Hills: Sgurr Dearg and Sgurr na Banachdich
Date: Saturday 4th September 2021
Company: Myself, Tracey and Jake (for entire walk), Dan, Sheena and Kelly
(as far as Sgurr na Banachdich), Pieter, Alastair, Graeme, Carol
and Adele (as far as Sgurr Dearg).
On Saturday morning, I had no plan whatsoever. I therefore tagged along
with a number of other Moray Mountaineering Club members who were setting
off to initially ascend Sgurr Dearg with different objectives in mind
thereafter. While several of the group were planning to ascend the In Pin, I
was not interested in a third ascent. Having previously led the East ridge
and West ridge, I didn't fancy seconding an ascent. From the Glen Brittle
Memorial Hut we set off up the path I had ascended the day previous for
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich.
Eas Mor waterfall:
Having ascended Sgurr Dearg three times previously via a route up Coire
Banachdich, I was a little surprised when we walked past the start of this
track continuing on to ascend Sgurr Dearg via it's SW flank. The ascent via
the SW flank was definitely more interesting and enjoyable with more
hands-on than the ascent via the coire.
With Alastair leading the
pack we were proceeding uphill at what felt like army pace. I was therefore
glad to stop above the initial scrambling section to have a drink, take off
my fleece and put
my poles away.
Ascending Sgurr Dearg ridge:
Brief stop to catch our breaths:
Beyond the initial easy scrambling the mid-section of the ridge is simply a
walk as far as Sgurr Dearg Beag.
Easy mid-section:
View towards Glenbrittle camp site:
The upper ridge, which includes Sgurr Dearg Beag, is initially stony and then
rocky with some good Grade 1 scrambling.
Ascending Sgurr Dearg ridge:
Approaching upper section of ridge:
Looking back:
More sustained scrambling in upper section:
I was a little surprised when the In Pin came into view as we had reached
the summit quite quickly due to the pace of ascent.
In Pin appearing in the mist:
We parted company from Alastair, Carol, Graeme, Adele and Pieter at the
summit of Sgurr Dearg as Alastair was to lead the In Pin twice firstly
taking up Carol and Graeme and then on the second ascent taking up Pieter.
Had the weather been better we would all have liked to sit and watch the
climbers ascending the In Pin however it was bloomin' freezing at the summit
so the rest of us were keen to keep moving. We suspected we would be waiting
for 1.5 - 2 hours there.
Checking out the In Pin:
Climber on In Pin East Ridge:
In Pin West Ridge:
From Sgurr Dearg, we made our way down steeply towards the col between Sgurr
Dearg and Sgurr na Banachdich.
Commencing descent from Sgurr Dearg:
Looking across to ascent ridge:
Descent from Sgurr Dearg:
I had a sore back during the descent so I stopped to take a strong
painkiller. At this point I also made up my mind that I would be progressing
along the ridge only as far as Sgurr na Banachdich before descending easily
via Coire an Eich.
Looking back up Sgurr Dearg:
Ridge leading to Sgurr na Banachdich:
We progressed towards Sgurr na Banachdich skirting below the South Top which
has a precipitous drop at its northern end. Soon thereafter we reached the
summit of Sgurr na Banachdich.
At the summit of Sgurr na Banachdich:
At the summit we parted company with Dan, Sheena and Kelly who continued on
as far as An Dorus, with Dan also asending Sgurr Mhadaidh, while Tracey,
Jake and I commenced our descent from the ridge.
Having ascended
Sgurr na Banachdich four times previously I was now on familiar territory.
Commencing descent:
Looking back towards summit of Sgurr na Banachdich:
Descent from Sgurr na Banachdich towards Coire an Eich:
Descent via Coire an Eich:
On reaching the beautiful pools during the final walk out, myself and Tracey
ventured down for a brief swim. The water was freezing but at the same time
exhilirating. When I came out I felt completely refreshed and was keen to go
in again.
Nice pool:
Time for a swim:
As we approached the Youth Hostel we found the nicest pool of all but alas
we had already had our swim higher up in a pool not visible from the track. We had no chance of being seen while
everyone walking past would see you if swimming in the nicest pool in the next
photo.
Nicest of the pools but less exclusive:
On reaching the Youth Hostel we then walked a short distance back along the
road to reach the hut and my van.
Back at van looking towards section of ridge walked: