24th August 2013

Our first foray as a group onto Skye, and we set off from Inverness at 6am, hoping that the overcast weather would improve as we headed west.  It didn't, until at Broadford we noticed the first signs of the sky lightening and clouds lifting.  And five minutes before arriving at Sligachan, the clouds cleared, and we could see Sgurr nan Gillean looming over the moorland.

We set off at about 8:40am, surrounded by midges, but thankfully they didn't follow us for too long.  An enjoyable path leading up over the moor towards the pass leading to Glen Brittle.  Many waterfalls passed en route.  Then off up towards Fionn Choire on a decent path. After a couple of hours we stopped for a break at 580m, before joining the base of the north-west ridge.

As the north-west ridge steepens, a traverse path clings to the west side of the ridge, avoiding more technical scrambling.

But although not technically difficult, it is still quite loose, and with a significant drop down into Coire na Creiche below.

Once past a shoulder of rock, the path regains the final section of the ridge.

The final climb to the summit trig point was a delightful walk/scramble.

And the view from the top was certainly worth the effort!  Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean with cloud forming off their ridges.

Looking south to the southern end of the ridge, with Sgurr na Bairnich in the foreground.

A view of Lota and Harta Corries.

Am Basteir, Sgurr nan Gillean, with dark Sgurr na h-Uamha at the end of the ridge.

Lunch at the summit!

Another view of Am Basteir and Sgurr nan Gillean, this time from Sgurr a'Fionn Choire - reached by a short scramble from the ridge.

Looking back from Sgurr a'Fionn Choire towards Bruach na Frithe and our ascent route.  Derick wondering how he's going to get back down!

The descent was by Fionn Choire, seen in the right of the photo above.  A bit rough to start with, but pleasant and grassy lower down.  Tired feet by the end of the day, but what a great day it was.

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