Bridge of Orchy, 17th Feb 2013

After weeks of powerful winds and often little or no visibility it was great to finally get a decent forecast, suggesting a break in the weather leading to a period of alpine conditions. We were a bit disappointed then to drive into Glen Orchy and find it enveloped in a cold pocket of low cloud. Nonetheless, as the day drew on it turned out we were - eventually - in for a treat that would also bode well for next week's much-anticipated trip, to Ling Hut in Torridon...

The sun shining through cloud above Beinn Dorain (James Simpkins)

We had a number of different routes in mind, but all needed to reach the bealach at the top of Coire an Dothaidh before parting company. So we all trudged up together from the Bridge of Orchy hotel car park.

Looking up Coire an Dothaidh (Alison Craig)

The bogs lower down managed to claim one boot, but it wasn't long before we were able to look back on a decent view of the glen.

View back to Glen Orchy (JS)

Heading up Coire an Dothaidh (AC)

Taking a breather (JS)

Last steep section before the bealach (AC)

At the bealach the wind picked up and it started to feel pretty arctic. So we broke out a couple of shelters while making plans. Cloud still obscured the tops of Beinn an Dothaidh and Beinn Dorain.

Sheltering at the bealach, Loch Lyon in the distance (JS)

Start of the slabby ascent to the Beinn Dorain ridge (JS)

North side of Beinn an Dothaidh (JS)

Most of us were content to do one or both of the two adjacent Munros, while Tereza and Stano planned for a more strenuous walk heading over Beinn an Dothaidh to the adjoining ridge for Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a' Chreachain.

Ascending Beinn Dorain, we were swiftly enveloped in persistent mist and the snow and ice underfoot meant donning crampons. The wind died away to nothing and there was an eerie stillness about the ridge, punctuated only by the crunch of our footsteps. At times it seemed fairly narrow but, other than taking care to bypass the false summit with its large cairn, there were no difficulties on the way to the top.

Mist on Beinn Dorain (JS)

At the true summit of Beinn Dorain (JS)

The summit cairn of Beinn Dorain (JS)

Heading down, there was a increasing sense of 'blueness' just beyond the mist, and as we descended the cloud started to part: at first for a few seconds at a time, then for longer, until the cloud cover was breaking up in earnest.

Cloud breaking above Coire an Dothaidh (JS)

Brocken spectre (JS)

Cloud rolling over Beinn an Dothaidh (JS)

The sun shining through cloud above Beinn Dorain (JS)

Then, almost within minutes, we had clear skies, warm sun and some pretty stunning views. There seemed nothing to do but loiter at the bealach for a while, taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere.

Suddenly-clear sky (JS)

Alpine conditions back at the bealach (JS)

View back up Coire an Dothaidh (JS)

Looking over Loch Tulla (JS)

After a leisurely descent, we headed to the Bridge of Orchy hotel and enjoyed a pint or two - and a pleasant sunset - while waiting for the rest to return. All in all it was a fine trip, with no drama, Munros summitted and a definite sense that the weather had finally turned.

Sunset at Bridge of Orchy (AC)

So clear: the moon over Glen Orchy (JS)

Report: James Simpkins; Photos: Alison Craig (AC), James Simpkins (JS)