12km + 1220m. Nevis Range, Fort William.
After another overnight in the van, I met up with Richard Cooper and Jenna Pickering at the Nevis Range car park. Despite the heavy grey sky and fresh snow they dcidd to join me in heading for some obscure tops. We left the car park at 10ish and headed along the forestry roads to the micro hydro at the Allt Choille-rais (10.30). More careful research would have revealed that it was the pipe crossing the stream not a bridge! Long legs and a bit of mutual support quickly put paid to that. Some of the initial slopes were steep and rocky providing entertainment in the snow. Steady work took us up to Tom Na Sroine (12ish), climbing out of the clag as we went. Great to have someone else breaking trail! A lovely walk along the ridge and we got out of the worst of the wind and had a bite to eat whilst we eyeballed the possibility of getting onto Aonach Mor and the grander of the Grey Corries. The ridge continued to the final climb up Aonach Mor, weaving through the sections of slab in bits of spindrift, we safely reached the plateau and headed off in search of the summit. As we headed off some climber emerged from the top of Western Rib and we were able to let them break trail back to the Gondola Station (17.00). Great day out.
I then drove all the way over to Braemar and the Linn of Dee only to discover in the morning the freewheel mechanism on the bike wasn't working. Bugger!
Area :
Ben Nevis & Aonach Mor (Fort William To Loch Leven)
This area covers the mountains between Fort William, Loch Leven (to the south) and Loch Treig (to the east). The area includes Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg, The Mamores, The Aonachs and The Grey Corries. An impressive 20 Munros are split equally by Glen Nevis and the waters of Abhainn Rath. Relatively accessible from the A82, these mountains hold some classic walking and climbing routes such as The Ring of Steall in the Mamores and Point Five Gully on Ben Nevis. Includes all major peaks above 600m.
