Monday 25 January 2010

Aonach Eagach Ridge - Winter Crossing 2010







Fancy a top notch winter route? 

Ive just returned from an absolutely brilliant adventure in Scotland with two old school friends; Nigel Woodhead and Brian Pearson along with my long suffering fiancee Kathryn, assisted by my good friend and Imp Adventures instructor - Dr Beth HT.  The aim of the weekend being to introduce the 3 of them to Winter Mountaineering and more importantly how to use an ice axe and crampons in anger.

The Aonach Eagach forms the devilishly steep north wall of Glencoe, sweeping to a narrow crest that's weathered into a formidable array of spines, offering several kilometres of inescapable scrambling above a yawning gulf. Though it's only a grade 2 summer scramble some sections are quite intimidating, and the overall seriousness belies the grade somewhat. In snowy garb Aonach Eagach looks and feels truly Alpine, and rates as one of the best winter mountaineering expeditions in the UK.

Our crossing of the ridge was done in some of the best winter conditions I have experienced on the route, clear skies, crisp neve underfoot and a perfect plastering of ice and snow giving the stunning route a truly picture postcard feel.

Our crossing was completed in a leisurely but enjoyable time of 10 hrs and 40 minutes, finishing in the climbers bar of the Clachaig Inn.  A truly fantastic experience and a true baptism of fire for the winter novice.



The stats are as follows:

Am Bodach - 943m / 3085ft, 

Meall Dearg - 953m / 3127ft,

Stob Coire Leith - 940m / 3088ft 

Sgurr nam Fiannaidh - 967m / 3173ft



Grade: II 
Distance: 10km (plus a possible further 7km on the road to retrieve your car) 
Ascent: 1150m 
Time: 6 hours in summer – possibly significantly longer under snow. Winter benightments are common. 
Start: Layby on the A82 near Allt-na-reigh cottages (NN174567) 
Finish: Minor road just short of Glencoe village (NN112585) 
Map: OS Landranger (1:50,000) 41 
Accommodation: Variety of bunkhouses, bothies and youth hostels. See book for details. 
Sleeping out: Discreet wild camping close to the road is feasible in Glencoe
Public transport: Scottish Citylink buses between Glasgow and Fort William run through Glencoe, and can pull over where you like.
Seasonal notes: Aonach Eagach is a much gentler beast in summer – almost disappointingly so. If climbers want to catch the ridge in memorable mood they should wait for winter. With icy rocks and delicate cornices the difficulties of the 'Notched Ridge' move up a few extra notches. Under deep snow the pinnacles are a time-consuming top-end grade II, on which twin axes, a rope and a small rack of rock protection are de rigeur. Treat it as an Alpine route and move fast to avoid an unscheduled overnight stay.
Imp Adventures offer year round guiding on the Aonach Eagach and other Summer and Winter scrambles. For a personal introduction to winter mountaineering please call or email for further details.
info@impadventures.com
Damon on 07768 608914



1 comment:

  1. Hosteling is not about the services or amenities; it is about the art of traveling.

    Pousadas Em Natal

    ReplyDelete