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Long Leaches, Ben Alder,
Scotland
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Grade: 3 (optional grade 1
escape)
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The North ridge of Ben Alder provides
scrambles of low grade providing quick, easy, access to this
fine summit. The east ridge is known as the Short Leachas,
whilst the north east continuation of the north ridge is the
Long Leachas. On a traditional approach from Culra Bothy and
the North this provides the first scrambling option and easy
ascent to this isolated peak between Dalwhinnie and
Corrour.
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Equipment: Rope, slings
optional.
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Online Map link
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Views: 4
Technicality: 3
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR* 2
*out of
five.
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Approach The best approach is from the North East and Culra
Bothy, where an overnight stay gives the opportunity of an early
start. Shortly after the confluence of the Allt a' Bhealaich Dhuibh
and the Allt a' Bhealaich Beithe a ford provides a crossing point to
the ridge almost directly to the south.
Ben Alder from Culra Both by Richard Kermode -
OM
album
Route Start up the obvious pronounced ridge with a walk over a
series of minor tops, picking out isolated short sections of rock
where possible. Around 2500ft you encounter a steep band of broken
rock with an obvious wide crack just left of centre.
And looking back towards Culra by James Cassidy - OM
album
This is the section that makes an otherwise grade 1 scramble a
grade 3. Take the crack up the centre of the wall to easier ground
along the crest leading to a col.
Walk along the ridge to another short wall where a mixture of
steps and short pulls up outcrops leads to a series of boulders. The
ridge temporarily narrows as you approach another small col then pull
back up again over boulders.
A series of pinnacles provides a little excitement before a final
section of more boulders and isolated short faces deposits you on the
summit plateau of Ben Alder.
Descent The easiest return is via the Short Leachas, or East
Spur of the North Ridge. This is a grade 1 scramble with no
particular difficulties, leading back to the Allt a' Bhealaich
Beithe, from where you can retrace your inward approach.
Caution Scrambling is
potentially dangerous and, particularly at the higher grades,
requires technical skills and equipment to minimise the risk. We
suggest that you take professional instruction or climb with an
experienced partner.
Accuracy All routes have been pre-walked or
scrambled, however mountain terrain is by its nature changeable, so
bear in mind that some features such as bridges and roads may change
over time.
