Weather/Conditions: Really beautiful autumn weather. A morning forst and still air. Temperate in the sun, chilly in the shade, with cool, dry rock for the most part.
Distance/Ascent/Time: 13.1km / 1150m / 7h 10m
Accompanying: Cameron Wood

This was a phenomenal day. Cameron and I talked about doing Curved Ridge, and for the hell of it we could also do a bit of ropework so get those systems clear in our heads. The morning was cold, with frost on the moor and brindled, sharp summits. The air was sharp and the promise of sun ahead.

From the foot of Curved Ridge, we moved together, as well as doing a mini-pitch on the crux corner - damp rock in the shade but good other than that. We talked about a winter Curved Ridge. Grade II/III. Wow. I knew it would be doable and the techniques we were using were exactly what we'd need to do regarding ropework. I'd love to do that. I'd never felt it possible before, but now I was inspired in the right way, wanting the winter tops, wanting to go winter climbing.

We went on to do the Buachaille ridge, right across to Stob na Broige at the back, just to extend the day. In spite of a little light cloud on the very highest tops, the rest of the way was just beautiful, and a clarity of light you'll seldom get at any other time of year. I was high as a kite in the Lairig Gartain - utterly relaxed, and a deep sense of peace walking out with the grasses golden in the sun. I also bumped into Paul McGale in the car park, just as we finished - he'd been up the Buachaille Etive Beag.

Images: Stob Dearg

Stob na Broige & the Lairig Gartain