Sunday 18 August 2013

South Gully plus more

Today it was more rain.  Slightly less than yesterday so Caroline and I headed for the mountains.  Far too wet for a camera though.  The winds were up so we sought shelter up in Coire na Creiche which is approached via the beautiful Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye.  We had a couple of options but finally settled on South Gully (Severe) on Glaich Moire Face.  This is a huge gully which reminded me very much of Clachaig Gully except this was much wetter! We moved in and out of the gully on the initial stages but had some great sustained climbing on super clean rock before being barred by the crux.  A smooth chimney which needs front and back footing.  Today it was a gushing waterfall so we moved onto the slabs too the left.  We eventually ended on the ridge west of Bidean Druim nan Ramh so we refuelled and headed over the 3 tops.  Fortunately the rain had subsided a little so it didn't feel too bad.  Usually I always avoid this section in the wet but Caroline was climbing incredibly well.  We proceeded onto An Caisteal and eventually onto Bruach na Frithe before making our way down the North-West Ridge and scree running down to the Fairy Pools.  Despite the weather, there were some brave youngsters out enjoying the perfect natural swimming pools!  Another brilliant day on Skye, a new area for me and some very challenging conditions.

No comments: