The word for a week of Scottish Winter: Optimism

     Driving up through the Southern Uplands, we keep our eyes peeled for any sign of snow. A week of wild weather and fluctuating temperatures hadn't done much for the snow cover. Our aim was to explore some of the quieter mountains in the North West. 

Looking down to Glen Etive on the NE spur of Ben Starav

     We had made no plans on our drive up from Yorkshire, other than to wait till we arrive and assess the snow situation. We arrived in Glen Etive and drove right down to Loch Etive deciding to climb Ben Starav the following day.

James heading off the East ridge of Ben Starav

     The lack of snow cover made the approach a reet mission. Babies heads, bogs and heather were in large supply. We reached the burn to cross and it was stonking, we looked up and down for a crossing. Why does Scotland always seem to make everything hard won? We eventually crossed after much deliberation as to our crossing point and many failed attempts. Dry boots still, luckily. We began climbing the spur above which narrowed into a ridge as we reached the snow line at about 700m. There had be a dusting from the previous night but it was purely cosmetic, meaning we made ground quickly. From here the wind picked up and was belting us as we reached the higher ground, throwing in some hailstones for good measure.

A break in the cloud looking across to Glas Bheinn Mhor

     We reached the summit of Ben Starav in the clag, which meant it was navigation time as there are lots of ridges off the top. Our timings were spot on as we descended the South East ridge before heading on to climb Glas Bheinn Mhor with the wind on our backs. On reaching the col below we made sure we kept the burn on our left as we didn't fancy crossing it again. As we hit the snow line, James spotted an actual path which meant our descent was pretty swift compared to heather bashing our way off the hill. With 80mph wind forecast and heavy rain forecast for the following day we retired to the King's House Hotel to discuss our options. 

James remembering what hot aches are.