1B - CUILLIN CENTRAL
The Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and Sgurr na Banachdich. Photo Adrian Trendall
4.6 miles 1180 metres
Start Sunday 09.15
Sgurr a' Mhadaidh 10.23
Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh 10.43
Sgurr na Banachdich 10.51
Sgurr Dearg 11.52
Sgurr Mhic Choinnich 12.16
Sgurr Alasdair 12.47
Sgurr Dubh Mor ?
Finish 13.05
Squares: yellow - changeovers. Circles summits: green - this leg, purple - to do. Map Colin Matheson
Time: Estimated 3.14 Actual 3.50
Craig writes:
Just made the changeover with 2-3 minutes to spare, Eddie reprimanded me later for running it so close. The initial pull out of the notch was interesting wet rock and all. Alun Powell did a brilliant job of navigating the ridge and we regularly found small cairns he had constructed over the last few days, demolishing them as we went. I enjoyed the pinnacles although not being able to see the big drops because of the mist probably helped.
The In Pin (Inaccessible Pinnacle) soon arrived, nobody there, no rope, mild panic bouldered out the first few moves then like a vision from heaven Colin Powell appeared with rucksack of climbing gear. So it was on with harness + rope and back up. Initial moves are steep but good hand holds, went into the recess, very slippy came out scared decided to climb the crack, runner in and up the overhanging wall. Suddenly it's all over and there's only the scramble to the top.There's a steel cable and karabiner in place and the abseil off is quickly accomplished. Colin's coffee is well received and Alun's off down the scree.
The weather is improving a lot now and it make's finding Collie's ledge a lot easier and what a spectacular traverse it is.
It's really warming up now and traversing out to the final top we can see Mark waiting at the col – we exchange waves and shouts. Try to go quickly now overheating badly, relief as we pass the baton and Mark is off and away. Off with the thermals and a very pleasant walk to Glen Brittle and the waiting van.
Peaks done 10 hours elapsed 6 peaks to go 267
Graeme writes:
Following the day's travelling and meeting the mixed bag of new faces I then enjoyed a night's refreshing sleep only to find the relay had already got underway hours and hours earlier. I immediately felt I should be doing something but Eddie assured me that my only worry was how to spend my long lazy day. And that's how it was, snoozing away through the bright afternoon enjoying the sea breezes at Glen Brittle's campsite. It was a beautiful spot and a pity we had to leave it but the relay ball was now in motion.
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