BEN CRUACHAN GROUP WEST
From Stob Diamh looking to Ben Cruachan. Photo tms.nickbramhall.com
5.7 miles 780 metres
Start Thursday 10.23
Stob Diamh 10.54
Ben Cruachan 11.40
Finish 12.14
Squares: yellow - changeover, red - finish. Circles summits: green - this leg.MapColin Matheson
Time: Estimated 1.45 Actual 1.51
Tony writes:
I left the van an hour after Rob to get into the changeover position at the col and soon realised I had somewhat underestimated the walk in. A serious piece of jogging was in order to ensure that I got there before Rob. I knew that, being his last leg, Rob would be pushing himself to get round in under the estimated time – I did not want the embarrassment of arriving after him.
As I neared the end of the track I knew he had beaten me – there he was silhouetted against the col skyline about 200 ft above me. Damn, damn, damn … but wait, that's not Rob – it's one of a series of poles which mark a route up to the col.
I arrive at the col in just under an hour and shelter from the wind behind Ed's umbrella. Rob shows up 20 minutes later and my final solo leg is underway. My legs are leaden as I ascend into the mist but once I reach the ridge I start winding it up.
Final legs might be expected to allow for a period of reflection on what has gone before. However, such is the rocky terrain that my mind is fully engaged in timing my jumps and turns over rock outcrops and stones. I'm determined to push this leg – the condition of the ankle is now only a secondary concern. A concern, nonetheless, especially as I had forgotten to strap up before I left the van. It was therefore a little vulnerable.
I'm also aware that I've quite a task to keep within the schedule for completing this leg and by the time I reach Stob Diamh I already suspect that me ascent onto the ridge was too slow.
I get occasional views into the corries on both sides as I make my way towards the main summit. In the right winter conditions parts of the ridge would be a daunting proposition.
As I reach the summit trig. point a hailstorm hits. I am taken aback by its ferocity and, aware that thunder and lightening is a real prospect I attempt to get off the mountain as quickly as I can. Too quickly as it turned out - I find myself on a rapid descent into the back of the corrie – not a sensible place to be. A short climb and traverse puts me back on the right path.
I now know that I'll be outside the schedule. Ed had earlier challenged me to get around faster than his traveerse of Aonach Eagach. I can still beat him if I get my skates on. I slide and fly down to the reservoir and then down the final descent. I'm flat out and reach the car one minute inside Ed's time.
Peaks done 271 time taken 12 days 9 hours peaks to go 6
Ian picked Tony up, then swapped him for Alwyn for his speedy drive on the road to Glen Fyne. The mothership and van followed more sedately.
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