FIONN BHEINN
Leading to the summit of Fionn Bheinn. Photo Colin Matheson
4.8 miles 783 metres
Start Tuesday 04.27
Fionn Bheinn 05.35
Finish 05.57
Squares: blue - start and finish. Circles summits: green - this leg. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 1.45 Actual 1.30
Rob writes:
It was a horrible nightmare. I was trapped in a metal box, only to be released for further torture. Fast footsteps were approaching and the door was then thrown open to reveal a face like a death's head. Hollow eyed, pale and with a huge mouth that muttered incessantly about “the mistake”. He passed the talisman to me, to release me from more pain, and its power pulled me free of the box in an instant....
It was a bright dawn but I was in a deep, deep sleep as Ed's call woke me. Dave tumbled out of the back of the van into the car and I pulled my Walshes on so fast Ed hardly had time to get out the baton.
Brilliant early morning sun, but a lot of cloud still on the tops including mine. I climbed steadily limbs sluggish to begin with but it was an even, easy grass slope. No problem. Very tame really for a Munro. There were fine views of a spectacular mountain beyond but not sure what it was. A surprisingly steep face on the east side of the mountain – but grass to the trig point my side. Been looking forward to descending throughout the climb and flew down in 22 minutes interrupted only by peat hags and a lovely gorge near the bottom which was in my way. Pushed the van on my return – knew it was a mistake leaving the lights on.
Peaks done 70 time taken 3 day 3 hours peaks to go 207
After Tony had fed and watered me, we attempted to move the van back to the mothership. The engine would not turn. I had persuaded them to leave the lights on overnight to help my final descent should it be in the dark.
Tony attempted to stop the few vehicles that passed. None admitted to having jump leads, and one accelerated when Tony waved at him. I knew that Colin had some jump leads so I wasn't too bothered. Dave returned and exchanged Rob for Tony to take him to the next leg. We expected Dave back soon with jump leads, but in fact he returned with the car loaded with the team. Colin and Ian had not yet returned from their bivvy. Pushing soon got it started – it was a doddle – I was in the driving seat!
I had not slept at all for over 24 hours and knew that I was due off again before the day was out. The weather had turned wet again for Tony's run, and looked set in for the day. I slept on and off, and was only vaguely aware of the dissipating clouds in the afternoon.
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