
A great day in which I led another two on the South Glen Shiel Ridge. It was a long trudge along the landrover track around the western end of Loch Cluanie and then we turned off up the slopes of Drochaid an Uillt Ghiubhais to the first summit of The South Glen Shiel Ridge - a Munro Baggers Paradise - seven Munros in one walk!
The day was a long one but highly enjoyable. Despite the glorious weather, I was still aware of our location at all times - especially with some large cornices to avoid on narrower sections - but more concerned with the group and real possible sunburn and dehydration. The hardest part in terms of navigation was as it was getting dark descending off the ridge and trying to find routes through endless fences and woodland down to the road. There are also some short but steep drops not shown on the map which had to be navigated around.
- Significant mountains (Munros)
- Navigation along a long wide plateau plus some fights with vegetation in Glen Shiel in the dark.
- Knowledge increased in group management.
- Safety awareness - dehydration, sunburn, heat exertion and energy levels in late winter - I was regularly having to set the example in stopping for snacks.
- Over 5 hours
- UK mountain terrain in winter
- Axes carried, crampons used periodically in the morning when the slopes were icy.
Area :
Loch Eil to Glen Shiel
The Great Glen to the east, the A87 to the north and the A830 to the south separate this area from its surroundings and enclose an area of high mountains and low glens. The highest mountain is Sgurr na Ciche (1040m) and further north the South Glen Shiel Ridge is formed by a whopping seven Munros! Also in the area is The Saddle (1010m) which is home to the classic Forcan Ridge. Peaks in the mountains list are all above 900m.