What to do when its not worth heading into the hills

The trip had been planned for ages, a winter excursion to go play in the Fannichs. We'd looked at routes that limited our chances of being continually waist deep in snow but unfortunately the weather decided it didn't like our plan.

We were staying at Braemore Square Country House just round the corner from Corrieshalloch Gorge. Time to go see if there were any frozen bits left.

The sign at the bridge over the gorge

That's the A835 just above this waterfall

Another pile of amazing ice

Looking west down the gorge from the bridge

Falls of Measach

We spent an enjoyable hour ooing and aaaing at this fantastic sight but the rain was on again so it was back in the car for a wee drive to see if there was any snow left in the far north west. We didn't find a huge amount but we got some nice views.

Inverpolly

Stac Pollaidh

Suilven

What we did find though was that the Lochinver Pie Shop was closed - disaster!!! Had to settle for a Fry's Chocolate Cream instead.

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Salomon Mission GTX Boot

I've had these on a few times now and so far they are just what I've been after to get me through the winter for most of my days out. Salomon describe them as being perfect for "light hiking" - take that whatever way you want ;-) They come in at 1210g for the pair and feel fairly easy on the feet. They've handled saturated grassy stuff without me applying the famous arse plant (so far!!). They even seemed to be OK on rocky stuff too. Where I have been really impressed with them is how they handled the snow on Na Gruagaichan. It was hard enough that we were kicking steps. This was easy enough for Steve in his Scarpa SL's and Iain in his La Sportiva Nepals. Initially I followed their steps then decided to give it a go myself. I occasionally had to kick a couple of times on some of the really hard stuff, probably more down to my poor technique than the boot, but they managed well on the cover we had for the ascent. As my balance is rubbish I decided to apply

Creag Meagaidh MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Creag Meagaidh has been on the to do list for so long. The past couple of years have seen us have to abort at least three attempts at the last minute because conditions weren't for us. So were we going to get it done this time................. YES The weather bods said mostly dry with a risk of potential showers later in the day. It was warm so even if it did rain it would be warm. Off we set having smothered ourselves in factor 50 and Smidge. Warm they said.......... baking I said!!!! We had decided our ascent would be via Coire Ardair and The Window to ease us into the walk on a good path. It felt more like a slow roasting. It is a gorgeous walk out to Coire Ardair on a very good path but as soon as we were out of the forest the heat and humidity kicked in. When we reached Lochan Coire Ardair there was only one thing on my mind, getting my boots off and getting in. It was at this point I began having major doubts as to whether we would get this done. Bre

Mullach Clach a'Bhlair

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