The Isle of Mull............ eventually

There have been so many excuses used for not getting our act in gear and getting over to the Isle of Mull. A big one was wanting to go outwith the tourist season but up until now, there was a real issue getting accommodation. So I thought I was setting Steve a mission impossible when I said I wanted to go for my birthday. But the boy came up trumps when he found Cill Mhoire Lodges in Dervaig 😃

Having a birthday in February means you really are in the hands of the weather gods. This birthday was no exception but the weather gods had decided to give me the present of Storm Erik. It certainly made the ferry crossing entertaining but at least we got there.

While the initial plan for the weekend might have been Ben More and possibly the Corbett Dun da Ghaoithe, those ideas were quickly binned in favour of exploring the islands beaches and otter spotting. There are certainly plenty of beaches to chose from around the island and many within very short distance of where we were staying.

It may not have been the weekend we planned but it certainly went beyond our expectations despite no otters. We really do want to go back and get out in the hills, not just the obvious Munro and Corbett. But, we will still want to do this off season............. we're too selfish to share it with too many tourists!!

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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

Our ascent of Geal Charn Mhor had given us food for thought on what was to be our next hill target. We'd had notions on either Braeraich or Beinn Mheadhoin but the lack of winter equipment and uncertainty on the true extent of the snow cover put those ideas on hold for the time being. So maps were scoured and the Glen Feshie hills were winning out. Steve had already done both Munros, Rob and I had done one (though not the same one) and Kate hadn't done any of them. A cunning plan was hatched that meant we could all start at the same point but we would split into two groups. Rob and Kate would head for Sgor Gaoith while Steve and I would go for Mullach Clach a'Bhlair. The Glen Feshie Estate have done an amazing amount of path work which makes the ascent up Coire Fhearnagan to the beallach an absolute pleasure. We hit the snow line around 700m but thankfully it wasn't too steep. The traverse over to Mullach Clach a'Bhlair required a w

Blethering Blonde

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