Out with the Oban Mountaineering Club, and my first winter walk of the season. The weather wasn't quite as kind as the forecast had predicted. Walking up into Coire Ardair, the tops were covered in clag. The approach wasn't frozen although there was snow on the ground once you reached the lochan. The snow got progressively deeper as we went up into the Window. On our left an avalanche cracked and thundered down one of the gullies - conditions are still pretty unconsolidated although the ground was hard beyond the lochan. Up on the plateau it was wild, and there was much faffing with layers trying to remember what works in winter conditions. It was hard going through deep snow with much of the walk to Craig Meagaidh's summit done on bearings. We descended via Meall Coire Choille rais - which I am told is pretty spectacular although we couldn't see much. However we were rewarded at the end of the day when the sun came out and there were spectacular views over Loch Laggan.
The next day wild, wet and mild weather came in and much of the snow cover has been washed away - as I write on Tuesday morning it is absolutely tipping it down and temperatures are up to 8 degrees or so in Fort William

For up to date conditions reports go to Abacus Mountaineering's site or West Coast Mountain Guides

posted by ocuk @ 10:12 AM