Weather/Conditions: Cloudy winter conditions.
Distance/Ascent/Time: 10.7km / 1030m / 6h 30m
Accompanying: Mackenzie, James S, Kev and Joe McK

A good day out with the guys up the north-west arm of Cruach Ardrain. It was really more about the company I suppose - it's always good to catch up with these good folk. We headed up through the forests, a slightly different way and not an entry I've used before. Over Meall Dhamh and higher up, we split up a bit. In the end Mackenzie and I reached the summit together. Kev McKeown and Joe turned back on Meall Dhamh, and James found himself between the two groups, still very close to the summit. By the time he bumped into us we were on our way down, and so for at least a second time he was denied the summit, and within spitting distance.



I had an extra long drive that night, to head to Fort William to drop off winter walking gear in the hostel; I was to cycle the West Highland Way over the coming days with Andrew and Sofie. Leaving the guys behind on the ridge, I dropped into the northern coire of Cruach Ardrain, happening upon a nice set of boulders which I'd later learn had already been climbed on! Good rock quality, though.



I headed down the coire, then left across the edge of forest, to drop into the trees and back out to the car. The drive to Fort William was in mounting darkness, and I subsequently had a long drive home to Glasgow. The next morning; West Highland Way!