Sunday, January 21, 2007

Beinn Dubh Sun 21st Jan 07

Run up Beinn Dubh from Glen Luss into the snow and ice. Managed to get some sun and blue sky while most of the surrounding hills were covered in cloud so a good route choice.

Extremely cold in the wind which meant most of the time. Toes start to freeze when you stop so tried to keep on the move as much as possible. The snow was mostly between a few inches and a foot deep apart from the drifts which were 2 or 3 feet deep plus, found a few of those usually when least expected.

The windiest most exposed parts were the best to run on as you stayed on top of the snow which had been turned to ice by the wind. The rippled surface gave a clue where to aim for. Out of the wind the snow was soft and it was like running through sand, frequently coming to a halt to catch your breath.

Once at the top of Beinn Dubh continued NW along the broad ridge, turning W between the 2 corries to top 657, unamed but higher than Beinn Dubh. Continued along the short ridge and finally turning SE down Mid Hill back to the top of Glen Luss. The last few hundred yards off Mid Hill were the worst as the snow turned to mushy muddy grass, almost impossible to stand upright never mind run.

The last 2 miles were a jog down the Glen Luss road, seems to go on forever after a couple of hours on the hills, broken up only when chased by a small ankle snapping dog. All in about 7 miles and 2500' in 2 1/2 hours, a few pix in the Galeria.

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