An Teallach

alexander rae wrote (see)

 
IMG_6455 by hairypeatcutter, on Flickr  (Photo above Sgurr Fiona)

I was wondering what it was like on the paths in the above photo,( taken the other   day ) looks steep, but perhaps not as bad as it looks .I've had a look from the Sail Liath and didnt fancy going any further , is there a path along the ridge in the photo below which is just a bit further round from the top photo.

 
An Teallach Sgurr Creag an Eich by hairypeatcutter, on Flickr

Is there a path along the ridge above ?, hopefully not above a severe drop .

I think that's what we traversed in Feb, with slighly dodgy snow covering the paths. Pretty steep - my mate got blackened toes from step kicking.  We had a few interesting moments...  Have done it in snow-free conditions too and it's ok, but there are various routes you can take.  Cracking mountain! 

Of course, some are more comfortable with steep slopes and exposure than others.  It's not for nowt that it's considered mainland Britain's most serious mountain...

I think your chances of avoiding steep slopes is zilch!  But do pick a good day - it's a serious mountain but one to be enjoyed to the full.  There are few to equal its location and grandeur.  In Feb we did it from Shenaval, got back about 9.30 but we did pause in the moonlight a bit. The last, main descent was completed at dusk.

 A long day - and that followed another on the hils to the south - and that followed a nearly 700 mile drive overnight and walk-in!  It has to be one of the very best bits ofthe British Isles. 

rob dixon 3 wrote (see)

I think your chances of avoiding steep slopes is zilch!  

We were lucky in Feb, great weather, so too our traverse in May 3 - 4 years ago.  I think it would have been extremely interesting if the weather had been dodgy on our Feb trip - the snow was not in good condition on the west facing slopes as we headed north, but very much harder once we turned NW.  Crampons went on then, but would not have helped much before, too soft.  And that was the problem - and it masked any paths.  Trying to find a decent route in clag would have been fun - and made an even longer day!  I guess you'll go clockwise?  Just keep left of any difficulties.

We tried to do the traverse in Feb 3 - 4 years ago too, but whilst there was minimal snow, everything above about 850m was covered in verglas.  Just a thin layer, on every surface.  We had two inexperienced people in our group of four so abandoned the idea.  The next day saw us on the hills to the south, which we abandoned after more or less crawling to the top.  The heavens opened and didn't stop for 2 days and we were lucky to get back across the river to the bothy. Serious floods!

winter walk to Shenaval 2010     

There were some nice clear frosty/snowy days this winter.

I thought I would go up from behind the 2 houses at the end of the straight at Dundonnell next time when I go up to have a look at the below.

alexander rae wrote (see)

 
An Teallach Sgurr Creag an Eich by hairypeatcutter, on Flickr

The first time i was in the Shenavall area the water in the burns came up overnight about 9inch, it had been dry and sunny for the previous 2 weeks .

I may go up to where the above photo was taken ( on one of the paths ) if it was snowy and calm as I am sure the photos would be great, only have micro spikes though , although I realise the paths may not be visable, it's not too steep till you get further round.

Alexander An Teallach needs a lot of care and studying of the terrain as there are lots of awkward sections. You could easily get into difficulty if you don't look ahead. Keeping as close to the ridge is the best bet although there is a scramble that way. You should have a head for heights as I was once taking a group across and one chap opted out before he even started on the ridge, just viewing whatt was ahead put him off. Fantastic mountain with awesome views. Worth doing if you think you could cope.

Slainte

Lindsay

Thanks Lindsay, I may go up and have a look and if I dont think much of it I won't go any further, I was impressed with the views that I got and it's even better when it is laid out in front of you in a real panorama, I would have thought when the air is clear on a cool/ frosty day it would be a cracking view .

edit, i didn't go any further over than the trig point when I was there on that last wander, I went up Sail Liath on another visit but didnt go any further than that.

alexander rae wrote (see)

An Teallach vider clip

oops, should be Video Clip , these things take ages to upload .

No, not yet, I was getting my peat in, I will go up and have a look and perhaps go further when I see it later in the week or next week, the clip was from the last time I was up there and took the photos.

other clips from the area

but they are only a few from An Teallach, I have a few more to add ( they're not of An Teallach either )