Winter Wandering

In between Kieth and Jen's amazing wedding and the Glenmore Lodge IDS interview, I had some action packed days in a very wintry looking Scotland.

Stunning views from Mam na Gualinn, situated to the north  of Loch Leven.

First stop was Glen Coe staying with Ted Piper.  We had a great day following one of the lovely routes in the Cicerone Ben Nevis and Glen Coe walking guidebook.  Escaping Munroe status, Mam na Gualinn and Beinn na Caillich are squeezed in between the Mamores and Loch Leven.  They therefore boast incredible views onto the Aonach Eagach ridge, across the Mamores with the Ben's head poking into the clouds.

Ted Piper looking out across Stob Corie na h-Eighe in the Mamores

The weather chased us along the ridge, with incredible rays of sun, snow showers and a bitter breeze encouraging a brisk pace.

Spot the climbers!  Stob Corie an Lochan, South Glen Coe.

Patrick Jenner then joined in the fun with a trip up into the depths of Glen Coe.  On the way up to Stob Corie nan Lochan, we spotted some early bird climbers of the magnificent buttress overlooking the glen.  They certainly enjoyed their belay spot as we ventured up, into continually deepening snow.

Patrick Jenner striding out over Bidiean nam Bian

The views from the summit were stunning.  Scotland, in the winter, takes on a whole new level of awesomeness and to be the only ones up there was incredible.

With rain over night and a strong wind on the hills, it was time to hide in the gorges of Scotland.  The Nevis was first our first port of call.  Ted Piper, Callum Anderson and Scott Robinson were all game and even with a lowish level, a lot of fun was had.  A quick bash down the Spean gorge finished a great few days on the west coast.

Cheers Ted for putting me up and Paddy, Callum and Scott for some awesome days out.