West Ridge Of Sgorr Choinnich
Posted by Max Hunter on 11th December, 2016
West Ridge of Sgorr Choinnich
Loch Shiel behind
Steve’s favourite section
A wet slab, always fun in the wind and rain
One of the upper sections
Steve fully focused by the wind
Always incredible views to Loch Shiel
Finding as much scrambling as possible
Yesterday the forecast was for strong winds and so I was looking for a scramble for myself and Steve that was the right grade, something Steve hadn’t already done and relatively sheltered from the wind. On Friday I did the NE ridge of Stob nan Cabar on Buachaille Etive Beag, and I realised that, that was a scramble to definitely avoid in the rain – it was relatively insecure when I did it in just wet conditions, let alone waterfall conditions (maybe I’ll go back there one dry summer’s day in 2017). In the end I chose the West Ridge of Sgorr Choinnich even though it faces West and would get the SW strong winds – the low altitude I hoped would mean the winds wouldn’t get above 40mph! We did get wind, and rain, but also we got the absolutely stunning views.
The scramble was a bit esoteric – of a fight at first through the steep heather, and the initial rock sections for scrambling were either poor quality, dirty, or just disappointing. However, after lunch we sought out the upper ridge lines and found all the best climbing. Steve by now has a great trust in the rope and his footwork has much improved, so made for a successful fun day.
Well done Hannah at Three Wise monkeys for developing Steve’s trust in the rope.
Loch Shiel behind Steve
Views in the West Highlands – what’s not to like
West Ridge of Sgorr Choinnich with Steve from Max Hunter on Vimeo.