A J Thorley Mountaineering: Triple Buttresses of Beinn Eighe 5th July 2012

Triple Buttresses (945 603) of Beinn Eighe is something that I have wanted to climb for many, many years. The weather was perfect and we decided to go for it.

An early morning view of Liathach 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We started our approach from the car park located at 958 568, close to the Ling Hut (958 562). We then followed the footpath north and then gradually turning north east inbetween Liathach and Beinn Eighe and
then turning south into Coire Mhic Fhearchair (945 605). This walk in proved to be very gentle, pleasant and a memory that will last for a long time.

The northern corries of Liathach 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The views of the northern corries of Liathach were amazing. Continuing our walk into the mouth of Coire Mhic Fhearchair, then looking north towards Baosbheinn (870 654) and Beinn an Eoin (905 646), the views just got better.

Baosbheinn & Beinn an Eoin from Coire Mhic Fhearchair 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

It was almost a three hour walk in, but finally the Triple Buttresses came into view. Lunch time was declared and with changing weather, East Buttress D*** was the chosen route.

The Triple Buttresses of Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

This was my first visit to Coire Mhic Fhearchair and it does not disappoint. The grandeur of the surrounding scenery is absolutely amazing and almost hypnotic.

Iain high up on the 1st pitch of East Buttress D***, Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Our original plan was to climb the sandstone tier up to the quartzite tier. The rumblings of thunder in the distance changed our plans and we decided to traverse into the beginning of our climb.

Me on the 2nd pitch of East Buttress D***, Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Once at the start of the climb, we got going with haste. The rumbling of thunder was now getting louder and lightening was now streaking the sky.

Me on the 3rd pitch of East Buttress D***, Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The climbing itself was not difficult and once started the climbing proved to be very enjoyable and in such an amphitheatre with the added atmosphere of huge thunder storms surrounding us.

Iain the happy belayer, East Buttress D***, Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Luckily all the rain missed us, even though we could see sheets of rain behind us!

Iain high up on the final pitch of East Buttress D***, Beinn Eighe 05/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We topped out around 6:30 to witness spectacular views of Beinn Eighe (966 597 & 951 611) and Liathach (929 580 & 912 577), still totally shocked that the weather missed us.