The weather was maybe a little better today, so we headed to do a Grade 1 Scramble up the Pink Rib and then if possible to the summit of Beinn a Chrulaiste (a Corbett).
The views to Buachaille Etive Mor were stunning - I was a little dissapointed not to be going up there but I knew that it would not be possible due to the weather. The walk to the rib was tough due to the deep snow. Once at the bottom we roped up and started off. This instantly felt more technical and demanding than yesterday - in a good and bad way! There were 3 pithces in all, the first being the most demanding and genuinely scary. Type 2 fun....!
We managed to get to the summit in howling wind. The views, when they appeared between periods of white-out were simple stunning, far more dramatic than what you'd get with a constant clear blue sky. The coffee and snickers which were eaten as I tucked behind the shelter at the summit were deeply satisfying to such an extent that it made me laugh. Felt like being in my own little world as the wind was so strong that it was impossible to try and talk to Matt.
The walk back down involved ploughing through waist deep snow. We passed another guide the Matt knew on route, they'd done the Pink Rib too, but had taken a different route to us. When we got to the bottom Matt suggested that we went back up via that route.... I said, "yes" eventually, but only after saying vague get outs like "I really don't mind" and "why not". However, I was pleased I did. We concluded that the first rib was more of a Grade II, the second being Grade I.
Total ascent was higher than a Munro, including 300m climbed.
Another beer in Clachaig, and then home for another early night.
WCMG Blog - http://www.westcoast-mountainguides.co.uk/news/beinn-a-chrulaiste/
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