To stand on top of Ben Nevis at that early hour, in bright sunlight on such a day, was a great privilege. There was no one else to be seen and we relished the unusual isolation. We lingered for quite a while to admire the view and photograph some fine cornices above Coire Leis before retracing our steps down to the beginning of the Carn Mor Dearg arete.

As the arete was clear of snow, the rock dry and by this time sun-warmed, we swung along quite well, taking the odd photo as we went, to reach the summit by about 11 am. There we stopped for refreshments whilst contemplating a challenge to come. The way up to the Aonachs looks very steep and intimidating from here.

The first part of the rocky descent down to the col between Allt Coire Giubsachan and Allt Daim is delightfully easy, but lower down, as often at this time of year, the best way was covered with thawing snow. We were obliged to slow down and pick our way as best we could. Half way down the slope, I took time off to try photographing a fine male ptarmigan. He seemed very bold, probably, as we later discovered, because his mate was hiding behind the boulder Paul had chosen to sit on!