A productive (and exhausting) week (Aug 2002)

In August, we had a German teenager friend, Dominik, staying with us. He was keen to do some climbing, so we headed up to Morvich campsite for a week or so.

The weather was excellent, so we were climbing almost every day ...

1st August:

Marjory and Roger joined us to climb Beinn Sgritheall from Arnisdale. Watched a sea eagle on thermals above the summit ridge.

2nd August:

Again, all 5 of us climber The Saddle (by the Forcan ridge), then to Sgurr na Sgine, descending by Faochag. Superb views.

3rd August:

Damp and drizzly morning, but sky cleared at 3pm when we were at Kyleakin, so Dominik and I set off up the tourist path to Blaven. We missed the path out of Coire Uaigneich, and found ourselves scrambling up the central gully, which turned out to be a great alternative. Suddenly, we popped out in the gap between the Munro and the South Top, and scrambled on to both. Superb views again. Home by the normal path. Attacked by midges on the lower slopes, so didn't linger!

4th August:

Poor weather!

5th August:

All 5 of us set off together from the Cluanie Inn, and made our way to Ciste Dubh ("the black chest"). M & R returned over Am Bathach, which Anne, Dominik and I traversed "the 4 brothers" - Sgurr Fhuarail, Aonach Meadhoin, Sgurr a' Bhealaich Dheirg and Saileag - then descended a steep and narrow path back to where we had left the car in the morning.

6th August:

Dominik and I climbed A' Ghlas Bheinn from Morvich via Bealach na Sgairne. My fith day out of 6, so I was toiling kepping up with Dominik, over the several false summits on the way to the top!

7th August:

Weather poor - thank goodness - I needed a rest!

(written 16/08/09)