Over The Hill

The point of discussion in the Ben More Bunkhouse was not so much as to which hill shall we climb today, but rather where can we safely park the vehicles so as not to get blocked in by the snow. Plan A called for roadside parking on the rough verges on the access track to Auch Farm and to climb Beinn a'Chaisteil, but we feared getting stuck, especially if the snow ploughs piled even more snow onto the verges while we were on the hill. I threw in my tuppenceworth and suggested we park at the Green Wellie and do Beinn Odhar. Lawrie and I had done this hill a few weeks ago, but it would be a new one for Janet, and a distant memory for Alan. And so Beinn Odhar it was. Decision made, Dave and Morven opted to join us also.

Tyndrum was picture postcard as we left the Green Wellie and headed off along the West Highland Way, deep with fresh snow, considerably more that we had encountered a few weeks ago. The track was fairly busy with walkers and runners, all heading for Bridge of Orchy; and as we were about to leave the track and take to the hillside, two of the walkers enquired if we were walking the WHW, and when we pointed skywards to the summit of Beinn Odhar and said "No, up there", they promptly asked if we would mind if they joined us - and so six became eight.

The lower slopes of the south west ridge offered good walking through some quite deep snow, until we reached the higher levels, around the area of the old mine, when one snow bank in particular took a bit of ploughing through before we gained the rockier ridgeline, where the snow was not quite so deep, but there was no relaxing as it was harder packed, and therefore icier underfoot.

A wonderfully clear, almost windless summit awaited us, in contrast to the strong winds on our previous visit, however, the temperature was well below freezing, so, once again, we had only a short break before making our return the way we had come.

Once beyond the rocky section, we just could not resist the opportunity to have some fun glissading down the lower slopes with varying degrees of finesse and success - although I do believe Morven may need a new pair of walking trousers!

Great day, great fun, and two satisfied "guests" who we are pleased to say also enjoyed their unplanned Corbett top.

Thanks All