
WQMD SCNL
1 • Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day;
Yes - Stob Coire nan Lochan at 1115m. A classic winter circular hike.
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership;
Used AllTrails to help plan the route using OS Maps as OS didn’t show the line ascending Gearr Aonach… Route plan worked out to calculate distance and time for each leg. Route card left with B&B with a return time as this was a solo hike.
On ascending Gearr Aonach to Stob Coire Nan Lochan crampons we’re fitted and ice axe used to ascend the ridge to the summit - an excellent route. Crampons remained on until descending further back into the Coire Lochan.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Yes - on the ascent of Gearr Aonach careful route selection with checking the OS was needed as this is a grade 1 scramble. Couple of times I had to retrace my steps looking for a easy scramble line.
The ridge was clear although very windy at times I had to go to ground with the gusts. So with the clear although very overcast view this was easy navigation.
When I was descending into Coire nan Lochan I referred to the map to help take the best line.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
Lessons Learnt:
Cramponing and Ice axe use.
Grade 1 scrambling and Grade 1 steep snow/ice scent onto SCNL. Using front points on my crampons in a couple of places - nearer the ridge summit to SCNL which was great fun.
5 • attention is paid to safety;
Checked weather forecast before heading out… Checked Avalanche reports for area. MWIS weather report. And Face Book ground conditions. Also checked Winter Climbing Forecast (app). First Aid Kit along with a confidence rope / sling and a couple of crabs were carried.
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
Yes, Neve / Ice at higher levels. Snow throughout the higher levels and plenty of snow in the coire.
Visibility was good throughout the journey - very overcast. Strong winds were encountered hiking up the ridge coming in from the SE (as forecasted) a number of gust meant I needed to go to ground whilst they passed. Once over the top of SCNL the wind dropped from the mountain cover.
At the A82 it was a summery 10degrees! However, as I ascended to the summit and the wind came in the Temperatures very quickly to below freezing.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes the journey was over 7 hours with stops for recovery / food and hot beverages.
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Area :
Glencoe South (Loch Linnhe To Loch Etive)
The southern side of Glen Coe includes some very well-known mountains and can be split into two groups; the ones you can see from the A82 and the ones you can’t. Included in the former group is Buachaille Etive Mor, Buachaille Etive Beag, the Three Sisters and the Ballachulish Horseshoe, and in the latter, three Munros between Glen Creran and Glen Etive (Sgor na h-Ulaidh, Beinn Fhionnlaidh and Beinn Sgulaird). With huge amounts of climbing and walking in summer and winter, this area is also home to a large cairn built for Queen Victoria, or so the story goes. Includes all major peaks above 600m.