This weekend was supposed to be a Greenland training and selection trip to Skye, but plans change as reliably as the weather does. So, off to Glencoe for a damp and beautiful Sunday outing with Clemmie, James and Timmy. We clambered up North Ridge on Buachaille Etive Mor in what felt like glorious weather - that's what happens when the forecast promises impending doom and you get a moment of respite, a view and a dash of sunshine.
"After a couple of hours of joyful scrambling through driech and dour weather we reached a tough wee ledge, sitting solemnly and hospitably below the cloud line. The swelling clouds hung abouve our helmets, providing a dreary, churning blanket and reminding us that there was a constant threat of chilling rain.
It was time to yank our harnesses on and rope up, snatching a quick bite to eat as we did so. Then we were ready. All tied seperately along the rope, we followed one after another, a snake slithering up Buachaille Ative Mor's north face. Following cracks and faults in the steep rock, we made steady progress upwards.
Now and then showers of rain fell down upon us, creeping its way down our upstretched arms and freezing our fingers to the point we could no longer feel the features of the rock. This slowed our progress painfully bu8t we continued up the wet, cold rock until we the ground beneath us started to lie back a little and we were able to walk. For a wee bit longer we clambered 'til we reached the summit. Here the clouds had parted to leave us with a misty, yet, as always, impressive view over Rannoch moor. After celebrating, eating and packing up our gear we descended via a steep, grassy gully which eventually led to the path, then the bus, then home." Tim, S5 pupil.
Where else would you want to be on a dreich Sunday morning?
