Summit photograph on Sgurr Nan Gillean

Summit photograph on Sgurr Nan Gillean, Cuillin Ridge, Skye The obligatory summit photo: self, Dave Beer, and Peter Clarkson.

We didn't stay posed for long. Now it was a race down to 'The Slig', the pub at Sligachan where we intended to savour our conquest over a pint and something - anything - with chips.

But it was not to be. By the time we got there, the Slig had stopped serving food. But all was not lost. A friend with a car was due to arrive shortly to take us back to Glen Brittle. Waiting was not too arduous - the Slig had only run out of food, not beer.

Then a wild drive through the Scottish night across unfenced roads to a distant pub that was open and still served food. Something with chips never tasted so good. Especially with all the beer. Everyone needs rehydrating after a good climb.