,Huge excitement this weekend - we conquered our first two Munros in Scotland! Ben Vorlich and Stuc à Chroin. Our good friend, Maria, initially inspired us to take up hill-walking. She introduced us to our first (tiny) hill in Scotland a few years ago - Cockleroy near Linlithgow. So, it was only fitting that our first experience of Munro-Bagging would be with her. Maria and Jenni were great company and expert guides. Steep(ish) in places and the highest of the two Munros, Ben Vorlich was an easier, although longer climb. Stuc a' Chroin proved to be a challenge...and a real sense of achievement! Maria and Jenni paused to study Stuc a' Chroin as we began our descent from Ben Vorlich. Two available routes - a steep path through the grass to the right or a more difficult scramble straight up craggy face of 'The Prow'. The moment Jenni and Maria said, "We have a decision to make and now is the time to voice any concerns you might have...", we knew that this might be our most difficult ascent to date! Our response indicated that we were willing to have a go. Until you try something, you really do not have an idea of whether you can achieve it.. Halfway up The Prow, an un-mapped path, appeared to the left. Still steep and exposed, but not the scramble over the boulders. All was going well. Confidence levels were good. We stopped to take photos and remove a clothing layer. Off we set. I (Lynne) was now in front of Andrew and leading the way. Possibly a mistake. Definitely a mistake! Head down, focusing on hand-holds and foot-holds, I took the wrong route and strayed from the rough path at about 3000ft whilst heading up The Prow...onto loose rock! Confidence suddenly disappeared. Fear set in. There didn't seem to be any secure rocks. I will admit to panicking slightly. Andrew immediately said he was coming to help. I yelled, "Don't you touch me, don't you dare touch me!". Andrew remained calm, guided me back and then took over the lead at my request. Such a relief to reach the summit. Such an achievement. Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!! Learned and/or Affirmed:
0 Comments
|
AuthorWe are Lynne and Andrew from Single Steps Learning. Our love of learning and exploring has inspired us to take up 'hill-walking'. We hope to progress from novice to expert! This is our journey. Archives
December 2016
Categories
All
|