FANNICH WEST
A' Chailleach from ridge to east. Photo Colin Matheson
9.8 miles 1717 metres
Start Wednesday 04.25
A'Chailleaach 05.44
Sgurr Breac 06.11
Sgurr nan Each 06.55
Sgurr nan Clach Geala 07.24
Meall a' Chrasgaidh 07.41
Squares: green - start, yellow - finish, Circles summits: green - this leg, purple - to do. map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 4.00 Actual 3.16
Tony writes:
“They slept with their boots on” … well at least I did as I awaited the arrival of Rob. I was eventually away by 4.30 am. The weather promised good views but we were in a window – all the hills to the south were very dark. I was particularly hoping for a good clear day on these hills as I had never ventured on them before. They were, except Sgurr nan Clach Geala.
It was fresh on top and my best leg so far – I was beginning to move a lot better. I still knocked my ankle on the col between Sgurr Breac and Sgurr nan Each and had to limp along for 10 minutes before it eased up. Nevertheless I managed to run the descents and the flats.
Having not done anything for a month prior to Ben Sgritheall (due to my twisted ankle on the Stuc a' Chroin fell race) I was pleased that the power in my legs seemed to be there.
Things were going so well that I decided to launch my attempt on the “Munro speed record” between S. nan C.G. And Meall a' Chreasgaidh. I knew I was risking the ankle but thought it worth it. Unfortunately the descent of S. nan C.G. was rocky (not shown on the map) and I lost time. I limped across the col between the two but slowly saw my attempt being blown away in the wind – I eventually settled for 17.02 minutes.
John was waiting at the summit and hared off eastwards whilst I took a great deal longer getting to the car than expected – the descent was steep and rocky (not marked on map) and my path had been largely washed away by the stream – the banks of which were due to follow. Five new Munros and a top – a good haul for a few hours' work.
Peaks done 91 time taken 4 days 5 hours peaks to do 186
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