Bidein Bad na h-Iolaire

Bidein Bad na h-Iolaire - GM/WS-293 - 528m - NN115708 - 2 points
QSOs: 40 CW - 2, 30m CW - 1, 2m FM - 2, 6m SSB - 1, 40m SSB - 1

28th August 2004

This is a very pleasant hill with good views of Ben Nevis (right, photo from a previous failed activation attempt) and quite accessible from Glen Nevis. From the Youth Hostel gain the forest track that is the West Highland way and follow it to the stile at NN124705. Turn right and steeply up the hillside to where the fences join. Cross and strike out for the steep but fairly friendly summit slopes. About 1 hr 20mins. A mountain bike would significantly reduce this.

I was experiementing with antennas and their position on the hill and know I was operating sub-optimally most of the time so sorry to Mark, M0DEV and any others who were waiting. I was calling, honest! I managed to work GB4TFC (Town & Country Fair, Stomeleigh) on 40m CW & SSB again and had my first 6m qso with Robin, PKT using the 30m dipole (perfect match). Thanks also to MM3PDM on 2m. LX1KC & G3DUZ were also worked with some difficulty on HF CW. I think I also worked an SN6 but it was one of those super-short/super-fast contest QSOs and I couldn't say with total certainly it was me he worked!

Due to frequent heavy showers and strong winds I was also experiementing with the optimum operating position inside the bivibag!

Picture below shows this hill from the other side, taken a few days later on Ben na Gucaig. Ben Nevis is in the clouds on the right.

Comments

[larry]

i admire your courage with mountain topping.. larya@roges.com