Author Topic: Ring of Steall conditions  (Read 3742 times)

Robnolan

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Ring of Steall conditions
« on: 22:04:26, 26/12/16 »
Can anyone tell me what the conditions on the Steall are like at the moment.

sparnel

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #1 on: 18:22:27, 27/12/16 »
Hi Rob  -  I think there will be snow on the tops of the big hills. I would be prepared for winter condx.
Assuming you are going in the next few days............

Robnolan

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #2 on: 20:02:10, 27/12/16 »
Hi. Good to hear from you. My son is off to Glencoe this week for some pre Winter ML training and he mentioned he was going to do the RofS. I reacted as most parents would, and went ultra cautious!

domtheone

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #3 on: 20:37:34, 27/12/16 »
Gotta be an ultra toughie in Winter conditions that.

Was an absolute monster when we did it and that was back in the Summer!
If they don't like you going out, they'll love you coming in!

*Money back guarantee does not cover for **** weather!

Owen

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #4 on: 21:24:56, 27/12/16 »

SAIS Lochaber blog, Looks likely to be turning warm, wet and windy over the next few days.

http://lochaberblog.sais.gov.uk/2016/12/almost-clear-on-the-summits/

midweekmountain

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #5 on: 09:40:15, 29/12/16 »
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Good snow conditions on the Ring of Steall


The ring of Steall in winter conditions is one of the UK's great walks, the important thing is to get the snow in good condition, which favours later in the year when things have consolidated.

If you look at the (UKC) UK winter conditions page................ there are only 2 entries on Ben Nevis and 4 entries on Coire an t'Sneachda (in all scotland this winter to date) If conditions were good there would be dozens of entries every day over the xmas holidays.

Reading between the lines I don't think conditions are very good at the moment BUT WTF do I know....

« Last Edit: 17:12:01, 29/12/16 by midweekmountain »

Mel

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #6 on: 12:22:23, 29/12/16 »
Are the conditions like that there this week MWM (as per the OP's question)?


mananddog

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #7 on: 14:01:29, 29/12/16 »
I have done it a couple of times and found it easier with more snow on it not less. In lean conditions sections get verglassed and there are a couple of steps which are much easier if you have some snow to kick in to.

Having said that it is not any harder than the Aonach Eagach (in fact easier IMO).

High winds and soft snow would be awkward.

midweekmountain

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #8 on: 14:25:14, 29/12/16 »
Are the conditions like that there this week MWM (as per the OP's question)?

Have answered OP's question
« Last Edit: 17:22:20, 29/12/16 by midweekmountain »

Mel

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #9 on: 15:18:12, 29/12/16 »
Can anyone tell me what the conditions on the Steall are like at the moment.
.. My son is off to Glencoe this week ...

Good snow conditions on the Ring of Steall in March..........................

My mistake, I did not realise we were in March already  ::)


Are you Llandudnoboy?


Robnolan

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #10 on: 19:37:52, 29/12/16 »
Thanks. He's off to Glencoe this weekend. Not sure how March got involved! Originally he was going on his own, but now he's going with his mate.

He has lots of experience and a qualified Mountain Instructor, but I still think some routes should not be attempted solo unless you've done the route before or its the middle of summer!

sparnel

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #11 on: 13:19:48, 02/01/17 »
Rob  -   was wondering how your son enjoyed Glencoe and if he did the Ring of Steall? Was he hostelling/camping or luxury B&Bing?  Weather here today is good again but likely with snow showers on the hills.

Robnolan

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #12 on: 20:14:21, 02/01/17 »
Hi Bill

I've just spoken to him. He did the Steal yesterday. He did it was a good day, but also a hard one. He's done a few trips in the Alps so its well within his capability.

I think he stayed in a hostel, but he's always a bit sketchy on those details. I wouldn't be surprised if he slept in his car!

Hope to get to Glencoe myself this year again. See you soon.


sparnel

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #13 on: 21:11:17, 02/01/17 »
Hi Rob  -  glad he managed the Steall traverse. I've never it in one go; only parts of it. It's quite an undertaking. Did manage a walk of around 6 miles couple of days ago - good to get out in the wintry air!
My son was involved in that rescue in the Cairngorms last night/this morning. Said it was quite an involved search b4 they found the couple. It ended ok thank goodness.................hope to see you in this neck of the woods sometime this year.

Robnolan

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Re: Ring of Steall conditions
« Reply #14 on: 22:18:43, 02/01/17 »
Hi Bill. I read about the Cairngorm rescue. They are very lucky. I'm off to the same area in March, hopefully the conditions will be ok. I think my son will also be in the area having just completed his Winter ML course, so he can look after his dad for a change!

 

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