Go Mountain Goats

On Saturday 8th April it was fantastic summery weather and the hills were all but free of snow following the mild winter. I've run the Mamores Round twice before, as well as done it several times as part of longer linkups. Previously I'd clocked in at just over 7hrs, so was fairly sure I could get it under that. At least. Setting off from Achriabhach at noon I decided to run clockwise, therefore getting the long runnable section done on fresh legs - I ran up the road and through to Steall Ruin. Onward to the summit of Binnein Beag I was pleased to get there in around 1hr 12mins. Knowing the route pretty well made for a fairly stress free journey, keeping eating and drinking and taking in the views. I only touched snow on a handful of times, never more than a few strides to cross small patches. Looking to Binnein Beag from the slopes below Sgurr Eilde Mor As I ran I felt pretty strong and started doing some sums from my Tranter splits to see if sub-6hrs was do-able. ...

Today I did this link that I've had my eye on for a while. The weather was stunning and it was great to be out on the Ben. Looking up towards No. 5 Gully etc I came up with the idea while looking at the Ben Nevis guidebook and realising that there aren't that many Grade 1's on the Ben! I had a look at the UKC Logbook list too and amalgamated the two. Not much info out there about Arch Gully, on Carn Dearg Summit Buttresses - quite cool with a big chockstone. My Route: Start North Face car park Up No. 5 Gully Down Colando Gully Up Arch Gully Down No. 4 Gully Up No. 3 Gully Down Tower Gully Up East Gully of Douglas Boulder Down West Gully of Douglas Boulder Finish North Face car park I didn't include CMD Arete as I think you can argue that its not really 'on' the Ben. 2hrs 51mins 08secs 16.8km ?1677m ascent Under the chockstone in Arch Gully On the plateau Looking down Tower Gully Looking back up Tower Gully Observa...

My video from last year's trip got its 'premiere' at the Ski Night of Fort William Mountain Festival in February Video at: https://vimeo.com/195288221 "In March 2016, 4 British ski mountaineers set off from Menton on the Cote du Azur and headed for the snow! In 7hrs we reached it, and in 7 days we had travelled over 130 miles to reach Aiguilles in the Queyras. Next year we plan to return and continue this journey, following a route along the Grand Alpine Arc. Our hope is to continue returning over several years, finishing eventually at the other end of the Alps in Vienna"