Weather/Conditions: Stunning autumnal conditions of subtle light, patchwork of cloud and sun, drifting mist breaking like a wave over Nevis in slow motion. Amazing.
Distance/Ascent/Time: 12.9km / 1350m / 7h 15m
Accompanying: Craig and Ian

A weekend in Kinlochleven with the mountaineering club folks. Also yet another trip that I seem to have lost the text for from this period! Which is a shame, because this day was so inspired in the mountains, conditions and atmosphere.

The light really had a lot to do with it. We parked up at Mamore Lodge which by this point wasn't really the right thing to do given that they were now locking the gate. But I wasn't driving, enough said. We headed up towards Stob Coire a' Chairn via. the stalkers track through Coire na Bà. All day we had these calm conditions of cloud drifting by and the brown brindled slopes of the Mamores and Nevis. I've quite often had low mist on the Mamores so it was great to really see them.

We headed up Stob Coire a' Chairn, then onward to An Gearanach. We ended up backtracking to the first summit - anything to stay on a path really. On Stob Coire a' Chairn for the second time we spent time hanging around, just watching the cloud going by - I shot some footage of a beautiful breaking wave of mist on Ben Nevis.

We went to Am Bodach, the route to which I spent counting steps intently. Having done pacing on the ML training, I put it to the test rigorously for the first time. It's quite scary how well it works and how subtle it can be! The day wasn't long and we headed down the south ridge of Am Bodach in the most intense golden sunset. It was one of those days to make you fall in love with the Highlands all over again.

Back at Mamore Lodge in last light, the gate was locked (I'm saying nothing...) but we managed to get out in the end. A tremendous day.

Stob Coire a' Chairn

An Gearanach & SCaC return

Am Bodach & Sunset

360° Panoramas

An Gearanach


Stob Coire a' Chairn


Am Bodach 270° North-West