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Columba mcLaughlin in Scotland. 7th June 2000 Am Bodach (Glencoe) - 7th June 2000 (A follow-on report from day on the Ben. Click Here to see previous report) Rab, Bob and I awoke early on Wednesday morning. The boys had to go back to Stirling and I had 14 hours to catch my boat to Ireland. After breakfast, we bade our farewells. I went into Fort William and then turned North to the Ski lifts on Aonach Mór. I was feeling lazy. I took the gondola up to the Snowgoose Restaurant with the intention of going up Aonach Mór by 'Allison's Route' and then traversing across to Aonach Beag. However, the boggy traverse to the start of Allison's Route and a sudden downpour of rain soon dampened my spirits and I returned to lower ground. I thought that Am Bodach in Glencoe would pass some of the spare time I had. So off I went. In 30 minutes I was in Glencoe. The sun was shining, it was a perfect weather for the ridge above. Where is Kieran Gallagher when you need him? Why does the sun always shine when you are on your way home? For a while, I watched some climbers making their way over the 'Crazy Pinnacles' on the Aonach Eagach. Eventually, I went on and stopped at a small 'Car Park' (and I mean small) near Alt-na-Reigh. Off I went in perfect sunshine. The path rises quite steeply but is well marked in the early stages. However, in parts it was (at least to me) not so distinct. I came to a short exposed scramble section and thought it a bit odd for a path. However, the path was quite clear above this. So I felt confident to carry on. After a bit, another exposed chimney presented itself. This was about 20 ft high and the visible gravel above suggested that the path be above it. So up I went to find that I had landed onto, not a path but a narrow and steep scree slope - oops. When I got up it, I could see the path was higher and to my right. I should have turned the obstacle on the right and not gone up the chimney. I made a mental note not to return that way. I thought that Colin Vose would have a laugh at this, seeing that I slagged his navigation skills when on Skye - sorry Colin. The remainder of the journey was a steep but pleasant walk and eventually the 'Aonach Eagach Ridge' came into view. The views were stunning in all directions with Bidean ban Biam in the South West, normally shyly hidden behind its neighbours, was looking radiant (see photo). However, Ben Nevis to the North West, while looking stunning, was the only mountain with its head in the clouds (see photo). The corniced NE Ridge of Ben Nevis was very clear and I reminisced on yesterday's adventure (see report). Am Bodach is 3085ft but is not accorded Munro status and I was sorely tempted to scramble down from Am Bodach and up to 'Meall Dearg' and back again. However, time was running out. So I reluctantly went downhill. On this occasion, the path was quite clear and I avoided the very narrow scree slope and chimney. In 45 minutes I was in the car and on my way back home. I just made the boat with a little time to spare. So ended my brief sojourn in the bonny hills of Scotland. Slan go fóill, Columba |