Beinn a’ Bha’ach Ard; and Polldubh, Glen Nevis
Beinn a’ Bha’ach Ard
Richard, Jan, May, George,Debbie and Matt met at the car park at Inchmore at the entrance to Glen Strathfarrar at 9.30am on a promising sunny Easter Sunday. We decided to walk the hill in an anticlockwise direction to catch the best of the morning sunshine and to avoid the bog trot over the Beinn's south western flank. We headed north through the deer field to gain access onto the open hill.The group were interested in the maturity of the native tree planting undertaken by Trees for Life some eight years ago. It can be seen on the east side of the path between Inchmore and Loch na Beiste. Three of the group are now volunteers with the charity. We duly had our first breather at the prominent stone on the northern bank of the loch.
We kept heading north north west to the 520m spot height above the crags on Carn an Scoltaidh where we had a late tea/coffee break. The climb then zigzagged up the outlier Carn na Gabhalach then onto the secondary summit of Sgurr a' Phollain at 855m. The fabulous view opened out from east to west taking in mountain ranges near and far including a hazy Cuillin. After a kilometre of easy walking we had the short stiff climb to the summit of "Hill of the High Cattle" at 862m.
We had lunch and enjoyed the sunshine and view. Not bad for a mere Corbett !!
We then chose to walk south along the higher ground before descending through thick heather to the path to the new river run power station. From there it was an easy and pleasant walk through the birch woods meeting the road to the car park . Our splendid days walk finished at 3.30pm. Another grand day out.
Taking Part: Richard, Jan, May, George, Matt and prospective member, Debbie
Words and Photos: Richard and George
Polldubh, Glen Nevis
Five of us squeezed into a car and drove across to Glen Nevis for the first official roped day meet in a very long time. There are around 30 different crags that make up Polldubh the area where we were climbing. We based our-self in the meadow a pleasant place to be in spring, the surrounding snow-capped hills giving it a very alpine feel. We split into two groups initially until a sixth arrived just after lunch.
Andrew took on his first outdoor lead climb, writing the following.
During the IMC’s climbing meet up at Polldubh, Glen Nevis, I was able to lead my first trad climb up The Gutter on the Pine Wall Crag. A three star, difficult grade route, the wired guides Scottish Rock Climbs describes the Gutter as, “a classic beginner’s route, giving pleasant well-protected but polished climbing.”The thought of leading my first trad climb was quite daunting but the Gutter was the perfect route for this undertaking. Throughout the climb, I felt safe and secure. Stuart was able to walk up to my first two wire placements and confirm they were suitably placed and then later climb up to the first belay position in order to help me set up an anchor and a top belay position.
It was a great experience that allowed me to develop my gear placement skills and make me a more confident climber.
Taking part: John, Martin, Andrew, Emma, Stuart and Guest
Pictures: Stuart, Emma and John
Words: Andrew and Stuart
