David Blatcher - 134807
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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.
Winter mountain foundation course expedition in Glen Finnan. Walked from Glenfinnan village to Corryhurry Bothy where we left overnight kit. Ascended path along Allt a` Chaol-ghlinne then up to and along WSW ridge to summit of Sgurr an Fhuarain Duibh. Darkness fell shortly after reaching the ridge. Deep, soft snow on the side of the glen en route to the ridge and strong winds and feeling cold on the ridge. Descended via the SE ridge then South back into the glen. Found the day quite demanding, however this was more than compensated for by the moonlight views from the bothy later in the evening. On the second day we ascended up a gulley to Bealach Coire nan Cearc/Stob Coire nan Cearc (887m). Led the section from 560m to the saddle at 740m, which was a particularly slow and demanding climb in deep soft snow and highlighted the level of fitness and strength that is needed for winter mountaineering. Chose a route along ridges to minimise avalanche risk. Strong winds drove freezing rain from the saddle to the summit. Descended via the same route, curtailing original plans to walk further, to get back below the snowline before imminent rain increased the avalanche hazzard.
