Saturday 24 August 2024
After careful planning, Scott, Chris and I decided that the August bank holiday weekend would be a great time to attempt climbing the In Pinn. That was possibly wrong.
We set off from Dundee to a dreadful weather forecast of rain and high winds and unfortunately, this time, it was correct. However, we would have a weather window on Saturday morning which could just about allow us to climb the Pinn.
The heavens opened just as we were putting up the tent at Sligachan Campsite, but we managed and whilst we were absolutely soaked, thankfully, the tent remained dry all weekend.
The next day we set off early to meet Matt, our guide and started walking at 6.30 am. We made good time, but decided early on that any plans other than the In Pinn were not realistic today. Arriving at the base, visibility was practically zero – which was good for some members of the team who are not so comfortable with heights, but disappointing for me. Chris had seen it all before as this was his 5th (!) ascent and wasn’t bothered either way. Also, the dismal weather meant that we were the only group climbing that day, which made the whole undertaking a little more relaxed. Matt climbed up and Scott got to go first to successfully bag the Inaccessible Pinnacle! Then Chris and I followed as a team. There were some minor issues, like me nearly kicking Chris in the face, but we also summitted and abseiled down successfully.
Celebrating in the Old Inn in Carbost was in order, followed by pub dinner, after which we retreated to a cold tent.
Despite having some vague plans about what to do the next day, I must admit that when I was lying in my cosy sleeping bag listening to the rain outside, I already decided that precisely nothing was going to happen on Sunday! Thankfully, my companions agreed and instead of more hill walking, we had a lovely breakfast in Port Tree, after which we started the trek back to Dundee.
Out-standing achievements this weekend:
- Scott having no problems with the height/exposure.
- Chris finding something to eat on the menu in the café in Port Tree.
- Me not losing fingers to frost bite.
- A whole bottle of Port making it back to Dundee unopened.
Great weekend, guys, thank you very much!
P.S. Chris is asking everybody to remind him not to do this again.
P.P.S. Scott is missing a pair of trousers.
- Report by Heinke
