Inverted World - Latest Comments

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:51:08 -0000

Thanks Paul. Yes, it was that good sort of weather where you get dramatic skies but really fantastic views. It snowed, sleeted and hailed but pretty much every time it did that I was in the tent!

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:50:34 -0000

Thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed the report. Yes, that connecting ridge is an interesting one. It is listed as a Grade 1 scramble in the books but the bit I found was definitely a bit more serious than that. However, it should be noted that I could have retreated and found a bypass route as the slopes off to the south were steep but grassy. I think using this as a section of TGOC route would be great - you are getting into some fantastic landscapes.

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:05:15 -0000

Cheers Fraser! Yes, the benefit of all this cold weather is the amazing clarity in the air. You could see for miles and miles (as long as there wasn't a snow shower in the way!) Scrambling is definitely a little less fun with a camping sack but I enjoyed it all nonetheless and there are gentler (though less direct) ways up and down all these hills if the big drops aren't your thing.

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:59:22 -0000

Thanks very much Davy. I can't recommend these hills highly enough and there are lots of options for linking the hills and lochs together as well as a couple of (reputedly) fine bothies.

My pack is a trusty Osprey Talon 33. I'm just about at the limit of its capacity with 3 days worth of food but it is such a comfy pack I'm struggling to commit to getting something bigger!

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Davy Wright — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:23:27 -0000

As I expected nothing short of stunning. Amazing pictures and great commentary. Included my favourite things: scrambling, ridges and (a little) snow.

I will be trying to plan this route in at some point in the near future. Your TR is being forwarded to my walker buds as a proposal, it will sell itself.

What pack was that you had?

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Fraser — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:54:12 -0000

Outstanding Nick. Some superb conditions by the look of it.

A great primer for anyone heading to this area too. I'm a bit of a mountain pansy, vertigo steers me clear of big drops, so respect for getting on with it!

I'm off to pour myself a glass of meths.

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Martin Rye — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:05:32 -0000

A wonderful route and report. Photos superb. One to read again for me. Lurg Mhor ridge on the OS map seems ok. But it seems it is a bit of a challenge. I had thought of going over there on the 06 TGOC. One for another time. Like maybe next year on it. Thanks Nick. I shall be back.

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

FootprintsAcrossScotland — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:27:32 -0000

Superb Nick.
Looks like you had an stunning few days with a nice mix of weather.
Loads of stunning photos and great read.
Cheers Paul

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Paul / iomadh — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:15:12 -0000

A great trip report and fantastic photos. Despite knowing you were back safe writing up this report, my heart raced when reading about the ridge walks and pinnacles

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

Geoff Edwards — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:14:22 -0000

It looked a looked great trip Nick.

Super photographs, some sun, a few clouds and a sprinkling of snow, really makes the mountains look spectacular!.

Re: Backpacking The Attadale Hills (slowly)

KathleenmcGovern — Sun, 13 May 2012 10:31:14 -0000

Stunning photos Nick and really enjoyed reading your report - although felt a bit dizzy when reading about the scarier moments! Kx

Re: A Few Thoughts On Geograph and Wild Camping

Fraser — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:50:25 -0000

It's a brilliant resource and one I've used a few times for scouting out potential pitches ahead of a trip. Disappointing to hear the funding has been cut, I hope the community over there can come up with a solution.

Re: A Few Thoughts On Geograph and Wild Camping

DavidHine — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:45:43 -0000

I've also found this really useful! Don't think I'd pay a subs for it, though

Re: A Few Thoughts On Geograph and Wild Camping

Welford Observatory — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:03:21 -0000

This sounds quite useful Nick - thanks for sharing it. I would think some of the stunning photographs you take will be useful additions to the archive.
David

Re: A Few Thoughts On Geograph and Wild Camping

Martin Rye — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:38:22 -0000

I shall check that out in depth. Helpful. Yet I still like the surprise and challenge of finding a spot to camp.

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:49:11 -0000

Thanks to everyone for the comments regarding the photos. It was the first time out in the mountains with my new lens (a Canon 17-40 f/4 L) and I think the quality of the glass really shows through. I'm looking forward to using it more and more in the coming months (though it is a bit weighty for long backpacking trips!).

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:46:45 -0000

You're doomed, doomed! Yes, 122 is getting along to half way. I have some grand plans for this year which should hopefully see a few big trips with highish hauls of Munros! Not that I'm a bagger... ;-)

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:44:53 -0000

Thanks Paul - I love the views from all of these hills - they really are picturebook mountains, especially with the caps of snow. I try and avoid doing long drives for single days on the hill but the weather and other plans at home weren't conducive to getting away overnight this time.

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Nick Bramhall — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:43:12 -0000

Thanks Mark. Ha! A good question :-) Actually, when I'm on my own I walk way too fast unless I have something to distract myself - the views and photographing them are the perfect way to slow down and appreciate the moment.

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

markswalkingblog — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:30:40 -0000

Great looking trip there. An amazing number of photos you take. How do you find the time to get the walking in?!

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

FootprintsAcrossScotland — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:37:33 -0000

A fine round Nick, I remember enjoying the views over to Ben Lui when I did it but great vistas all around as your photos show.
I also recall the drop and re-ascent onto Ben Challum as a bit intimidating, but didn't have any problems.
A fine walk, although a bit of a drive for a day trip but well worth it by the looks of things!
Paul

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Gareth — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:33:31 -0000

Some lovely photos as always Nick, Looks like we can't write off Winter just yet......

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Davy Wright — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:00:50 -0000

Leaving the flask is a nightmare and it just makes you want tea even more! I'm sure the tea in Crainlarich made up for it.

The pictures are unsurprisingly stunning. Thanks for sharing.

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

Joe Newton — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:17:11 -0000

Jaw dropping images Nick.

Re: A Hint of Winter on Ben Challuim

David Lintern — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:24:06 -0000

Agree with Chris, but these are especially good! you've reminded me to pack the axe for tomorrow. 122 eh - about half way then, more or less? I swore I wouldn't do it but the inevitable happened and I succumbed to buying a Harveys Munro chart!