Beinn a’ Bha’ach Aird & Sgor Gaoith

Beinn a’ Bha’ach Aird

Despite of the forecast for light rain and winds increasing in the afternoon three brave souls set of to Beinn a' Bha'ach Àrd – a tough Corbett but a rewarding walk.  We were all very optimistic and decided to make the walk even more interesting as we practiced navigation skills for the whole length of the horseshoe. Alistair had a great patience which paid off in the end. A lot of calculations time/pace/ distance were done and compass bearings taken. It was the perfect weather for practice due to the mist and the low visibility. We still had time for drinks and food stops and enjoyed each others company and stories. We made it safe off the hill at the back of 4pm soaked but happy and satisfied.

Taking part: Alistair, Stela,

Words: Stela.

Sgor Gaoith

An improving avalanche forecast and a lull in the weather encouraged a group of five to meet in Glen Feshie to climb Sgor Gaoith. It was surprisingly warm heading through the forest and up the main path towards Sgor Gaoith.

Close to the summit rime-coated rocks revealed some more features, and the summit was crowned in ice and a cold breeze. Descending North, for one timed-kilometre, we dropped out of the cloud into a hollow, with views opening up towards Briariach. A few attempts at glissading on the descent were unsuccessful, and before long the snow was too patchy. The tops of Meall Bhuidhe and Gael Charn were briefly rained upon, before a steep descent back to the woodland and cars. A surprisingly good day out, given the prior forecast, was had by all.

Taking Part: Martin, Nick, Phillip and prospective members Trifish, and Richard.

Words: Martin; Photos: Richard, Martin & Trifish

We had opted to make an anticlockwise circuit, if the weather allowed, traversing the NW ridge after the summit. A recent thaw took away most of the risk of avalanche, but care to read the conditions was still required from 600m upwards. Above 800m we entered a white-walled box, where footprints led the eye and it was easier to rely on electronic navigation tools unless you were keen. Martin practiced handrailing the East and West edges of the summit plateau, well away from any cornices, unsuccessfully trying to walk on top of the snow!