Aonach air Chrith North Ridge - Maol Chinn-dearg.
Weather forecast: NW wind 25-30mph, gusting 35, -3 at 900m, Snow showers
SAIS Torridon: Low risk; text warns of E-SE 750m+ windslab risk in gully tops
SAIS Lochaber: Localised moderate risk N-SE 900m+ sheltered hollows and gullies
We met at 8.30 to discuss and finalise route. The observed weather was warmer than the forecast. We were aware of the wind forecast and decided that we would try the ridge, taking precautions such as keeping to the windward side.
We were aware the ground was wet, so to avoid challenging river crossings, we parked at NH044114 and crossed the rivers due south of there, before contouring around the north end of Drum Coire nan Eirecheanach. We made our way up to the broad shoulder to the west of Coire na Doire Duibhe and as it steepened we moved east onto the ridge line, practising our daggering. The snow was soft and there was no ice. The rain turned to snow at about 700-900m, so warmer than forecast. The wind was slightly stronger than forecast (30-35mph) with minor gusting, and came perpendicular to the slope to slightly more W than NW. We picked our way along the ridge, keeping slightly to the windward side to avoid being blown over the edge by the wind. There were a couple of good scrambles. After summiting Aonach air Chrith, we headed west down along the South Glen Shiel Ridge, often kicking through deep soft snow, before reaching Maol Chinn-Dearg. The cloud came and went, giving us glimpses of views in all directions. We then headed north down the Drum Coire nan Eirecheanachridge. There was an interesting rocky step half way down, but no hands were required this time. A challenging and excellent day.
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.
