Wet but wonderful windows; Friday 12th
Mike’s report.
I’ve been for a play with a friend Ian who I’ve not seen since school in Carlisle. Introducing him to the Cuillin and showing him what I do was a pleasure although he may not have been so impressed if the weather hadn’t laid on such a great “windows in the mist” display. The rain had become pretty intense and we opted for Sgur nan Each rather than Clach Glas once we hit the ridge. 20 minutes of exciting scrambling led to the summit where we paused for lunch and a giggle about the view inside the cloud. As we stood up to leave I pretty much yelped for Ian to turn around as a tiny window of view appeared over his shoulder. For the next 10 minutes we were treated to an ever-changing 360 degree vista that almost made you dizzy.
Ian Brown gets the reward
Looking back along where we had come from
The other noticable effect was the feeling of going from black and white to colour.
The Main Ridge stayed firmly cloaked with the exception of Sgurr na h-Uamha. Eigg, Mallaig, Knoydart, Beinn Sgreithall, Red Cuillin, Plockton, Applecross, Torridon and Raasay all popped out nicely.
At the East Top an eagle swooped past us close on the tail of a very scared (presumably) raven and was floating over Belig just seconds later. We indulged in one of the finest remaining scree runs I know to descend north into Coire Aigean, the Deep corrie.
Scree run into Coire Aigean with Belig behind
The major attraction in this rough desolate glen is the river with its stunning marble pools; I must come back and swim these soon before the first snows arrive.
Marble pools in Allt Aigean
Many thanks to Skye for laying on the display and to Ian for such great company; hope the 3 Chimneys lays on the quality for you tonight.
