IWQMD - Fiacaill Coire an t-Sneachda on to Cairn Gorm and down the 1141.
Start/Finish: From the SKI Centre.
1 • Synopsis and Ascent of a significant mountain is included in the day and a grade one climb up Fiacaill ridge. This ridge was great fun, in sections there was some good exposure, some ice sections needing positive axe placement and crampon kick-ins. On the ridge care was needed with the mixed rock, snow and ice terrain with the crampons on so that I did not trip.
Yes - 1176m Stob Coire an t-Sneachda and 1244m Cairn Gorm.
Technical ground up the ridge of Fiacaill Coire an t-Sneachda.
2 • Individual takes part in the planning and leadership;
- Avalanche, Wind, Precipitation, Temperature were checked on:
- Met Office
- SAIS
- MWIS
- Route planned on OS Maps.
- Life-line activated so family and friends could track me.
- Solo hike so made all decisions. Gave details to family of all planned routes with the caveat if I changed any plans I would let them know. Called wife at the agreed return time after hike in the car park.
3 • navigation skills are required;
Yes - this was more for practise and timing of legs. For this route I used an OS-Map 1:50 printed to a 1:25 scale to allow me to see map.
4 • knowledge is increased and skills practised;
Use of crampons and ice axe - practised fitting crampons on with gloves, always difficult… Continued to practise map skills and walking timed legs.
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. Gave a copy route map to family. And as already mentioned I had live-line on. Ensuring crampons and ice axe placement were positive.
6 • adverse weather and underfoot conditions may be encountered;
Yes, mixed terrain, snow and ice throughout the journey. The wind picked the snow up and moved it around - causing blustery conditions at times. As forecasted the wind began to pick up as the day went on - and the snow was starting to be picked up causing spin-drift.
7 • Five hours or more journey time;
Yes, Moving time 6 hours. Approx 10km. @ 2 1/2 km/hr.
Area :
The Cairngorms
The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.
