WINTER SKILLS, DAY TWO

Map reading on the way up to Stob Ban

The beautiful  ridge up onto Stob Ban & time for crampons

The final steep steps up to the summit

The excellent ridge between the summits

Some lovely breaks in the cloud by late afternoon

Jo & Barrie were out with me again today on their second winter skills day. They wanted to brush up on their navigation skills and also bag a Munro or two. So we set off with the plan to get onto Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean in The Mamores. It was above freezing at sea level and some light drizzle first thing this morning. The freezing level was around 800m and a good covser of snow on the tops. The SE wind did pick up late in the day and it felt cold once you stopped. We did some basic navigation up to the snowline at around 700m. We then when through using the compass and setting bearings in 'winter conditions' for the rest of the day. En route we consolidated the axe and crampon techniques from yesterday and by the time we got onto the narrower section of the ridge they were really enjoying the whole experience. There was cloud on the tops so great for navigation, we saw no one all day. By the time we got to Mullach nan Coirean there was a few glimpses of blue skies and nice views. The last 40 minutes we were doing some night navigation so once again an action packed day with lots of essential winter skills. Looks like excellent cold, dry and some sunshine for the week ahead. A great spell of weather to get into the hills!