There’s been very little snow this winter, so this week’s cold temperatures and snowfall have been very welcome. And today, we had one of those rare winter days: when fine, cold, snowy-sunny weather falls on a weekend. No gales, good visibility, sun, powder sno,w and ice.
Ben Challum can be climbed from the A85 just north of Crianlach. It was -2c when we set off from the layby, and there was ice and fresh powdery snow in Glen Fillan. We got onto the open hill near Kirkton Farm. Once over the railway line, the ascent is pretty straightforward, up south-facing, easy, easy-angled slopes. Higher up, there was quite a lot of ice and some big snow drifts, but nothing too arduous or technical.
The views from the summit ridge were wonderful. Snowy mountains in all directions, lit by January sun. It was a day to linger on the summits and enjoy the view and the simple enjoyment that comes from walking on snow and ice in crampons. Hopefully, there will be many more Saturdays as good as this one this winter.
