While the big storm was approaching from the south, I darted out of Wales and headed north to Scotland, where for once, the winds were forecast to be light and the weather settled (well, for a day or two anyway). It was good to be able to get a head start on the weather and avoid any traffic chaos. The roads were empty up to Glasgow, where I spent the night.

It’s been a while since I’ve travelled up to Scotland to go winter mountaineering, without a group of students in tow! There was a time, when I’d have slept in the van in a layby, but although I did stop to make my own coffee along the way, I forked out and spent the night, in a ‘van upgrade’, by staying at a travel lodge type place, just off the motorway. I was still able to camp cook a fine evening meal as well!

Winter arrived suddenly as I climbed the A82 up onto Rannoch Moor the next morning…

I chose to climb a couple of Munros, that I had been up before, but they are low stress, easy access from the main (snow free) road and give excellent views. I had rather hoped to be travelling on skis, but it seems that the deeper snow is over in the east, and I am due to be based in the west. With nearly eight hours of driving done, I decided that I’d come far enough as was happy to walk rather than de-tour to Cairngorm Mountain!

Conditions were wonderful, with a high layer of cloud that was just above the summits. Every now and then the sun would almost burn through, but not quite. Summit temperatures were around -4 degrees and there was not a breath of wind. All rather eerie! I parked at the top of the Glen Coe valley (see map below for the peaks).

The views were superb in every direction. The hulk of Ben Nevis was easily identifiable and out to sea various islands could be seen. Further north looked buried in snow and felt like Greenland!

On top of each of the three summits I climbed, I sat and stared…. It was like saying hello to a bunch of old friends that I’d not seen for years. Wonderful. And all with great memories…

It seemed like a lifetime ago that I was up here gaining my qualifications in the Escort Van!

Lot’s of repeat photos, but the light kept changing, which made the views look different.

I stayed on the furthest peak for ages, watching the sun track across the sky. I was pleased that I still felt like I’d got some good hill fitness after a few weeks on a Greek Island! It was tricky conditions as the snow was deep but with a breakable crust. I was happy someone else had already broken trail!

I bumped in to a friend from North Wales as I descended the ridge, so we walked back to the cars together, which made for a nice finish to the hike. Next stop was Fort William – as I drove away, the hills glowed pink in the sun set. Magic! (but doesn’t look so good in the photos!

Lower in Glen Coe I was surprised at the lack of snow. The crags up high had plenty though.

I’m here for a few days now at a conference for the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, and over the next few days, I get to be the student for a change, as I do some peer led CPD courses and updates!