Over The Hill

Given that the mountain weather forecast for Beinn Chabhair was for snow showers, poor visibility, winds of 30mph, gusting to 45+mph and a wind chill factor of -18C, then maybe I should not feel so disappointed that we had to abandon the hillside once we had reached Lochan Beinn Chabhair at the 500m height.

Having climbed the steep path to join Ben Glas Burn above the waterfall our progress was slowed considerably by the depth of un-consolidated snow lying over the wet, boggy ground. At times solid enough to take our weight, at times soft and deep, giving way easily and dropping our boots into its watery depths. Nevertheless, the challenge was there, and so we continued towards the lochan.

By the time we were approaching the lochan, the snow showers had become more frequent, the wind had risen, and the squalls brought with them short periods of white out; and so, as we paused at the lochan it was decided to leave the ridge and summit until another day, we would make our return over the rough ground to rejoin the track at the minor hydro dam, and, staying with this track, descend into Glen Falloch and take the West Highland Way footpath back to Beinglas Farm.

Disappointed, yes, but the mountains are there to challenge us, and that challenge will still be there another day.

Thanks everyone for your company.