Slackdhu - 496m
Tuesday 22nd December 2009
Tuesday 22nd December 2009
Weather/Conditions: The snow continues on the Campsies. Conditions similar to yesterday with snow showers, low cloud and fog but less sun than yesterday.
Distance/Ascent/Time: 4.6km / 420m / 2h 20m
Accompanying: Alone
Today, I varied my route a little to include some more difficult terrain, including rock outcrops and slabs. My trail from the day before was still etched onto the face, so I needed some kind of challenge. It was all good fun, but brought home the fact that it really is damn scary to climb on rock with no obvious holds. It mirrored my descent from the Buachaille Etive Mor the day before, using axes and crampons to find handholds on blank rock. I repeat my statement from that walk: I don't mind climbing above drops, but only when the holds are obvious and sound.
To put it one way, I find the Campsie Fells a great testing ground. Without spending time and money getting to the Highlands, it's great to travel just fifteen minutes and have a playground at my expense to test out fitness, exposure or whatever I feel like on the day.
Today, I'd originally planned to explore some of the icicles gathering on the face too, although darkness prevented this. By the time I'd reached the foot of the hill, darkness was fast approaching and I'd end up missing my bus by 15 minutes.
Having pissed about Blanefield for ten minutes, I stopped in the Kirkhouse Inn for 45 minutes for a (non-alcoholic) drink and crisps. This walk would be my last before Christmas. With snow staying down to ground level and with weather so clear, I'd spend the next couple of days dreaming of the hills. The snow continues to lie though and with Christmas over, I hope for one more trip to the Campsies before the snow melts again.
Times (Time relative to 0.00)
(0.00) 2.00pm Blanefield
(1.25) 3.25pm Slackdhu
(2.20) 4.20pm Blanefield
(0.00) 2.00pm Blanefield
(1.25) 3.25pm Slackdhu
(2.20) 4.20pm Blanefield
Written: 2009-12-26