Hills: Sgurr Dearg (In Pin) & Sgurr na Banachdich
Date: Monday 2nd June 2008
Company: Myself, Colin, Alex, Malcolm and Duncan
Time: 9 hrs 25mins (3 hrs at In Pinn – watching and climbing)

After yesterday’s exertions on Sgurr a’Mhadaidh and Sgurr a’Ghreadaidh it was another early start from Glenbrittle with the In Pin being the main target of the day. The MWIS “negligible wind” statement was correct in that the midges were out to play.

Midgefodder:


A few hundred metres from the start we passed the Eas Mor waterfall tumbling into an impressive gorge.

Eas Mor waterfall above Glen Brittle Memorial Hut:


We followed the path alongside the Allt Coire na Banachdich up into the coire passing through low clouds en-route.

First sight of ridge through early morning mist:


Once on the ridge an easy ascent up zig-zagging scree led to the summit of Sgurr Dearg and intimidating views of the In Pin.

North Face of In Pin (large rockfall scar visible):


West Ridge of In Pin:


As we sat awaiting our turn, contemplating the climb ahead, the mists below dispersed leaving glorious views to the South.

Rum on the rocks:


Great Stone Chute from summit of Sgurr Dearg:


Profile of East Ridge of In Pin:


When our turn arrived I climbed the West Ridge, set up the belay and in turn top-roped Malcolm, Colin, Duncan and Alex to the summit.

Malcolm ascending West Ridge of In Pin:


Colin ascending West Ridge of In Pin:


Duncan ascending West Ridge of In Pin:


Alex ascending West Ridge of In Pin (Myself belaying):


Myself abseiling off In Pin:


After lunch and a short discussion it was agreed that we had sufficient available time to follow the ridge to Sgurr na Banachdich.

Sgurr na Banachdich:


After a short diversion to the Southern top we had to retrace our steps for several hundred metres to avoid a c.100m sheer drop. On reaching the summit we had a relaxed descent to Glenbrittle via Coire an Eich.

Group photo at Sgurr na Banachdich summit (In Pin in distance):


Easy descent via Coire an Eich:


Mandatory beer or two at the Slig:


A successful day. Five up the West Ridge of the In Pin and all back to Portree very happy bunnies.