Training Log Archive: jonny crickmore

Still cold but slept well.

The first bit down lost valley was so cool. Massive boulders scattered in a dry valley. Just clambered our way down. Then a long way along road/marshy path to Devils staircase.
More fast paths going along West highland way to Kinlochleven. Here we stopped for some hot food at the ice factor. Food was pretty awful but it was at least hot and we got to be indoors for a bit.

Then long climb up to Stob Coire a Chairn began. By now it was raining pretty hard and wind had picked up and had become rather unenjoyable. At the top of the valley Laura was struggling and we were considering turning back to Kinlochleven but in the end I just took her bag and we kept going. Weather never let up but Laura started feeling good at the saddle and we motored up the last climb. Definitely felt like hard work.

Nice to get wind behind us on ridge to An Gearanach. Then so many zig zags down to Glen Nevis. Weather just permanent drizzle so got a nice tent spot on the river bed and settled in.

A horrid nights sleep. I got cold and very frustrated. Turns out my mat and sleeping bag aren't very warm.

Set off at 7:40 up Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh for the first Munro of the trip. For the first half of the walk the cloud kept coming and going so kept seeing different views which was nice.

We were quite worried about Aonach Eagach as neither of us have any real climbing experience and are pretty scared of heights so were prepared to turn round if need be.
Turned out okay and was great fun. It took a long time as lots of bits we couldn't do with out bags on so had to keep taking them on and off. Made it up Meall Dearg (Munro 2) with a speedy 60min/km. Then the rain came in for climb up Am Bodach. Happy we did it W-E as this looks tough to downclimb.

Long descent off Am Bodach. Laura's knees not too happy but sun was out so happy taking some time. Then stopped for some lunch down in the valley (and to recharge garmin that had died).

Then began the long climb (1000m) up Bidean Nam Bian (Munro 3) which we got sun for!! Then across for Stob Coire Sgreamhach before dropping into lost valley. Laura still struggling with downhills so took her bag for a bit here as we both wanted to get down ASAP.

Unfortunately it had now started raining again and quite hard and we were getting a little chilly. Had dinner under a big rock before getting into the tent.

Just a short one before heading up north.

Hiking with Laura.

From Glencoe up to a flat bit 200m below the summit of Sgorr Nam Fiannaidh. Raining for most of it then stopped as we got the tent up.

No wind so midgy but nice views of loch beyond Glencoe.

IW

Nice easy one with Peter for the first time since WOC. Vaguely feeling like an athlete today.