AN TEALLACH
Part of the southern ridge which Rob had been so concerned to avoid. Photo AdventurerNic.com
6.4 miles 1331 metres
Start Wednesday 00.25
Sgurr Fiona 02.28
Bidean a' Ghlas Thuill 02.52
Finish 04.11
Squares: yellow - changeover, red - finish. Circles summits: green - this leg. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 2.30 Actual 3.46
Rob writes:
This is a mountain I'd long wanted to climb but was still nervous to get it, as it has quite a reputation. The increasing prospect of having to attempt it in the dark did really worry me, however, while the diehards like Ed and Alwyn were sure I MUST go over in the night hours, others were more sympathetic. John commented I mustn't feel pressed to go on against my wishes.
Decided, wisely, against taking the bikes in as the track was very rough. Walked in with Colin for company – now regarding a long walk in as nothing at all. The skies cleared and we got superb views of some of the ridge of An Teallach and across to Fisherfield.
Nervousness showed in my restless prowling outside the hut. I finally laid down with walshes on – then succumbed to taking them off and sleeping. Naturally Dave arrived within 15 minutes – commenting “I hate doing this to people” - i.e. arriving just as full dark descended.
Even as I left I had serious doubts about going and thought of returning – at least there was no pressure on me to move at great speed. An unexpectedly deep gully backed by cliffs forced me right off my planned ascent route and it was hard to rertrieve – the result was a zig-zag ascent and I nearly climbed to the wrong side of Lord Berkeley's Seat. Once on the ridge I got the early morning light, exhilarating exposure, views of distant lights along the coast and the chance to run a bit. I was enjoying myself at last and I'm sure very few have experienced An Teallach this way.
The descent was not so enjoyable as it was hard to find the right track, which was very rough and I kept losing it. Fatigue was taking over and the time dragged on and on. However long it took I was pleased to have got safely through.
Peaks done 86 time taken 4 days 1 hour peaks to go 191
Diana was ready to drive Tony along Destitution Road to the next start when Rob arrived.
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