After a 7.00 alarm and breakfast in the bunkhouse, where we are staying tonight and back to camping tomorrow, we set off at around 8.30. Big plus for today was no driving - which is a good thing on several levels. I did for one second think about bringing my skis up with me - about 15 mins in I wished that I had! The snow was ankle to shin deep and the trail breaking was hard work. Those who know the Irvine Butterfield 'High Mountains of Britain and Ireland' book will know that some of his times for rounds are a little creative!! suffice to say that 3-5 hours was never going to happen today and it took 4 hours to get up!! There were a couple of parts where the snow had been blown off to make walking easier, however it was hard graft for the most part. Cresting the summit ridge was a delight as the Fannich and Fisherfield Peaks opened up in front of us - the first time I have ever seen these hills and mighty impressive they look too. Liathach and Beinn Eighe had been visible for most of the day as well....
The final ascent required us to stay back a bit from the edge as Toll Mhor was corniced in places; however thoughts of a summit cup of tea were rudely shattered by the arrival of driving spindrift.....all that remained was a 1 3/4hr descent; once again on wearisomely soft snow...Claire showing highly impressive stamina as she ran down the last hill....unlike other members of the party who plodded slowly!!
Now sat in front of the fire with a pot of tea - piggybacking the hotel's broadband...hope they don't read this!
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