Day 3
At the end of day 2 I travelled from the Cairn Gorms to a B&B in Inverardran ready for Day 3’s hiking of Ben Lawers. I’d planned an out and back route ensuring I kept to the ridges for safety. I prefer circular routes although out and back routes in snow is always different and challenging.
1 • Synopsis and Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day;
Yes - Beinn Glass 1103m and Ben Lawers 1214m.
Synopsis -
Well a very different day to yesterday - freezing cold but the visibility was great throughout giving awesome views around. Winds were high and crampons and ice axes were used on the steep ascent and icy sections of Ben Lawers.
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership;
Planned the route using OS online - and used OS-Map. Life-line activated so family and friends can track me.
Solo hike so made all decisions, also gave details to family of all planned routes with the caveat if I changed any details I would let them know. Called wife at the agreed return time after hike.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Yes - used OS map to align to the ground throughout to understand location.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
Practiced fitting Crampons with gloves on. Used touring axe as I had no need for climbing axes. Practiced aligning map to ground and contours.
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 and 2 man Shelter were packed inside my rucksack. I Gave a copy of my route map to family. And as already mentioned I had live-line on. Route plan left with B&B.
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
Yes, very windy mountain as it is exposed to the elements. Snow and ice throughout journey. Visibility was good.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes, I started at 0900 finishing at 1500 - total time of 6 hours.
Area :
Glen Lyon to Glen Dochart & Loch Tay (Ben Lawers)
This area covers the peaks to the north and east of Crianlarich. Glen Lyon forms the northern boundary while the road from Crianlarich to Aberfeldy is the southern boundary. The Ben Lawers group in the east of this area includes seven separate peaks, all Munros, which are part of an impressive 12km ridge line. The western side of this area is generally lower and not as steep but does still home some a number of Munros. All major peaks above 600m are included in the mountains list. The area to the north is Loch Rannoch to Glen Lyon.
