Decided to get some pre-winter fitness in so quick run up Curved Ridge, not a soul about, no one up top, it was great. Now in 27 years of mountaineering I have never been up/down the main path on the Buachaille but decided to come down it today. Those of you who know it will know that it is a major highway, a very clear path. When getting near the bottom I heard this American voice shout out ' Am I on the right path to the top?'. Thinking I had misheard what she said I waited until I got nearer to her and said 'Sorry, I missed what you said'. Again: 'Am I on the right path to the top?' I asked her where she was going and she pointed up the way and said she was going to the top. I asked if she had a map... 'No', she said. She then pointed randomly upwards and said 'Am I better going to the left or to the right?' I said 'No, just stay on this path and you'll get there'. 

As I left her I pondered whether I had a right to be critical of her as I went up Curved Ridge without a hat on and some would say you should have a hat on. I forgot my map and compass at home, so definitely from a H&S point bad move. I also forgot my food down in the car, so maybe I was not in a good position to pass comment. 

But then I thought 'God damn no' (in an American accent). What I should have done was ask her if she were a Clinton or Trump supporter and then depending on her answer would have determined my expert guidance!