It’s all go!
I’m back from Cyprus, and there was just time for a quick pause for
breath before leaving the next day for Lochaber and a couple of days with David
& Elizabeth from Long Island, New York. Whilst their main aim was to climb Ben Nevis,
we also had a second day for something a little less strenuous.
Ben Nevis
A forecast of heavy showers, cold winds and
persistent snow above 800m did not auger well for an easy climb. However, Day 1 dawned bright and clear and we
set off in conditions that have been sadly lacking this spring! And so
it was we made good progress with David & Elizabeth thoroughly enjoying
(each in their own way) a new experience – life on Scottish mountain.
We crossed the snow-line half-way up the
zig-zags and the cloud followed soon after.
The summit plateau was still covered in deep snow and the observatory
and much of the trig point platform were still largely buried. In a little over 4hrs we were there and I was
busy congratulating David when Elizabeth suddenly fell dead on the ground! Or so it seemed….
The descent was uneventful with sunshine and
great views for some of the way before a passing shower reminded us we weren’t
going to be THAT lucky! A little under 7½hrs was a
most respectable time for a couple who had no previous experience of the
Highlands and had gamely chosen to start at the top! Good effort guys!
The Lost Valley, Glen Coe
Day 2 perpetuated our good luck with plenty
of blue sky on display and some, if rather modest, warmth from the sun. Elizabeth
had a way of indicating that one 7hr tramp in the snow per week was enough for
any New Yorker so we opted for something shorter: a visit to the Lost Valley in
Glen Coe.
This is probably the most entertaining short
walk in the Glen. An excellent path
descends from the main road and crosses the impressive ravine of the River Coe. The distinctive ‘chat’ of a cock stonechat
and the sight of him flitting over the heather was an early highlight and a necessary
reminder that it was spring!
Winter Was Never Far Away!
After crossing the Coe, the path climbs up into
a gorge high above the rushing waters and blue-green pools of the Allt Coire
Gabhail. Eventually, river and path meet
and the resultant crossing can be difficult after heavy rain. Today, David & Elizabeth managed it with
some flair and dry feet (on the way up at least) and a few minutes later we
stood at the threshold of one of the finest hanging valleys in the Highlands:
Coire Gabhail, the Lost Valley.
World Freestyle River Crossing Champions!
Despite the blue sky and warm sunshine, snow
on the corrie headwall and the encircling ridges underlined just how wintery
conditions still were on the higher ground.
Very nice it all looked though and a wee chaffinch completed the scene by
giving us a close & confident inspection!
We returned the same way (there’s not a lot
of choice). The highlight of the descent
was easily Elizabeth’s hop, skip & jump through (not over, alas) the river
which saw her camera’s waterproofness being tested to a depth of several
inches!
Scotch broth and a latte at the Green Welly
on the way home rounded off a splendid couple of days in excellent company;
most agreeable! I’m looking forward to
the return fixture in New York!
Check out my plans for similar walks at: http://www.hillways.co.uk/summer/summer.htm
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I had an absolute blast! (And now that enough time has passed, and her legs are no longer sore, I can also report that Elizabeth is also very happy that we conquered the Ben!) Given the snowy conditions and the fact that we couldn't even see the next upcoming pillar, we would have likely had to turn around, which is why we're so grateful to you for being our guide. We hope to one day meet again in your, as yet, planned visit to New York!
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
David Bligh
It's a deal David!
ReplyDelete