Sun & Snow fun on Ghreadaidh, 18th April
Guy and I went out with my good friend Chris today. He’s tackled all the easier Cuillin but never ventured onto the narrower ridges. Yesterdays snows had become solid in the overnight frost so we put the crampons on way below An Dorus; playing in crampons another first for Chris!
On the western flank of Mhadaidh with Ghreadaidh looming above and Alasdair in the background
We were greeted by stunning views down into Coruisk and out in every direction. After lunch on Mhadaidh we crossed An Dorus and found the snow on Ghreadaidh to be totally different, soft and thawing rapidly.
Ascending snow slopes on Ghreadaidh with Thuilm behind
Chris and Guy on top with Portree in the background
We removed crampons for the descent because they were more of a hazard than help. For a bit of added spice I opted to descend the dark narrow slot of Eag Dubh “Black Notch”. Normally it’s a dank greasy place but crammed full of deep snow it gave us great entertainment in wonderful rock scenery.
Deep inside Eag Dubh
Re-emerging into the sunlight
A couple of snow showers passed over our heads during the descent but were replaced by bright sunshine before we got wet.
Looking back up to Sgurr a’ Mhadaidh and Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh
