
A truly Quality Mountain Day - My first Solo Munros. I was admittedly nervous. This was my first intentional venture alone, so recently after having been left to walk out the Lairig Ghru injured and alone.
However, it was fine weather with stunning views across the Glen to the South Glen Shiel Ridge which I had walked the day previously. The actual ridge was pot-marked with snow patches and being alone I was sure to regularly check the map and take (perhaps unnecessary) bearings and have my ice axe handy. On the return from Sail Chaorainn, I was able to bypass a return over Sgurr nan Conhairean by contouring the snow bank and crossing over Drochaid an Tuil Easich. I returned to the road much faster than I had originally planned and had to wait several hours for the minibus to come and pick me up.
- Significant mountains (Munros)
- Navigation along a ridge alone.
- Knowledge and confidence increased without any backup from group members. Contouring around Sgurr nan Conhairean I was very aware of possible avalanches. Though the snow was firm and uniform and I didn't feel at risk.
- Safety awareness - Very over cautious.
- Over 5 hours
- UK mountain terrain in winter
- Axe used - especially contouring, crampons used.
Area :
Glen Affric and Kintail
South of Loch Mullardoch you will find the Glen Affric and Kintail area whose southern boundary is the A87 road to Inverness. The Five Sisters of Kintail, Beinn Fhada, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan and Carn Eighe are just some of the impressive peaks in this area, and all have their own unique selling points such as remoteness, size, steepness or height. As a result, peaks in the list are all over 900m.