AONACH EAGACH
The Aonach Eagach ridge with Ben Nevis behind. Photo Colin Matheson
5.0 miles 900 metres
Start Friday 14.58
Meall Dearg 15.45
Sgorr nam Fiannaidh 16.23
Finish 16.50
Squares: green - start, red - finish. Circles summits: green - this leg. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 1.30 Actual 1.52
I set off with adrenalin flowing extra fast after the drive, up the wrong bank of the stream. A popular route this, gave me extra incentive to show off as I ran up sections that I should have walked. I reached the ridge quickly, but shattered. I have run the Aonach Eagach a number of times before, and found it easy and quick. Today, I was tired, the rock was greasy, and my, (or rather Ian's,) Rivington pike shoes proved once and for all that they have absolutely no grip in such conditions.
The concentration required was too great to notice the exposure although I caught occasional glimpses of the main road beneath my feet.. There was one dangerous moment as I was descending one of the numerous pinnacles, an up-draught flicked the map which was grasped between my teeth over my eyes.
It was cold in the bitter wind all the way, but on the final climb a sharp shower arrived, freezing me and requiring me to check my compass as I plunged down the unknown northern slopes. The descent was horrendous. Where it was not too steep for vegetation, there were numerous rocks hidden in the heather. It was only on the final three or four hundred feet that I could relax, at least as far as running was concerned … BUT there was no red car to be seen. NOT AGAIN!!, however Pippa and Dave were there in her car so all was okay.
Peaks done 130 time taken 6 days 11 hours peaks to go 147
Pippa waiting for Dave. Photo probably Rob Howard
Pippa who had arrived for a long weekend drove Dave and me up the Kinlochleven for the start of the Mamores. We then drove on to Fort William where Diana and Colin were loading the stores which had been awaiting us. Alwyn and I hung around trying to be as inconspicuous as possible and sampling lots of goodies we hadn't realised we'd got, whilst the others went for a swim, (a rare escape from the relay.)
Tony took Rob in the van up Glen Nevis to walk in to their respective changeovers. He was hoping to get an early night and some sleep in a peaceful bivvy.
Later I drove Alwyn in the car up to the parked van to get some sleep there. Pippa was to meet Dave coming off the hill. Later still Diana drove up the Glen to await Rob's finish.
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