Ruadh-stac Beag

With an improving weather forecast, the promise of snow on the ground and the possibility of views from the top Stella, Cal, May, Richard, Freek, Martyn, Matthew, Dora and Orla the dog met at the car park of Ben Eighe visitors centre on the road between Kinlochewe and Gairloch. The first issue was how to navigate out of the car park and on to the hill, fortunately people were prepared with maps and phones to sort the route. The first part is an easy well maintained stalkers path towards the base of Ruadh-stac Beag (Small Red Peak) the scenery was impressive with snow on the peaks down to around 500m and the bands of quartzite increasing the drama of the vista.

We stopped for coffee before the snow line and then carried on following the route of Allt Toll Ghiubhais to near Lochan Uaine, taking lunch in the snow at the base of the peak.  The main issue here was protecting our food from a hungry hound; however, Orla is great company and managed to persuade some to share their lunch.

The climb to the top involved scrambling through deep, but stable snow up the scree and boulder strew slope. This was slow going as each footstep had to be tested. Orla had to turn back with Richard as the snow was too deep and the boulders too big. They waited at the lunch spot for the rest of the group to return. The top afforded good views of Ben Eighe, Slioch and other snow-covered peaks. There was a slight breeze at the top much less than expected.

The route down was much easier as the ground had been well broken. The return journey was completed by head torch in the dark. It was only marred by one of Stela’s boots falling apart. Gaffer tape solved the issue. The moral here is never purchase a pair of boots for a bottle of wine.

It was a good winter mountain day, with an epic climb to the top.

Taking part: Stella, May, Richard, Freek, Martyn, Matthew and prospective members Cal and Dora.

Words: Martyn

Pictures: Cal and Martyn.