Thurs 31st Dec 2009 – Sun 3 Jan 2010

Frozen pipes and snowy roads almost led to the cancellation of the meet, but eventually seventeen folk made it to the lovely National Trust bunkhouse at Morvich, Kintail for Hogmany. The weekend was a happy mix of drink, food (lots of), music and of course some mountaineering.  As usual, it is impossible to capture all the action in a short newsletter and I make no apologies for not mentioning everyone by name.

Despite a few sore heads, there was plenty of activity on New Year’s Day.  A large group headed towards the Falls of Glomach.  Deep snow thwarted progress just short of the final destination, but nonetheless provided an entertaining walk.  Meanwhile, Andy and Jake took the alternative approach to the falls via Glen Elchaig – apparently the best approach for a good view of the falls.

Ella and Drummond successfully summited Sgurr an Airgid just in time to see the sun setting.  However, the fantastic combination of snow and a full moon meant that darkness did not really descend.

The weather on the 2nd Jan looked a little unpromising, but cleared up as the day went on.  Our two guests, Kat Adam and Steve Mead successfully ascended the Forcan Ridge; a “three star experience on a three star route on a three star day – that’s nine stars!”.

A large group took the direct route up Beinn Fhada, pausing briefly to examine some venison black pudding.  The deep snow made for slow progress and we were eventually deterred by a steep snow covered descent on the ridge (no one fancied doing an Erginsoy!).  The sledging was particularly good on the return.

Ella, Illona and Evelyne headed towards Bealach an Sgairne, but once again the deep snow made for slow progress.  They turned round shortly before the bealach because of the risk of avalanches.

Chrissy and Patrick went up to the bealach between Sgurr an Airgid and Beinn Bhuide from where they watched the search and rescue helicopter on A Ghlas Bheinn – fortunately this time it seemed to be only an exercise.

Everyone departed on the 3rd Jan, with the majority heading for some retail mountaineering at Tiso.  Once again, the Hogmanay weekend seems to have been a great success and is likely to become a regular feature on the MMC calendar.

With bellies groaning from their festive treat
Came the pitter patter of slippery feet
As from all across this snow-bound land
Came a most debauched and motley band
To wassail and feast, for 2010 to greet
They came to Kintail to the new year meet

For though most plans ultimately failed,
And though few hills were actually scaled,
Good friends all, in their partying share
As the glory of the meet was in its wine and song.
The feasting and fun went on and on
The memories will be good, the memories will be long.

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To one and all – here’s good cheer
To one and all – SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

Dan Moysey

For more picture from this meet, click here