First Munros of 2009.

Another dreich morning but we decided to have a go at a couple of Munros and headed for Fersit just of the A86. As we drove up the minor road to the parking spot we got a glimpse of the hills to the east of Loch Treig which gave us a wee bit of needed encouragement.

The first part of the route headed across boggy ground and then climbed quite steeply to a point where we could see a route up a snow ramp towards the ridge that would take us to the first Munro. The snow was soft and we climbed without crampons but with our ice axes out. Once on the ridge a few smaller snow patches had to be crossed but the going was quite straight forward and after 2 hours 20mins we were at the top of Stob Coire Sgriodain (979m).

Susan points out the snow ramp we climbed onto the ridge of Stob Coire Sgriodain.

On the summit of Sob Coire Sgriodain.

From the summit we headed south and then south east over two minor tops heading for the second hill of the day. Views were very limited but the ground was quite easy to move over and we were soon heading north east up the final slopes of Chono Dearg (1046m). Soft snow made this hard work and as we approached the summit cairn the wind picked up forcing us to seek shelter for a drink and some food.

Checking the compass on Point 958m.


The summit cairn on Chno Dearg.

The first part of the descent was down easy snow slopes and we made quick progress. We even got some views across to the ridge we'd walked along earlier which made up for the boggy ground to follow. Both of us sank into snow covered bogs on more than on occasion so we were pleased to arrive back at the track which took us back to the car.

Views of the mornings ridge on descent.

Despite the lack of views from the tops we both enjoyed the day out and Susan's Munro count now stands at 149. On my first round of these hills I had no views from the tops either so maybe it'll be third time lucky some day.