The first time we attempted Beinn Resipol was back in November 2006 just after Ardgour had a significant dump of snow. Needless to say it made progress so slow that we turned back vowing to come back another day to get the summit. Last Sunday was that day. The recent snow and cold weather meant that we still had a descent enough covering of snow on the tops so pointy toys were in the pack.
My memories of our first visit here were of major bog fest followed by knee high supersoft snow. This time, although damp underfoot is wasn't anywhere near as bad. The route follows the Alt Mhic Chiarain on an intermittent path up to the beallach, first through wooded plantation then onto moor. We hit the snowline around the 750m mark and the clouds. We'd seen enough of the route to the summit to know that it was time to put the crampons on.
It didn't take us too long to wind our way through the snow covered rocky outcrops. We were lucky enough to be following the footsteps of the only person we'd met on the hill which made route finding in the cloud a bit easier. We didn't stay long on the summit as the wind was biting and the clouds were just teasing us with bits of views.
Typically once back at the beallach the cloud started clearing giving us great views down Loch Sunart. We had great fun descending the snow covered stream gully. Steve even did a practice ice axe arrest. I just went for a slide :-)
Time for a last look back at the hill and out to the loch before we lost the views. I may have reached the summit and got the tick on this one but I suspect I shall not be fully finished with this hill until I get my views.
Love the fifth piccie! J
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't the best day for photos though I still managed to take loads anyway!!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for digital photography and photo editing otherwise all my hill photos would be squint