Liathach winter traverse

Roger and Mike had booked flights to Inverness for our spring Munro outing. However, the forecasts predicted winter rather than spring and after some UKC condition updates (thanks!) and insider tips (thanks!) we decided to do the Liathach winter traverse. We stayed in the Ling hut and got up just after 6 am. Here the classic photo of the Ling hut with Liathach, the grey one, behind. 

 We walked into Coireag Dubh Mor on the Northern side of the hill. We climbed to the ridge via 'Way Up' I**, whose bland name contrasts with the character of the gully and the Torridonian landscape below.

 Rather than going directly to the col we took a line further right...

 ... to reach the ridge that led to the summit of Spidean a' Choire Leith, the first Munro summit. Here are Mike and Roger in beautiful spring light... 

 ... and here the view down to the Eastern end of the mountain with Beinn Eighe to the left.

 Clouds came and went whilst we descended to the Fasarinen Pinnacles...

... which lie in front of us here. 

 As it is a grade II winter climb we climbed it, as the gully before, roped up. Here are Roger and Mike making progress 'au cheval' (on the right it is very exposed at this stage)...

 ... and here we have reached a col with the sun shining. 

 A lot of up and down...

 ... before the final ascend to the second Munro summit, Mullach an Rathain, on the Western end of the ridge. 

 The weather started to close in and the wind picked up, as had been predicted. However, the tops were still cloud free and we saw the Cuillin on Skye with plenty of snow cover and the feature-rich coastline of the Northwestern highlands. Cuillin traverse will be Alpine in nature for the foreseeable future.

 Finally the summit with Beinn Alligin behind...

 ..., a Golden Eagle,...

 ... a meal and drink in the Torridon hotel and a good night in the excellent Torridon youth hostel.
HW