A RAMSAY RECCE

With an attempt looming and just the long stretch to link Beinn na Lap with The Mamores left to recce, I can't say it's feeling any easier!

In The Mountains are Calling, Jonny Muir wrote of Bill Williamson, who, with successful Bob Graham and Paddy Buckley rounds behind him, was stopped three times on the Ramsay. His fourth attempt fared better but was still outside the 24hr limit. As Muir put it: ‘What did he have to do to be a Ramsayist?’

The answer apparently began with 500m hill reps on the roughest line he could find on Great Borne above Ennerdale.

With the number of Ramsay recces I have completed approaching double figures, I am beginning to understand why. The ascent of Sgurr Eilde Mor was a particular low point.

In fact, until this trip, I was set on a clockwise attempt, primarily so as not to finish with a descent of The Ben. Having made the climbs of both Sgurr Eilde Mor and Stob Coire Easain on the approach to Loch Treig going clockwise, I'm less convinced.

That first section of The Mamores (running clockwise) felt hard and slow. Once over Binnien Mor it is easier to pick up the pace. If I do go clockwise, and if I make it that far, I'll be confident of finishing. There is a long way to go before then.

As an aside, the image of Spinks Ridge, seen here in profile from across Glen Nevis, will be of interest to those unfamiliar with the line – it is not as steep or difficult as it looks, and to my mind is preferable to the gully.