Over The Hill

Irrespective as to the good, graded paths at the start of this walk, climbing the steep zigzags from the roadside at Succoth to the small dam over the Allt a'Bhalachain at the 350m height never gets any easier no matter how often we head for The Cobbler. However, the rewards are always well worth the effort as The Cobbler comes into view above the dam, and remains an impressive sight as you then make your way along the relatively gently gradient towards the huge Narnain Boulders, where a short break is always in order just to sit and take in the sights of the rocky eastern corries of the mountain ahead.

One year ago, less a day, we made the same journey, under almost identical conditions, meeting the snow line at around the 600m height as we climbed into the eastern coiries, where crampons and ice axes were called for to smooth our passage over the soft, but very slipper snow-covered ground. The snow deepened as we crossed the flat shelf half way up the gully, making the second half a little more difficult on yet steeper ground.

We reached the ridge between the northern top and summit to find ourselves among a throng of other walkers merging with us from the "tourist" path up the western slopes, although, as we found on our descent, this well trodden, and maintained path, is no picnic when tackled under a deep covering of snow.

We departed the ridge and made the final climb to the summit, where the low cloud cleared sufficiently for us to get some reasonable views of the neighbouring summits, and down beyond Loch Long towards the southern banks of the River Clyde. We decided to make our descent down the "tourist" path, where once again, we were reminded why the extra weight of crampons and ice axes are worth the effort, as we made light work of the descent, whilst others, some ascending, others descending, seemed to be struggling, and making very heavy going over the slippery, snow covered surface.

Below the snow line and beyond the bealach we headed back towards the Narnain Boulders and that relentless descent down the zigzags for our return to Succoth at the end of yet another wonderful day on this very accommodating mountain that is forever full of character.

Thanks all, great day, fantastic company.