SGOR RUADH, TORRIDON

The spectacular East face of Sgor Ruadh

Looking back down Coire Lair, great ice at the bealach

Summit views from Sgor ruadh looking over to Liathach

Fuar Tholl from the summit

Maol Chean-dearg & Ben Damph from the summit

Fuar Tholl

Beinn Liath Mhor

The fine very fine Academy Ridge on Sgor Ruadh

Weather forecasts were looking very good today with light winds and sunshine in most areas of The Highlands. I headed for my usual (at least once a month) visit to the Torridon area and the fabulous hills surrounding Coire Lair. After departing the train at Achnashellach  station you enter another world of soaring sandstone peaks and are spoiled for choice of routes out from here. There were fresh, soft drifts in Coire Lair which made it hard going but compensated by the fabulous views of Sgor Ruadh's East face all the way up the easy angled glen. In summer this is a fantastic stalkers path and great walking underfoot. This morning it was another plough as no one had been up here, but only shin deep drifts. The going became better up toward the bealach and from here there was wind scoured hard frozen snow and fab iced up rocks that leads steeply onto the north ridge of Sgor Ruadh. A short, sharp snow shower came in as I tackled the ridge and it looked like the day was going downhill with regards to blue skies. The last 100m or so was wonderful rimed up rocks and turf. Five minutes sat on the summit and then first a broken spectre and then the skies cleared once again to reveal that wonderful view over to Torridon and Liathach. Hard to tear yourself away when the views and cloud formations are like this. Good snow all the way down the south side of the hill and not a single footprint encountered on the stalkers path down. Another ankle/shin workout but all those winter wading days paid off as it was a doddle. No one seen all day on such a beautiful day to be on the hills. Another stunning mountain  day to remember in this, the most wonderful area of the Highlands - go! Warming up and winds back for a wee while unfortunately but the cold will return you can bet your bottom dollar!