Veteran Paisley Buddies and extreme climbers John and Sheila undertook an audacious traverse of the fearsome Aonach Eagach on Saturday. Without ropes, the intrepid couple inched their way along the 3km knife-edge which overlooks enormous drops on both sides. Maybe not quite a Touching the Void story but scary enough. There are two Munros contained within the ridge and these summits were included in the traverse. Under a hot sun and facing a light breeze the couple, having gained the ridge at Am Bodach, negotiated the infamous Chancellor without incident to secure the first Munro, Meall Dearg. The next stretch, The Pinnacles, presented one or two "moments". At one stage, Sheila, who was leading had to retreat for a lack of handholds (she is quite wee after all). Later, composure completely restored, she saw the only way down a tricky descent leading her future husband to safety. The second Munro, Sgurr nam Fiannaidh, came almost as an anti-climax after so much vertigo inducing activity. Sheila is pictured there with Ben Nevis as a backdrop. A long, long, knee-wrenching descent down the loose scree of the Clachaig Gulley brought the Buddies back to terra firma after a thrilling day on the hill. A shaken John, father of three and also a grandparent was later to be seen in the Clachaig Inn clutching a large glass of Amber Fluid while his fellow climber calmly undertook some maintenance on the terrace as the last of the rays disappeared behind Ballachulish.
