Trip Reports

Introductory Long Weekend - 26 to 29 March '10

, , Jun 2020 3
Trip Report

Written by Team Member Bruce Tocher, April 2010

Friday, 26th March, my wife Joyce and I flew over from Bergen to join the Introductory Winter Mountaineering course in Ballahulish. On the way we picked up my son Nick who had decided to join us for the weekend. After an uneventfull drive from Aberdeen we arrived around 18:15 at the hotel and met up with the other participants - our friend, Glenn, who we knew from last year’s Western Breach ascent of Kilimanjaro, and Nick. The course instructor, Ruth, gave us a brief overview of what was planned for the weekend, then we focused on the main event of the day, the first of several excellent meals at the Ballahulish Hotel!

Day 1 – after a good fry-up, we sorted out the kit for the day, and Ruth went through the weather forecast, avalanche warning system, etc., then we headed for the Ben Nevis ski centre in order to learn ice-axe arrest techniques, use of crampons, etc.. The weather was dull, but dry as we headed up in the ski gondola, but I was more interested in the fact that the ski enthusiasts were willing to pay for lift passes in order to ski through what seemed to be mostly muddy fields!! The skills training session went fairly well – although, the others definitely mastered the technique of launching themselves head-first backwards down the slope and braking before I did! We finished the day with a climb up through one of the ice cornices, but decided not to go any higher due to the deteriorating weather conditions. We then headed back to the van and drove to the hotel feeling as if we deserved our dinner. An additional highlight before the meal was the arrival of another of last year’s Western Breach team; Paul had driven up from Newcastle with his wife Simone, for a mini Kilimanjaro reunion – it was great to see them both and, after dinner we headed for the Clachaig Inn for a few beers and to listen to the live band – although we spent more time talking about past and future climbing plans than the music!

Day 2 – another fry-up, another weather briefing, and a short drive up Glencoe before heading up the path towards Stob Coire Nan Lochan. The initial climb was brutal – due partly to the pace set by Ruth, but mostly by one beer too many the night before! However, once warmed up, things went much better. We shifted over to crampons and continued up the ridge in poorish visibility to the top. We then started the descent as the clouds lifted, providing us with some stunning views of the valley. On our return we enjoyed another excellent dinner – no beer for me this time – and an early night!

Day 3 – woke up to beautiful weather, which boded well for the day. Decided against the fried breakfast! We headed for Ben Nevis and enjoyed a long hike along the valley towards the Mountaineering cabin, before heading up towards Gulley 4. After a long, but enjoyable ascent (no ropes required!), we climbed through the cornice onto the plateau, with the summit of Ben Nevis in front of us. After a short hike we reached the top and stopped for a short lunch and to take photographs of the stunning view – it was still pretty cold, despite the beautiful sunshine – and then headed back down to the car-park. This was truly an excellent day, and everybody was pleased to finish the weekend on such a high note!

I would like to offer big thanks to the hotel, especially the catering staff for the good food and multicultural banter! Thanks also to the whole group, Joyce, our Nick, Glenn and Nick for their good humour and company during the weekend – much appreciated!! Finally a special thanks to our instructor, Ruth, who did a great job! Her patient instruction and good humour throughout made the weekend a great success – it’s time her picture was on the Jagged Globe Board at the hotel!! « | »

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