On Tuesday I was shadowing Rich, leading a group of seven clients in the Inver Alligin gorge on a beautiful sunny day. There was a flow of water in the river, which made it quite exciting but nothing to the excitement at the end of the route. We were approaching the bridge at the get out point when Rich spotted a lamb stuck half-way up the side of the gorge. This usually requires the local Mountain Rescue Team and their ropes.

However Rich and I came to the decision he would lead the group out and I would attempt a rescue the lamb. I approached it slowly and as it had nowhere else to go I managed to grab it. It kicked about a bit but soon calmed down.

I got it under my arm and carefully made my way back to the bottom of the gorge. To get it out then it was a case of putting the lamb up and holding on so it could not run away.

After a bit of climbing with the lamb in my arms, I managed to get it to the top of the gorge and let it loose. It ran off happily, unbothered by its ordeal and I made my way back down in to the gorge where Rich and the clients were all relieved to hear the rescue was a success. That was one gorge trip I won’t forget in a hurry.

Ryan, Torridon Activities Team

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