Great day for hill running

Back to work at Clachaig today as we ease ourselves out of the all-too-short Christmas shut down. And its been busy too, with plenty of people arriving in the glen that was oh so quiet for just a few days.

Before the daily grin started all over again, there was just time to sneak in a quick hill run. After all, its fine hill running weather!

Heading up the forest road above the Glencoe NTS Visitor Centre

Just about everywhere is still covered in snow making the going fairly easy underfoot. However, some paths, especially where the snow cover is thin, are covered in thick and lethal water ice. The lower section of the path up the Pap of Glencoe is one such path. Careful route planning was required, and the ideal choice seemed to be the seldom visited top of Meall Mor.

Breaking off from the track near the bealach, in search of the edge of the forest and the open hill

The new forest road above the NTS Visitor Centre means that its now much easier to run up towards the bealach. By next year it looks like it'll be on the top, but for now the last section is still on the old track and then its a case of breaking through the forest before hitting the open hill.

Above the forest, Callart hills beyond, heading for the top in deep snow

In just a little over an hour from the car we were at the top, which wasn't bad going given the depth of some of the snow. A cracking wee run!

With the cold weather forecast to last for at least another week, chances are the glen is going to get quite busy in the next few days. Reports from Nevis Range are of good skiing and plenty of sledging. Glencoe Mountain is due to open for the first time tomorrow. Hope to see a fair few of you at the Clachaig Hogmanay Hoolie!

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (& Hogmanay)

Time for probably our last update before that plump chap in the red suit comes to visit us all again. The weather is very much dominating everyone's life at the moment, so here's a Glencoe view on things.


Late this afternoon the glen was looking quite simply STUNNING. Clear blue skies and a covering a white from top to bottom. -5 degrees in Glencoe village, which being by the sea on the west coast coast is unusual.

We asked Icon or Firewood - as it turns out, it was both!

I had to go to Glasgow yesterday, and I have to say that Rannoch Moor was also STUNNING. Ba Loch was frozen and white over with deep snow. On the way home in the mid evening the temperature had dropped to -6 degrees. No wonder I spotted a few deer on the verge, presumably thumbing (hoofing?!) a lift down to the pub for the evening. Apart from a few concerns over black ice, the roads are clear of snow.

Bike ride to Glencoe Village on Sunday

Work to get the car park finished in time for the Hogmanay onslaught has been made a little more tricky, though we're about 98% complete now. And progress on the replacement sign has also slowed down. A grand unveiling for FebruaryFest is now more likely than Hogmanay, though we might get the ironmongery back up tomorrow.

Clachaig closes down for 3 days over Christmas. Its a rare opportunity to ensure that everyone gets a good break, especially as the week that follows is generally the busiest trading week in the calendar year.

Quite what the Scottish weather will throw at us is anyone's guess at this stage. There is a suggestion that the cold spell will continue, and today's MWIS report suggests that it may last until New Year. What we do know is that listening to the doom-mongers on the TV & radio, you'd be as well hiding away for ever more. However, if you're thinking of heading this way there are sources of more reliable information.


For the lastest weather try the Mountain Weather Information Service.

For the latest snow & avalanche conditions see the Scottish Avalanche Info site.

For ski conditions check with Glencoe Mountain and Nevis Range (who were open for snow sports today!)

And for roads information check Traffic Scotland, and especially check the Altnafeadh (by Buachaille Etive Mor) web cams.

Or you could always ask us for some advice!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Winter

The irony is that the glen is really quiet just now. Ok, you need to choose your days. The weather changes fast, as do the conditions on the mountains. It could be wet and windy. It could be quite pleasant. But when you strike it lucky and get a day like this one so early in the season you know you are truly blessed!


I remember the good old days when you used to complain to the staff that their c.v.s all waxed lyrical about the fact that they wanted to come and work in Glencoe so that could climb all these wonderful mountains, only to find them unable to get out of bed before noon.

But like everything else in life, times they are a changing.

James got out of his bed last Friday and went for a bit of a wander. And I have to say that I am just a little bit envious. Bidean nam Bian is not only looking absolutely fantastic in this shot, there's not a foot print to be seen on the final ridge to the summit.

Winter has arrived in Glencoe!

Free Winter Safety Lectures 2010

Heading to the mountains this coming winter season? Then take note.

In association with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, Clachaig is pleased to be able to present another series of the FREE Winter Mountain Safety Lectures.


Posters are now available. If you'd like one then contact us at Clachaig and we can email you a PDF version for your club/office/shop/community noticeboard. With a new Mountain Safety Advisor on board at the MC of S, this years' series has had a bit of a makeover. (Nice Poster for a start!)

However, the same mix of entertainment, important skills for the hills and quality beer in hand will be delivered FREE of charge. (Ok, the beer's not free!) All lectures start at approx 8pm in the Bidean Lounge Bar.

Munro: Mountain Man

If mountains are your thing then perhaps you might want to reach for the Sky Plus remote and set record for this coming Sunday night, 20th September, BBC 4.

Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glencoe

Our man at the Beeb advises that Munro: Mountain Man will be screened this weekend. Look out for bearded, bobble hat wearing, map case swinging Munro baggers being interviewed in the Boots Bar at Clachaig Inn, Glencoe.

Above the clouds

See when you throw back those curtains in the morning, when you unzip that tent, and you see the cloud down low blocking out any view of the mountains, and think I'll just have another 40 winks, no point getting going too early this morning...?

Looking up the glen towards Buachaille Etive Mor & Rannoch Moor
Image Copyright James Roddie

Well think again! Be inspired by our staff here at Clachaig who work tirelessly through into the wee small hours, keeping your glasses topped up, and then rise again at the crack of dawn to go and back a hill or 3 before we've even popped the first paracetamol.

Early morning sunlight on Sgorr Dhearg above Ballachulish
Image copyright James Roddie

With a change in the weather from the August monsoons, the cabin fever has been kicked, and one of our number at least has been out with his camera taking some fantastic photos of Glencoe in all its glory.

Enjoy!