I turned up to Ott car park at 4am. Low cloud and heavy rain. Waited for a hour debating and hoping things would clear. Rain eased cloud cover stayed. I went.
Got on great until had nightmare trying to find Finlieve, in cloud, wind and rain. Was literally on my knees and about to give up, when after saying a wee prayer, the clouds opened up to reveal Finlieve to my right. Got it, realised missed the rise too. Compass bearing… got it.
Took another bearing for Muck. Thought was saving time, took a different line as clouds cleared and could see muck. But my line took down a very precarious steep slope and cost me valuable time. After lots of cursing, this was about 9:00-9:30pm, sky’s cleared sun came out and whole day was clear.
No problems ticking off rest of mountains. Good line off Ben Crom, having taken bad line on my first attempt. Up Binnian and over to Binnian East, which I had missed on my first attempt… hence this why doing second attempt, three weeks later. Was lovely sunny day. No navigation issues rest of day. Had low point heading to Crossone, from Rocky and heading up that steep side from Crossone up Donard.
Called my partner, worried might be longer than I thought. She reassured me that was ok and to get on with it. “You’re doing great”. This really helped me. And texts from friends too. Encouraging me on.
Once up that, sailed to finish back at Ott car park where my family was waiting to welcome me back and congratulate me. This was on 6 July 2024. Better late than never. Time 17hrs 27mins.
https://maps.suunto.com/move/noelcarr730/6689c4e111d5a870d2a42e59
