Blairgowrie and District Next Steps
Date 7th to 9th May
SYHA Glen Coe.
13km, 1174m ascent.
24/4/15
Provisional timetable (if other pickups can be located then this will change):
|
7 May |
|
|
Lochbank Cott |
12:23 |
|
Bogside Road CA |
12:37 |
|
Golf Course Rd |
12:48 |
|
Moyness P Dr |
12:55 |
|
Douglas Rd (Bus Stop on CA Rd) |
12:57 |
|
Wellmeadow |
12:59 |
|
Arr Killin (comfort stop) |
14:26 |
|
Arr Glencoe |
16:00 |
|
|
|
|
9 May |
|
|
Dep Glencoe |
09:00 |
|
Arr Killin (comfort stop) |
10:14 |
|
Arr Wellmeadow |
12:05 |
4/5/15
The avalanche service has re-opened and there are risks of avalanche in Cairngorm and Lochaber areas. Glen Coe has not been reported but there is still likely to be snow. In the event there is I have some alternative routes in mind. Spiders, Ice Axes and Crampons should be brought.
28/4/15
While the avalanche risk may have receded it does not mean there is no snow, so 'spiders' will be a good idea to carry, but prepare to bring crampons and ice axe as well anyway.
20/4/15
The avalanche service have now closed for the season, and there is a less than low risk of avalanche in Glen Coe as indeed anywhere else. So it looks increasingly unlikely that we need to worry about snow and ice, unless there is a very cold and wet snap in the next few weeks. That said the Jet Stream indicates a return of north westerly damp and cool conditions so we never know. Keep watching this space!
14/4/15
There are currently avalanche risks in the Glen Coe area, these change on a daily basis from Considerable to Low. There have been some new accumulations and on the north slope of Buchaille there is at the moment anything up to around 1 meter depth of snow. The ascent route goes up the gully that there was a major avalanche in recent years so I am closely watching how things develop. Avalanches at this time of year can be very unpredictable, with varying amounts of thawing, rain water percolation and significant instabilities. I have some alternatives in mind, and no I will not be taking a large group along the Aonach Eagach so don't worry!
I would ask you to bring ice-axe and crampons with you, as it will be prudent unless there is a massive thaw to carry them anyway. There will be no need for full winter clothing as even if it is snowing or wet it will still be comparatively warm. I have some spare walking crampons and axes which will be sufficient in case yours are unavailable. There seems to be a thaw in progress at the moment but we may well see some more snow in the next few weeks.
Otherwise it will be come equipped as usual.
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Because of room arrangements this needs to be split 6 and 4 ways. As of 5 January there are 3 male and 6 female, so we are full of women (or you need to be broad-minded and not shy)!
As before, bedding is provided but bring your own towel etc. This is self catering, and we will eat out in the evenings (Clachaig Inn is a good place. It may be worth bringing your Friday packed lunch with you, to save messing around in the evening and morning.
The rooms are now booked so date is fixed! Departure times to be confirmed. Likely to return to Blairgowrie app 12:30-13:00 on 9th May.