because the views would be pretty good and the terrain straight forward.
A good alternative route for Ben Lawers (and a cracking winter day) is to approach over Meall Greigh, etc., from the east. The ascent of An Stuc's east face is more or less a Grade I snow slope, but not a serious one. Descend off Lawers' east ridge.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
Of the routes suggested by others, some have or MIGHT have grade I ground, some are VERY long and others are fairly benign. I think if you study maps with a basis of avoiding narrow ridges or steep slopes you should be able to work out which ones are which! Just work on the basis that a gradient that is acceptable in summer might not be under snow.
Of the routes suggested by others, some have or MIGHT have grade I ground, some are VERY long and others are fairly benign. I think if you study maps with a basis of avoiding narrow ridges or steep slopes you should be able to work out which ones are which! Just work on the basis that a gradient that is acceptable in summer might not be under snow.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
The South Cluanie Ridge is great, brilliant scenery. You do need to have a pretty face for hitching back to the start.
The South Cluanie Ridge is great, brilliant scenery. You do need to have a pretty face for hitching back to the start.
In reply to Andy Nisbet: No need for a pretty face in my experience; just show a bit of leg and a winning smile
In reply to CurlyStevo: heres a leftfield choice, Ben More on Mull via the A Cioch ridge
In reply to paul-1970: Was thinking of doing tis walk in Feb myself. Any info on the bothy?
In reply to CurlyStevo: Oh, here's another good one:
A circular route over Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Ban in the Mamores. It's kind of an easier alternative adjacent to the Ring of Steall in the Mamores. Start in Glen Nevis.
Didn't see many people when I did it. Lovely views. Interesting terrain at times, but nothing too daunting I think.
A circular route over Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Ban in the Mamores. It's kind of an easier alternative adjacent to the Ring of Steall in the Mamores. Start in Glen Nevis.
Didn't see many people when I did it. Lovely views. Interesting terrain at times, but nothing too daunting I think.
In reply to CurlyStevo: How about a traverse of the whole of Streap in a sort of horseshoe... Start at Glenfinnan, under the viaduct, can go straight up the edge of the forestry to the southernmost Top, and come down the S ridge of the E top. Leaves a fair walk out down the valley and through the forest (pleasant enough) and a couple of miles along the road but well worth it. Has a quite narrow ridge up to the main summit (which had built up into a nice snow arete last time i did it).
In reply to dan bailey:
Or a ginger beard and a winning smile
> (In reply to Andy Nisbet) No need for a pretty face in my experience; just show a bit of leg and a winning smile
Or a ginger beard and a winning smile
In reply to CurlyStevo:
One of my favourites is Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach by Loch Quoich on the Kinloch Hourne road. It's always a great day out if the road is open with steep slopes, narrow ridges and almost always quiet in the winter. The views are sensational and one of the best stalkers paths in existence gets you started!
Anything in the Fannaichs including Sgurr Mor in the northern highlands.
One of my favourites is Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach by Loch Quoich on the Kinloch Hourne road. It's always a great day out if the road is open with steep slopes, narrow ridges and almost always quiet in the winter. The views are sensational and one of the best stalkers paths in existence gets you started!
Anything in the Fannaichs including Sgurr Mor in the northern highlands.
In reply to Andy Nisbet: A bit of fiery facial fuzz probably works wonders
In reply to dan bailey:
I got a lift from a gritting lorry once. Quite a pile of grit at the back as I climbed in. Folk are great in the Highlands.
I got a lift from a gritting lorry once. Quite a pile of grit at the back as I climbed in. Folk are great in the Highlands.
In reply to Andy Nisbet: Amazing where a bit of grit and determination can get you.
In reply to dan bailey:
However a black beard like mine won't get you anywhere. I only ever manage to hitch lifts if I'm accompanied by an attractive lady ... only reason I take them on the hill
> (In reply to Andy Nisbet) A bit of fiery facial fuzz probably works wonders
However a black beard like mine won't get you anywhere. I only ever manage to hitch lifts if I'm accompanied by an attractive lady ... only reason I take them on the hill
In reply to Only a hill:
Look them in the eye, smile and look slightly suggestive. Works for drivers and ladies, though you might be an exception?
>
> However a black beard like mine won't get you anywhere. I only ever manage to hitch lifts if I'm accompanied by an attractive lady ... only reason I take them on the hill
> However a black beard like mine won't get you anywhere. I only ever manage to hitch lifts if I'm accompanied by an attractive lady ... only reason I take them on the hill
Look them in the eye, smile and look slightly suggestive. Works for drivers and ladies, though you might be an exception?
In reply to CurlyStevo: The Affric/Mullurdoch/Strathfarrer hills are great for winter walking, and provide a range of options.
In reply to dan bailey:
Best two lifts:
- Back of a pick up truck under a full moon after a long winter day doing the Munros of Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe.
- Back to the Cluanie after the South glen shiel ridge and the Forcan ridge. The driver was a shinty referee.
Yes, highland folk are excellent.
Best two lifts:
- Back of a pick up truck under a full moon after a long winter day doing the Munros of Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe.
- Back to the Cluanie after the South glen shiel ridge and the Forcan ridge. The driver was a shinty referee.
Yes, highland folk are excellent.
In reply to Andy Nisbet:
Ah that'll be my mistake then ... I usually try the depressed and hopeless look in the hope people will take pity on me!
> (In reply to Only a hill)
> [...]
>
> Look them in the eye, smile and look slightly suggestive. Works for drivers and ladies, though you might be an exception?
> [...]
>
> Look them in the eye, smile and look slightly suggestive. Works for drivers and ladies, though you might be an exception?
Ah that'll be my mistake then ... I usually try the depressed and hopeless look in the hope people will take pity on me!
In reply to Only a hill:
Keeping a rope visible is my best tip; identifies you as a member of the Freemasonry and also suggests to the wider public that you may have a good story to tell.
Hitching is the ultimate karma test; you will get to your destination for free, but the timescale, frustration level and (ahem) quality of lift are big variables!
Keeping a rope visible is my best tip; identifies you as a member of the Freemasonry and also suggests to the wider public that you may have a good story to tell.
Hitching is the ultimate karma test; you will get to your destination for free, but the timescale, frustration level and (ahem) quality of lift are big variables!
In reply to Only a hill:
And do women take pity on you?
> Ah that'll be my mistake then ... I usually try the depressed and hopeless look in the hope women will take pity on me!
And do women take pity on you?
In reply to CurlyStevo: Seen this site? Might be useful - includes ungraded and grade I and II routes.
http://www.scottishwinterroutes.com/
http://www.scottishwinterroutes.com/
In reply to Andy Nisbet:
I ended walking the whole way, although it was raining at the time. Not a great place to hitch.
> (In reply to CurlyStevo)
>
> The South Cluanie Ridge is great, brilliant scenery. You do need to have a pretty face for hitching back to the start.
>
> The South Cluanie Ridge is great, brilliant scenery. You do need to have a pretty face for hitching back to the start.
I ended walking the whole way, although it was raining at the time. Not a great place to hitch.
In reply to CurlyStevo: probably the big lumps that you'd avoid in the summer for fear of boredom, as they become much more fun coated in hard neve with good bum slides. However the times that they are coated in hard neve are wasted on walking. However big boring lumps are good for honing the navigation skills, getting fit e.g. who'd do Ben More in Crainlarich for fun? No me.
In reply to CurlyStevo:
The three munros that make up Beinn a Ghlo are a good round in winter. Don't do what I did and delay putting my crampons on until it was really icy!
The three munros that make up Beinn a Ghlo are a good round in winter. Don't do what I did and delay putting my crampons on until it was really icy!
In reply to CurlyStevo:
Can recommend the Rum Cuillin in winter, cracking location and views. Only tricky bit is getting down from Hallival and getting to the top of Askival near the pinnacle.
Cliseam ridge on Harris is also superb under snow
Can recommend the Rum Cuillin in winter, cracking location and views. Only tricky bit is getting down from Hallival and getting to the top of Askival near the pinnacle.
Cliseam ridge on Harris is also superb under snow
In reply to Paula Hamilton-Gibson:
Yes, the road is fast, so cars are reluctant to stop. They need a bit of encouragement. You do need to look at the driver, so just walking and putting your thumb out doesn't work. And on a straight bit but not a long straight, as they'll just have got up speed. Put your thumb out well in advance, so they've time to consider you. And prominently, so they know immediately what you want. Other walkers are by far the best chance, and locals are not bad, tourists are less likely. In the rain, it might only be other walkers. I was extremely lucky last time - I had to run to get to the road as a car approached - and it stopped. It probably helps if you look like you're just going up the road to get your car, and only one of you hitching is much better (male or female).
> I ended walking the whole way, although it was raining at the time. Not a great place to hitch.
Yes, the road is fast, so cars are reluctant to stop. They need a bit of encouragement. You do need to look at the driver, so just walking and putting your thumb out doesn't work. And on a straight bit but not a long straight, as they'll just have got up speed. Put your thumb out well in advance, so they've time to consider you. And prominently, so they know immediately what you want. Other walkers are by far the best chance, and locals are not bad, tourists are less likely. In the rain, it might only be other walkers. I was extremely lucky last time - I had to run to get to the road as a car approached - and it stopped. It probably helps if you look like you're just going up the road to get your car, and only one of you hitching is much better (male or female).
In reply to CurlyStevo:
Sgor Gaoith from the west. A tedious plod up the hill before reaching the summit and it rewards you with a stunning view of Braeriach and Glen Einich.
In fact here is the view - http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.php?id=94673
Sgor Gaoith from the west. A tedious plod up the hill before reaching the summit and it rewards you with a stunning view of Braeriach and Glen Einich.
In fact here is the view - http://www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.php?id=94673
In reply to Only a hill:
Bidean is a great mountain but, as has been mentioned above, the headwall in Coire Gabhail can be intimidating as it faces north and tops out at 900m, meaning it can hold a lot of snow even if the tops are scoured. a good round under less than perfect conditions could involve an ascent of Stob Coire nan Lochain ( a painful slog in either direction, but safe) then onto the col between SCnL and Bidean. You will pass a good descent route into Coire Gabhail on the left before ascending the short north ridge of Bidean. There is a little route finding on this ridge but it's fairly straight forward going up. If this is too much you can descend the afore mentioned route into Coire Gabhail. There is a way off from this col into Coire Beith but it is a more serious undertaking than Coire Gabhail. If you continue on to Bidean then walk the ridge down to the top of Coire Beith which is lower than the others but still requiring care on neve.
To the OP this is a classic hill under snow but it can be a bit busy (especially the walk up SCnL if the crag's in nick). Enjoy
Bidean is a great mountain but, as has been mentioned above, the headwall in Coire Gabhail can be intimidating as it faces north and tops out at 900m, meaning it can hold a lot of snow even if the tops are scoured. a good round under less than perfect conditions could involve an ascent of Stob Coire nan Lochain ( a painful slog in either direction, but safe) then onto the col between SCnL and Bidean. You will pass a good descent route into Coire Gabhail on the left before ascending the short north ridge of Bidean. There is a little route finding on this ridge but it's fairly straight forward going up. If this is too much you can descend the afore mentioned route into Coire Gabhail. There is a way off from this col into Coire Beith but it is a more serious undertaking than Coire Gabhail. If you continue on to Bidean then walk the ridge down to the top of Coire Beith which is lower than the others but still requiring care on neve.
To the OP this is a classic hill under snow but it can be a bit busy (especially the walk up SCnL if the crag's in nick). Enjoy
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