Training Log Archive: IanW

Gentle stroll up Helvellyn

Beinn Dearg and surrounding munros - Cona' Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean and Eididh nan Clach Geala. Long day but great weather and some stunning views.

Munro count now at 51.

Forecast wasn't good so a long run from the chalet.

Over to the Fannaichs - north-south ridge of Meall a'Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr nan Each. Conditions variable - ridge was completely in cloud, with fairly frequent rain/hail/snow showers - some short clearances coming off the second top. Icy underfoot on the way to the second summit, so crampons for that. Decent sized cornices on the east edge of the ridge up to the second and third tops.

1st munro - 1h50
Ridge - 2h10 (including several crampon stops)
Descent - 2h10

Ben Hope - very early start for the 2 hour drive north. Cloud down and regular rain showers meant things got wet quickly. Boots squelchy for the rest of the day. Felt similar to the beginning of Day 2 of the LAMM when going uphill.

To the summit in 1h40, down in 1h.

Meall nan Con (Ben Klibreck) - very very marshy on the flat over to the ridge, where the wind was pretty fierce but we had views! Tough climb up the last 200m to the summit, but the wind was behind which helped a little, though not fun on the way back down when the cloud came in. Traversed more of the ridge on the way down to reduce exposure to wet squelchiness; just about enough light when we reached the cars.

Up - 2h15, Down - 1h35

4 northernmost munros done, and first section in the SMC book complete.