Over The Hill

I climbed Beinn Chabhair on 27th of May last year on what was one of the hottest days of the year. The temperature was around 30 degrees with clear blue skies and not a breath of wind. Today, some eleven months later, we were setting out from The Drovers Inn with clear blue skies and no wind, but there the similarity ended; the temperature was just above freezing and we had ice axes and crampons in our rucksacks for the anticipated snow and ice on the higher hills. Similar time of the year, very dissimilar weather!

The first 500 metres of ascent en-route to Beinn Chabhair is a contrast of two halves - the first 250 metres of ascent are over a steep, twisting track leading from Beinglas camp site directly up the northern side of Ben Glas Burn and waterfall, 250m of ascent in just 800 metres of lateral distance, that's an incline of some 32%, enough to get the legs wound up at the start of any walk.

In contrast, the next 250 metres of ascent are spread over a 3 kilometre stretch as the track gently meanders alongside the Ben Glas Burn towards its source at the small Lochan Beinn Chabhair which nestles in a flat area of hillside below the ragged ridge between Meall nan Tarmachan and Beinn Chabhair. The track, renowned for its boggy stretches, was remarkably dry thanks to the long, dry and cold spell we have been having, which, together with the overnight frost ensured a reasonably solid surface for us to walk on, with only a few small waterlogged areas to negotiate.

We had a short snack break alongside the frozen Lochan Beinn Chabhair as we studied the route ahead over which there appeared to be quite a heavy covering of snow. A quick check of the map and a compass bearing just to ensure we were heading for the correct gully for our ascent towards the ridge line, the snow hiding any indications as to where the faint path I had previously used lay, and making one gully look just like any other. With the route identified, we were soon off and heading up towards the 700m bealach, at which point I noticed that we were not alone, as some 5 or 6 others were spread out behind us and tramping in our footsteps from the lochan up towards the ridge.

Although the snow covering was quite wide-spread, it was easy walking with a good solid snow beneath our feet, and we had no need of our ice axes or crampons, if anything, the snow made for easier going than the rocky and stony path that lay beneath. As ridge paths go, this is a very up and down, twisting and turning path, with each turn presenting another crag or grassy face a few metres ahead. It is not until the final few metres that the summit looms into sight, and is approached over a narrowing path to a very prominent knoll sitting directly on the summit.

It was a busy summit, and as we made the final ascent, we passed a few moments chatting with those who were beginning their descent, and while enjoying our well earned break just beyond the summit cairn we were joined by others arriving - seems like everyone had decided a snowy Beinn Chabhair on a nice day was a challenge not to be missed.

The options for varying the return route from the summit of Beinn Chabhair are virtually non-existent, basically you need to retrace your ascent route and descend by the ridge back to Lochan Beinn Chabhair. However, this has its advantages, especially on a clear day such as we had, as it is on the descent that the ridge path opens up the vistas to the north over the Crianlarich hills and beyond towards Ben Nevis and the Mamors, today looking majestic with their snow caps glistening in the sun, beautiful.

We had a leisurely return along the ridge which was uneventful but for two points, one, in taking a minor detour different to our ascent which resulted in a short steep slide down a snow gully, and two, meeting two young ladies on their way up, who took a shine to Ian's woolen mittens and threatened to mug him for them, I guess they must have been from Edinburgh!

In all a great day on a great mountain - Thanks guys.