The search for winter - pt 2

Following an unsatisfying 2 hrs on more rotten ice at Kinlochleven, I made the decision to concentrate on mountain days for my ML so we headed to Glenshiel and the south ridge. After a good couple of hours up the ridge to Creag Mhiam we emerged onto the summit and ferocious side winds and wind chill. I cud see that the ridge narrowed to an exposed rocky scramble just prior to the next peak which didn't look good as Julie was already struggling to keep on her feet. We battled on in the hope that as we rounded the corrie the wind may have lessened or changed direction but as we got close I could see it wouldn't and took the decision to retreat at that point - disappointing but the right decision and we were treated to the sight of a couple of ptarmigan in full winter plumage and a small herd of red deer on the descent. The week then finished off back at Glencoe with a circuit of the Ballachullish horseshoe via school house ridge - a solo effort this, as Julie had by now succumbed to a cold - and I was treated to the best weather of the week, great viz, sunshine and moderate winds and a really satisfying day out with a range of conditions underfoot including a couple of spicy bits on the ascent ridge :-) I'm back up in Scotland next week-end with some mates from the Alps last year and predictably the conditions look very unpromising so watch this space for part 3 !