Mountaineering Safety: An Teallach Traverse

🧗Scottish HighlandsadvancedBest: Winter (February peak conditions); avoid summer midges
Mountaineering Safety: An Teallach Traverse safety guide

About This Route

An Teallach's full traverse covers Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill (1082m) to Sgurr Fiona (1060m) via Lord Berkeley's Seat, a Grade III quartzite adventure in Dundonnell Forest. Park at Shenavall Bothy (NH187878), 8-10 hours. Fisherfield's remoteness tests endurance. Story: 2023 rescuers airlifted dehydrated pair lacking headtorches.

Safety Considerations

SAIS warns of powder avalanches in Corrag Bhuidhe. Stags rut aggressively October. MWIS predicts 60mph gusts. Skills: V-diff leading, avalanche transceiver training (CAIC). Hygiene: Trowel for catholes.

Essential Gear

Koflach boots, Kahtoola microspikes (summer), Black Diamond Raven axe, CAMP Speed helmet, Sterling 9.8mm rope, cams (BD C4), avalanche beacon (BCA Tracker).

Emergency Tips

Avalanche burial: Transceiver search pattern. Benighted: Bothy at NH187878. 999 grid NH190890.

Remote Fisherfield mastery via evidence-based advice.

Essential Gear

  • Black Diamond Raven axe
  • CAMP Speed helmet
  • BCA Tracker beacon
  • BD C4 cams
  • Kahtoola microspikes

Key Hazards

  • Remote avalanches
  • Quartzite verglas
  • Rut-season stags
  • Powder snow whiteouts

Emergency Tips

No signal: Headlamp to Shenavall Bothy NH187878. Injury: Improv splint, PLB activate. Follow SAIS partner rescue.

Tags

  • Mountaineering
  • Scottish Highlands
  • Fisherfield
  • Remote Mountaineering
  • Stag Rut Safety