Am Bàthach near the Cluanie Inn

Climbed by year and month

Climbed by year and month

I don't usually mind a heading up a steep path straight from the road, especially with the morning starting atmospherically misty and pleasantly cool. But all that went away quickly! We were soon above a stunning inversion, the sun beat down on us requiring shedding of my windproof, and I had wet feet already.

Wet feet wasn't a problem, after all I was wearing summer mesh shoes. So it was by design really. I wanted to go lightweight, and with all the recent rain I figured it would be boggy. At least my feet would dry out some of the time... wouldn't they?

Across the summit ridge you climb one false summit after another, then finally you see the top ahead only to realise you have another drop immediately in front of you. It was getting tedious and I was too hot. I was also getting through my water quicker than usual. To be honest I was starting to struggle. Skye was finding plenty to drink but peaty puddles really aren't my thing.

Dropping down to Bealach a' Chòinich I was hassled by midges and infuriating keds. Thankfully on the bealach there was a slight enough breeze to shoo them away giving me a little peace to have some lunch. Drinking almost the last of my plain water I realised the munro of Ciste Dhubh was probably going to be left for another day. I did have another 1/2 litre of water and red bull, but it really wasn't going to do the job. In some ways I felt jittery from the small can I'd had back at the van. Wandering around the bealach I made the decision to drop back down the glen to the road rather than continue. I saw it wouldn't be a problem to pick up fresh water. There were plenty of streams coming down the hillside. I fancied crossing over the glen to join the hydro track as I thought it might be quicker and drier. Apart from a good stream with cold fresh mountain water, it wasn't. Every step was wet and boggy. Ah well.