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OS 1:50 000 Sheet 10 : NC596501 |
http://www.sub3000.com-> Baggers Album ->Scotland->16b->Stumanadh
Ben Hiel from the east.
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The upper slopes were fun, new snow on slabs. There was some very interesting optional scrambling available.
The peak in the background is Sgurr Chaonasaid, the spectacular end of Ben Loyal. |
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| The rest of Ben Loyal. |
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| The summit. |
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The other 'Loyal Companion' Cnoc nan Cuilean. No view in Sutherland is complete without Klibreck (distance) |
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Map:
Ben
Hiel
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On its eastern flank Ben Loyal is butressed by two very fine steep hills. The northern one is Ben Hiel, usually a short deviation from an ascent of the parent hill. Today however deep snow made it a fine objective in itself and it gave a sporting ascent. Ben Loyal is made from a syenite, similar to the hills in Lofoten, that yardstick range for spikeyness. The similarities are there, even to the vast quantities of lichen on the rock. Slabs were covered in snow, a quick probe with the axe paid dividends. A good place to practice winter skills in a non serious environment. |
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