gofurther Scotland

Albacampervans

2011-11-07T02:58:00.000-08:00

Clients often ask us for advice about accommodation, camp sites and how to get around the North West Highlands. It is a vast area and it can be tricky booking the right places near the many key areas for mountaineering and climbing. Our clients are often looking for a combination of days on Skye, Torridon and the Fisherfield (An Teallach) and Ullapool areas. Well, here's a great idea that may suit some people who want comfortable nights with the added flexibility of being able to move around the area without pre-booked accommodation. Albacampervans offers a rental service with well-equipped vans and they are able to meet people at their point of arrival in the Highlands. Prices start from £400 per week. See the Albacampervans FAQ for more.

Strath na Sealga

2011-08-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

Here is another unusual view in the Fisherfield Wilderness. This picture was taken on a long trail run looking West from high on the Achnegie track. The shot looks straight down the magnificent Strath na Sealga with An Teallach on the right and Beinn Dearg Mhor on the left. One of the most striking features in the area - Loch na Sheallag - can be seen nestling between both mountains. The river Abhainn Strath na Sealga runs to the loch with the excellent trail and track on the north bank.

Perfect scrambling weather

2011-08-19T03:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures from our latest outing on An Teallach. Best conditions yet for a classic traverse of the whole ridge.

Part of the scramble along the Corrag Bhuidhe buttress.

The Corrag Bhuidhe buttress from Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill. The first Munro on the traverse is Sgurr Fiona - the peak on the right of this picture.

Introduction to sport climbing

2011-07-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Robert and his two sons - Magnus and Calum - had their second day with gofurther Scotland this week. They wanted to do as many climbs as possible while practising the skills they learned on their previous visit. We chose two sport climbing venues near Poolewe where we had a packed day climbing on seven routes.

Robert and Magnus both managed their first ever lead climbs during the session. These pictures were taken at Grass Crag - developed by gofurther Scotland's Paul. It has a fantastic range of climbs and is particularly good for people moving from beginner grades to the next level.

Robert and Magnus completing climbs at Grass Crag.

Classic days out in June

2011-07-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

June to early July was the busiest month we can remember. Overall, we organised tailored guiding for more than 25 people over nearly as many days.

The month kicked off when Eric reached the summit of the Old Man of Hoy with Paul on the 3rd of June. Eric developed a passion for sea stacks last year when he joined us for several rock climbing days during which we tackled the Old Man of Stoer.

As well as a series of other rock climbing days, we also ran scrambling days out on Liathach (twice), An Teallach (twice) and Stac Pollaidh. Thirteen-year-old George (pictured left high on the flanks of Sail Liath) traversed both munros on An Teallach as well as the Corrag Bhuidhe pinnacles.

We ran four separate expeditions to Skye over 10 days. Hamish completed the whole ridge over two days, Mary and friends tackled their last Munros on the Island and another group of four managed all the Cuillin munros in just four days.

Other highlights of the month included rock climbing as part of the Wild About Gairloch festival, rock climbing instruction at Jetty Crag near Dundonnell and a traverse of all six of the Fisherfield Munros over two days.

Please get in touch if you are interested in any of these activities.

Alistair learning to abseil on June 5th for a sea-stack attempt.

Mary completes her Skye Munros

2011-07-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Mary, Judi and Kay had a bit of luck with the weather on Skye in mid June
and took the chance to do a few scrambles they have been keen to do for a while. On Sunday we climbed up to the summit of Am Basteir and then scrambled over the tricky ground to get the view from the Bhasteir Tooth. We abseiled off and carried on over to Bruach na Frithe and headed down the NW ridge back to the Sligachan for a well earned cup of tea.

On Monday we had dry, misty, atmospheric conditions on Pinnacle Ridge. The mist lifted before we reached the fine summit of Sgurr nan Gillean from where we had wonderful views of the whole Skye Ridge. Mary was especially pleased with herself for this was her final Skye Munro. It was champagne rather than tea in the Slig that evening.

Five years ago we guided Mary and Jude on their first Cuillin Munro, the Innaccessible Pinnacle. Mary was not sure she would ever get to the top of the other Cuillin peaks but she has been back several times and now she has completed all the Skye Munros. That leaves her around a hundred Munros to go, which has got her thinking, why not take the chance to raise money for some charities by 'Doing the Last One Hundred'.

Watch this space, knowing how determined Mary is she will do her best to meet the challenge I am sure she has already inwardly set herself.

Fisherfield Six with Go Further

2011-06-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Gil set out to reach all of the Fisherfield six Munros over two days with go further Scotland. On day one we walked in and tackled four of the Six - Beinn a Chlaidheimh, Sgurr Ban, Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Beinn Tarsuinn (over 6,300 feet ascent and 17 miles). On day two we did the two most remote peaks - A Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mor - and walked out (over 4,800 feet ascent and 15 miles). Arguments rage about whether there are any real wilderness areas in Scotland. Over-grazing by deer means that areas that are wild in character don't have the natural ecology that would exist if there was a top predator. Fewer deer would lead to more varied and widespread tree-cover for example. But even so, if Scotland doesn't have an authentic 'wilderness' then the vast Fisherfield area brings you closest to a wild landscape that is truly remote. If wilderness does exist on the UK mainland then this is where it is to be found.

The Fisherfield and Letterewe area is enormous covering well over 500 square kilometres and includes major lochs such as Loch Maree, Lochan Fada, the Fionn Loch and Loch Na Sheallag. It boasts seven Corbetts including a few of the most sought after - Beinn Dearg Mor, Beinn Dearg Bheag, Beinn Airigh Charr and Beinn Lair. In addition to the 'Fisherfield Six' Munros in the centre of the area there are three more - two on the An Teallach massif and Slioch to the south on the shores of Loch Maree. In short - the Fisherfield area is a wild landscape unmatched in UK. And the reason why it doesn't have the celebrity status of the Lake District or Glencoe is the reason it is special - it doesn't have any roads through it. Instead, the A832 loops around three of its sides with the Fannich range of mountains to the east. There is therefore a chain of mountains unbroken by any tarmac running from Poolewe in the West through the Fisherfield area and the Fannich mountains and Kinlochluichart near Garve some 45 miles to the East.

Access to the Fisherfield Six is only possible for long expeditions on foot. Swift progress can be made on good tracks and these can be combined to for low-level walks and trail runs of any distance. The Six are normally tackled via Dundonnell in the North, Incherill in the south or Loch a Bhraoin in the East. They can be tackled over several trips or by camping in the heart of the area.

We camped at Shenaval as our base. We took these pictures on the first day.

The view from Shenaval mid-morning. Beinn Dearg Mor.

An unusual view of Beinn Dearg Mor - from the North West shoulder of Beinn a Chlaidheimh (hill of the Sword).

Another unusual view. This time of the south face of An Teallach. The Shenaval bothy and camping area is situated in the area of bright green above the river running from bottom right to Loch na Sealga. Expeditions to this area require a lot of planning as both these rivers need to be crossed at the start and end of each day. This is impossible after heavy or prolonged rain.

Loch a Bhrisidh - on the ridge at 500m between Beinn a Chlaidheimh and Sgurr Ban.

Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (left) and Beinn Tarsuinn (right) with Slioch in the distance and the Torridon and Mountains beyond.

The Fisherfield Munros need a lot of stamina. If you are interested in a guided trip the give us a phone and we'd be happy to talk to you about the options.

George conquers An Teallach

2011-06-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Thirteen-year-old George and his Dad, Steve, completed a full traverse of An Teallach last week including the pinnacles and the 'Bad Step' on the Corrag Bhuidhe buttress - one of the best scrambles in the area.
These pictures were taken between the end of the Pinnacle Ridge and Lord Berkeley's Seat just before a fierce hail shower passed through. The day was mostly dry but the temperature has been well below average lately with hail and snow showers frequent on the highest tops.

El Cap climb with Paul inspiration behind 'Brit'

2011-06-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Paul (in Yellow) with the team and Phil Packer in 2009.

Two years ago go further's Paul Tattersall was part of the team that helped Phil Packer realise his dream of climbing El Capitan to raise money for injured service personnel and the wider disabled community. Phil Packer was injured in Iraq. El Cap in Yosemite is one of the worlds most sought-after multi-day rock ascents. To mark the anniversary Phil has launched BRIT - the British Inspiration Trust, an organisation dedicated to providing opportunities to enthuse young people who face adversity.

Launching BRIT Phil Packer said:

"Two years ago this month I completed my El Capitan climb in the United States of America. The climb was both an ending and a beginning for me. In a sense I came full circle. By the time I completed the climb I had finished the three big challenges I had set up in order to raise £1.3 million for our wounded. After my injury and during my recovery I needed something positive to focus on and the germination of the idea for the challenges came after being inspired by elite athlete Paula Craig to complete the London Marathon in a wheelchair and my visit to the Help for Heroes office. That was the time when I put the two things together and decided to raise the funds. I fully recognized that on one level it was selfless, on another it gave me a focus which was selfish as it helped my transition into my new life and come to terms with my injury.

The climb was the culmination of the challenges and so many people helped out along the way. The climb, however, allowed me to connect with an amazing group of men who not only worked together to help me, but became great friends. It is no secret that before the climb I was not particularly fond of heights, but in order to raise the necessary funds to reach my goal I needed to challenge myself as well as others. Andy Kirkpatrick, team leader, is an experienced climber, who is calm, laid back, meticulous, and hilarious.

Andy was joined by some of Great Britain’s best climbers; Ian Parnell, Paul Tattersall and Ben Benedict-Pritchard. To be fair, taking a novice climber up a sheer rock face the magnitude of El Capitan is not for the faint hearted. As experienced climbers they knew better than me the risks we might encounter and the inherent danger of such a climb. Yet they never said, “no, you can’t do it”, instead they focused on finding solutions to each issue we encountered. There were numerous logistics to work out along with their doing their utmost to insure safety for the entire team. One of the unique hurdles we faced was actually getting me up the mountain in such a way that my back would be supported. The guys came up with the idea of using a paragliding chair and we tried it out on an indoor rock wall before deciding it would work.

Working together with Andy, Ian, Paul and Ben was a wonderful experience for me. They encouraged and were my inspiration to get up that mountain. I achieved a personal and fund raising goal yet more importantly it solidified in my mind the value of working together as a team. As I mentioned earlier in this piece the climb was the culmination of my fundraising, but also the beginning of the British Inspiration Trust. During the long hours hauling myself up El Cap, I had time to reflect on my journey and started thinking about the many young people and their families that had spoken or written to me. Many of them were looking for inspiration to get beyond the dark stages in their lives. I wondered how different my life would have been had I been injured in my teens and would I have had the resources to successfully transition. That was when I made the tough decision to leave the military, a job I truly loved, for the unknown, setting up BRIT to help those young people and use inspiring people to allow them to regain their self-belief.

I am so glad I did the climb. I developed the idea for BRIT and made lifelong friends, who showed me that we can achieve so much more and get over any hurdle if we work together. Wherever Andy, Ian, Paul and Ben are right now – thank you. I haven’t forgotten you and will never forget our climb. It changed my life and so did you."

Skye Munros

2011-06-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

go further had a great weekend on Skye last week with David, Colin and their friends who wanted to do all 11 Skye Cuillin Munros over 4 days. After the first day of changeable weather the summer arrived and the team had three further days of cold but bright and dry walking and scrambling. These pictures were kindly forwarded to us by Neil who claimed the Inaccessible Pinnacle was his first Munro! (but only because he touched the very top - something he refuses to do on every other hill he climbs.)

Descending Skye's Innaccessible Pinnacle on the first day. After this the team went on to do three more Munros - Sgurr na Banadich, Sgurr a Ghreadaidh and Sgurr a' Mhadaidh.

Approaching the Northern end of the Ridge. On this day we climbed Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Bastair and Bruach Na Frithe.

On the summit of Bruach na Frithe.

Most of the team - descending west from the ridge after a long day and three Munros.

We had beautiful sunsets every evening.

go further on BBC's Adventure Show

2011-06-15T02:03:00.000-07:00

This year's Tollaidh Triathlon (full report of the event here) was featured on BBC's adventure show last night and is available on BBC iPlayer here. The six minute feature includes shots of the climbing, cycling and running with interviews with go further's Paul. The feature also includes some footage of the amazing scenery around the Poolewe and Slattadale area. This year's event was organised by go further's Paul and Angela in April.

Triathlon winner David Wilby with his trophy.

Paul at the end of the cycle.

Angela at the crag.

Anthrax Flake (VS) - Jetty Crag

2011-06-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

Jetty Crag is one of the best and most accessible rock-climbing venues in Wester Ross. The range of routes make the venue an ideal place for crag instruction on some classic routes.
These pictures were taken on Sunday during a go further session at the venue with Ken and Alistair who were getting in some practise ahead of a tackling a sea-stack. The most sought-after route at the venue is Anthrax Flake which takes an stunning line up into a scoop before pulling out on enormous holds up the line of a large arrow-head shaped flake. The route then finishes up less steep ground on smaller holds to a spectacular belay stance overlooking Gruinard Bay and Gruinard Island.

Both Ken and Alastair finished the day having tackled their first outdoor VS climbs with plenty of instruction in safe abseil technique.

Anthrax Flake - the classic of the crag.

Ken on the crux, heading up the left-hand side of the flake.

Ken on Charlie's Corner - another excellent VS with a delicate start and a sustained section above this obvious corner.

Abseiling from the top of Jetty Buttress.

Fionn Loch

2011-06-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

Fionn Loch (the white or bright loch) is a spectacular and large freshwater loch in the Fisherfield and Letterewe area of Wester Ross. Most often is visited from the east looking west from Carnmore and the causeway between it and the famous Dubh Loch (black loch) which nestles at the foot of A' Mhaighdean - probably the most remote Munro.
But this picture was taken during a trail run at the northern tip of the Fionn Loch looking south-east to Meall Mheinnidh and Beinn Lair. The Fisherfield Wilderness is one of the best places in Scotland for remote trail runs and the area can be accessed by a range of easier paths and Landrover tracks. It doesn't take long to get to areas that feel very remote.

Melvaig Peninsula

2011-05-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

Walks on the Melvaig Peninsula

Some of the best views in Wester Ross are from the series of peninsulas - Applecross, Melvaig, Scoraig and Coigach - looking north along the coast to the mountains that stand in a line towering over the Minch. This picture was taken earlier this month from the Melvaig Peninsula on the high ground near the summit An Cuaidh at 296m. It looks north east to the mountains of Dundonnell.

The walk the drops steeply down into a ancient birch forest (below) before turning west to the dramatic beach and bay at Camas Mor. From there it is a short but rough walk to the Rubha Reidh Lighthouse. At around 5 miles it isn't too ambitious but it is varied and occasionally very rough make it an ideal adventure for families and groups looking for something that combines hills, coastal views and somewhere very beautiful for lunch! One of the best lower-level walks in the area for groups of any age.

Crag Profile - Creag Nan Ord

2011-04-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

First in a series of crag profiles for 2011: Creag nan òrd (Crag of the Hammer), Dundonnell

Latest in a series of outcrops in Wester Ross equipped for sport climbing, Creag nan òrd is a sweep of clean Torridonian sandstone situated a mile or two east of the Dundonnell hotel. With a north-facing aspect it is ideal for days that are too hot or midgey for lower south-facing crags such as Goat or the crags around the Gruinard area. The longest routes are a full 30m making substantial climbs with a great atmosphere and fantastic views over Little Loch Broom. The crag also catches the late afternoon and evening sun at this time of year.

Developed by local climbers, first ascents were in 2008 with the latest this year. There are now five routes in total (more to follow) with steep starts, bulges, slopers and sections of rippling steep slab. The crag has seen a lot of traffic this year. Here are a few shots from some of our visits there in April during the long hot spell at the end of spring.

On the crux of An Sinnoch Mor (the big fox) 6b. Local climber Josh (17) on belay.

Paul on An Sinnoch Mor.

Siostan (the hunter) - 6c.

Tollaidh Triathlon 2011 Results

2011-04-25T07:19:00.001-07:00

gofurther’s Paul and Angela organised the third Tollaidh Triathlon last week. The country’s most unusual triathlon combines a 5 mile hill run with a 16 mile bike ride. After that, all the entrants had to complete at least one roped climb at Creag Nan Luch - one of Scotland’s best sport climbing venues. Combined personal times for the run and cycle were reduced depending on the hardest grade climbed by the competitor in under 5 minutes. Competitors were asked to complete their climbs as soon as they finished the bike leg.

The weather this year was cold, windy and overcast - but dry for around 25 participants and the many other who came to watch and help out. Title holder Andrew Wilby was unable to do the full event but at the end of the gruelling run/bike/climb the title passed to his brother - David Wilby who had an adjusted time of 1:22.

As usual, the event had a great atmosphere and a number of fantastic performances including a remarkable leg by 13-year-old Daniel Harrison (pictured below) who completed the run in just 47 minutes. Andrew Wilby completed the run in first place at 41 minutes just a few seconds in front of David Wilby and Gaz Marshall. go further's Paul Tattersall completed the hardest climb of the day - the 6c classic Toss. Rich Betts narrowly missed the chance to get on the podium after a heroic effort on Super-Blue (7b) with his second climb attempt. Carol Bulmer, Fiona Johnston and Angela Tattersall came first in the team event with an adjusted time of 1:45.

Special mention here to local climbers Jonathan Petrie and Stewart Pickering (pictured below) who have virtually no experience in hill-running or cycling but made it to the crag and still managed to attempt a climb.

2011 Tollaidh Triathlon Results
Grade of Climb Completed and Adjusted Time

1st - David Wilby - 6a+ - 1:22
2nd - Paul Tattersall - 6c - 1:24
3rd - Gaz Marshall - 6b - 1:26
4th - Colin Meek - 6b+ - 1:41
5th - James Karran - 6b - 1:48
6th - Jim James - 6a+ - 1:55
7th - Conor Brown 6a+ - 2:33
Craig Wallet also completed the triathlon.
Individual competitors who also finished the run/bike included Rich Betts, Jonathan Petrie and Stewart Pickering.

Teams included:
Carol Bulmer, Fiona Johnston and Angela Tattersall - 6b - 1:45
Nick and Amy Carter (pictured below with daughter Lilly) - 6a+ - 1:52
Rachel and Daniel Harrison - Top Rope Completion - 1:53

Others who took part in one or more legs included:
Andrew Wilby, Claire Hayden, Clare Chan, Lorraine Matheson and Jordan and Luke Gorman.

Triathlon 2010 results:
(Last year's event allowed all competitors to rest before completing climbs).

Andrew Wilby - 7a/7b - 1:01
David Wilby - 6b - 1:14
Paul Tattersall - 6b/6c - 1:18

Climbing Competition - Gairloch

2011-03-08T01:43:00.000-08:00

Go Further’s Paul (pictured left) is organising a Gairloch Climbing Wall fun day with a competition.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 19th from 1pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome and the competition will include three categories - P4-P7, S1-S6 and adults.

Points will be awarded for different graded climbs.

Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available.

The new wall is located in the Gairloch Leisure Centre (IV21 2BP) next to the Gairloch High School. Contact 01445 712345.

For those competing the entry fee will be £2 for adults and £1 for under 18’s.

Gairloch Climbing wall opened late last year after years of fundraising and effort.

Late winter Liathach

2011-02-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

Late winter in Wester Ross can throw everything at a mountain and so it was this weekend when we tackled Liathach with Dan and his friends. Hail, snow, bright warming sunshine, strong winds, gusts, hard ice, soft snow and dry rock below about 900m. Luckily the wind and hail held off during the scramble over The Pinnacles mid-way along the ridge. The large picture below shows the group on the western Munro top Mullach an Rathain with views west to Beinn Alligin. Two winter munros, a classic west-coast scramble in spring conditions, a mixture of snow, ice and rock and sunshine through the afternoon - what a day.

Frozen North West 2010-11

2011-02-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures of our remarkable early winter. Temperatures plunged so low that most of the Ardessie Falls (Dundonnell) froze including most of this section not far from the road. The ice at the foot of this fall was about 14 inches thick, covering what is usually a beautiful deep pool.

This picture was taken when Colin was on a long traverse of Sail Mhor and part of the An Teallach ridge. This picture is taken looking south from Sail Mhor when the conditions were dry but incredibly cold. Two people were injured in an avalanche near here just days after this picture was taken after conditions changed.

Paul was on more film location duty this time with a crew from New York who needed to film some dramatic Highland scenery in the North West. Their timing couldn’t have been better when they chose to visit Coigach and Stac Pollaidh pictured above. Again, the weather was bitterly cold but the mist and blue skies made the pinnacles look even more magical.

Gairloch Climbing Wall Open

2010-11-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Three years of work, fund-raising and organisation came to a successful end last month (20th) with opening of the Gairloch Climbing Wall. This corner of Scotland has long been known for quality trad climbing and, more recently, it has gained a reputation as one of the best venues for sport climbing in Scotland (and possibly the UK). The one ingredient lacking was a venue where local climbers can train, where young climbers can cut their teeth and where visiting climbers can retreat when the weather turns. go further Scotland’s Paul Tattersall has been at the heart of the local campaign to get the wall built and pushed things forward at various times when all seemed bogged down in council red-tape.
The new wall has replaced an (almost) useless blockwork and cement ‘climbing’ wall in one corner and a blank blockwork wall in another. Hopefully, it shows the way forward for other venues in the Highlands and Scotland where vertical space can be utilised to make leisure centres hugely more appealing and useful. Perhaps with this success, more pressure can be put on Highland Council to follow this lead in other areas - such as Ullapool.
As well as giving everyone in the area a whole day to visit and try the wall, the opening included other activities including rope climbing, spinning and rowing. Climbing films were screened and stalls were provided by Tiso, Craigdon, the local mountain rescue team and local businesses. Volunteers provided a feast of baking and snacks and Gairloch High School provided much of the support and the additional space. The day was a fantastic success, where the whole climbing community came together to support what must be the best boost to climbing the area has yet seen. Thanks again to the companies and organisations who supported the project - Ineos, SportScotland, Highland Leader Fund, Great Wilderness Challenge have all contributed to the money raised by local community.

Everyone who came along had the chance to try the routes.

Local climbers with some of the team from Avertical World (Dundee) who built the wall.

Relaxing with tea, cake and a climbing video.

Some familiar faces. Local climbers - Steve and Ray from the local rescue team.

Rowing challenges....

....and spinning tasters put on by Gairloch Leisure centre.

Gairloch Climbing Wall Opening

2010-11-16T00:55:00.000-08:00

The new Gairloch climbing wall will officially open on November 20th. The event is being marked by an open invitation to everyone interested in the new facility to an open day between 11.00am and 16.00pm at the Gairloch Leisure Centre - part of the Gairloch High School. As well as the climbing, the organisers are arranging activities for children and refreshments.

The wall, which has room for roughly 65 routes, has been taken forward by the Gairloch Community Climbing Wall Partnership (GCCWP) and has taken three years to raise the £100,000 necessary. The wall has lead routes and top-roped climbing for all levels of ability. Ineos, SportScotland, Highland Leader Fund, Great Wilderness Challenge have all contributed to the money raised by local community. go further’s Paul Tattersall has played a key role in the planning, design and organisation needed for the whole project. Here is a quick preview where the go further team were enjoying a few routes after a technical session with the wall’s builders - Avertical World.

On Location with Cameron McNeish

2010-11-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

go further’s Paul rounded off the season in style with two trips helping Cameron McNeish and his film crew on Harris in the outer isles and on Knoydart in the West Highlands. The trips are for Cameron’s next series on classic Scottish walks. On one day the team ventured onto Eaval on North Harris and were blown away by the stunning view and magnificent route. You can read Cameron’s description of the day on the Herald’s site here.

Cameron and crew on Knoydart.

Four of the Best Walks in Wester Ross

2010-10-25T00:51:00.000-07:00

We’ve had a glorious start to October with strong easterly winds keeping any significant cloud well to the south. The good weather coincided with Alexa and Simon’s visit for four days hiking with go further. They didn’t have specific objectives so we suggested four of the best walks in the area. Luckily, we managed to some interesting shots during their trip which show off the weather and the walks.

We started the week with an ascent of Beinn a'Chearcaill - one of the lower Torridon hills but a walk that takes you into the heart of the Torridon area to the west of the Beinn Eighe massif. The summit of this hill is an unusual plateau of Torridonian sandstone littered with boulders. Strong winds battered the area from the East on this day and it was almost impossible to take any pictures near the summit.

The descent from Slioch at around 900m looking south to Torridon.

Later in the week we did the long coastal walk on the Slaggan peninsula starting at Mellon Udrigle beach where we watched a seal before setting off. The hill in the distance is Beinn Ghobhlach on the Scoraig peninsula to the north.

Another view at the start of the Slaggan coastal walk.

A sandy beach on a small hill loch high on Beinn Ghobhlach.

The view of the An Teallach massif from the summit of Beinn Ghobhlach later that day.

New Sport Routes

2010-09-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

During a busy summer the go further team have still found some time to put up a few more routes in Wester Ross. There is a lot of rock on the Poolewe to Slattadale path near Gairloch but few sections hold much potential for worthwhile rock climbing. One exception is an obvious clean corner of gneiss to the east of the path about 1km south of the A832. Paul has established four new sport routes here with a good spread of grades:

Creag na Oisean (Crag of the Corner)
From R to L the four routes are:
The Otter Final 7a+
Oshan Toshan 6a
A Game of Towels 6b
Stormy Monday 5+

Paul is pictured here on the first ascent of Otter Final.

Another location with few established rock routes is Dundonnell. Colin has also put up four new routes here on a substantial sandstone outcrop - Creag Nan Ord (Crag of the Hammer). The routes, all at least 25m in length, offer varied climbing on immaculate rock. Ray Wilby is pictured (below) on the crux of Siostan (6c).This month also saw the first ascent of the crag’s best route - Guga, (7a) - a 30m line with a strenuous start and a delicate finish. More on this crag soon.

Navigation training

2010-08-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

A full traverse of An Teallach is one of our biggest days out with few less than around 9 hours. On Tuesday Susie and Chirantan wanted to complete the traverse and include some navigation practise during the day. We started off in brightening conditions but as the weather became less and less comfortable it became more and more useful for navigation training. We covered a range of techniques needed for a safe day out on an exposed ridge such as An Teallach. This picture was taken on the summit of Bidein before a cold shower lashed the ridge and visibility dropped to a few metres. See our navigation pages for more.