Hills Climbed April / May 2000

For their main Scottish trip between 27th April and 1st May 2000, Geoff, Mick, Roy, Ian, James, Phil & Matthew visited Glen Shiel and Loch Lomond. On the last day they were joined on Ben Chonzie by Isobell with her friend Ronnie Cameron, at 75 the oldest member of the group so far, and dogs Barnie and Dougie.

Sgurr a' Mhoaraich was a good first-day trip, with the weather just about staying dry. Starting by Loch Quoich on the Kinloch Hourn road, the ascent was by the south-western Bac nan Canaichean ridge. From the summit, the direct south ridge provided a rapid descent back to the road.


At the summit cairn, Sgurr a' Mhaoraich.	James, Roy & Mick descending.


Hi ho, Hi ho, It's home from.... Phil, James, Matthew, Roy, Mick & Geoff above Loch Quoich...	...and back at the road, with Sgurr a' Mhaoraich as a backdrop.

A traverse of the Forcan ridge and the Saddle is one of the classic Scottish routes, and is not one to be taken lightly. The Forcan ridge is narrow and exposed, and provides some airy scrambling with the benefit of excellent hand- and foot-holds. Over the Saddle, the ridge becomed easier, and Matthew and Ian continued to take in the two westerly tops. Then a snow-slope to the south of the summit provided a rapid descent before completing the long day with a traverse of Sgurr na Sgine. A meal later in the Cluanie Inn was well deserved and much appreciated.


On the ascent from Glen Shiel, the first clear view of the Forcan ridge & the Saddle.	Geoff adjusts the nether garments of a lady climber.	James experiences the feeling of exposure that goes with ascent of the Forcan ridge.


Looking back along the Saddle ridge from the first of the more westerly tops.	After the Saddle, the tour continued over Sgurr na Sgine, providing fine views back over the Saddle ridge.	"The end of a perfect day!"

Saturday 29.4.00 - South Glen Shiel. Aonach air Chrith (1021m) & Maol Chinn-dearg (981m)

To complete the South Glen Shiel ridge in one day is a considerable undertaking, and with only a part day available, a circuit of Aonach air Chrith and Maol Chinn-Dearg near the middle of the ridge made a good alternative. The northwest ridge of Aonach air Chrith begins with steep grassy slopes and a grassy plateau, then becomes progressively more airy and precipitious as the summit is approached. The main ridge to Maol Chinn-Dearg affords superb views over Loch Quoich and the North Glen Shiel hills, before an easy descent of the north ridge back into the valley.


James ascending the ridge towards Aonach air Chrith...	...which becomes progressively more airy and precipitous...


...and leads to some exciting scrambling!	Between Aonach air Chrith & Maol Chinn-Dearg, a view over Loch Quoich & Sgurr a' Mhoaraich.

From the banks of Loch Lomond by Ardlui station, Ben Vorlich makes a pleasant walk on a fine day. The anti-clockwise circuit of the ridge presented no real difficulties and some superb views over the loch, marred only slightly by the insidious whine of power-boats. The summit ridge is topped with several grassy tors, and on this occasion a party from Moray Mountaineering Club was celebrating the compleation by one of their number, Peter Mitchell, of the last munro on his list.


On the summit of Ben Vorlich, James phones a friend!	Matthew & James by the summit cairn.


	Munroist Pete Mitchell (in kilt) celebrates compleation of his purpose, silhouetted against Ben Lomond & its Loch.

With the prospect of a drive down the M6 in the evening, Ben Chonzie (normally pronounced Ben-y-Hone) was about right for the final day. The group lost Phil and Matthew who had to be on their way, and gained Isaobell, Ronnie, and the two dogs Barnie (black) and Dougie (white). It was something of a special visit for Ronnie; he was born, 75 years earlier, in a cottage that still stands at the foot of the hill, close to the start of our walk, and this was to be his first visit to the summit. He had spent much of his working life shepherding on the slopes of Schiehallion to the north, and the sight of its broad cone from the summit was the icing on the cake for him!

I have seen Ben Chonzie dismissed in guide books as one of most boring munros. I cannot disagree more, though I have yet to be bored on any mountain. On this trip we were amply entertained by the varied and ever-changing views, and the abundance of mountain hares and frisky ptarmigan. Add to that the good company and a search for an over-enthusiastic dog, last seen disappearing over the horizon in pursuit of a hare running at half-speed to maintain his interest, and you have a memorable day on the hills!


Family group: Geoff & Isobell with Dougie & Barnie, approaching the summit mound of Ben Chonzie.	Ronnie, Isobell and the dogs. Ben Lawers & Schiehallion are visible in the distance.