A wonderful weekend was had by all at the most photographed house in Glencoe. Unfortunately, it was not quite the munro completion weekend as had been promised – COVID put a stop to that. Yet those lucky enough to turn up without illness had a great time on Joe’s behalf. Munros, Corbetts and Grahams were climbed, copious amounts of lasagne was consumed and Graeme ate trifle from a big bowl.
Friday started for Alistair and David with a quick dram of Glenmorangie in Glen Etive at the foot of Chasgaig. After speaking to a friendly hydro worker they shortcutted over to the nose of the hill. A couple of attempts and withdrawals from scrambling up wet slippery rocks resulted in a more sensible sideways on approach. They expected the hydro workers were having a good chuckle to themselves sending them up this way. They reached the summit safely and took the standard route down the path, with fine views along Glen Etive. This was not enough for David and Alistair, so the second corbett of the day was to be Chrulaiste (Crusty). A bit of damp walk but there were some fine views along Glen Coe. In the end the most challenging aspect of the day was to park in the Lagangarbh car park without taking the underside of the car off followed by carrying two kegs of beer and several bottles of whisky to the hut. First into the hut meant a decent dram, hot cup of tea and the welcome bonus of a hot shower (a perfect set).
Justin’s Friday was a climb up Meall Lighiche, in which going was damp, however some fine views were had to the west of the summit. He returned back to the hut just as David and Alistair were off to face the mighty Crusty.
Heading to Glencoe, Colin intended to cycle somewhere en route but with no definite plan. He remembered that for the past 20 years he’d been meaning to go over the Corrieyairack Pass, today was to be the day for it! Starting at Garva Bridge he went over the pass, had lunch at Fort Augustus then headed back. On the way back he popped into Blackburn Bothy, it even has WIFI. He was proud of himself, until he met someone with two horses out for a thousand mile trek!!
With the weather sub-optimal at best on the Saturday, hill walking was on the agenda for all. Colin headed up through Lairig Gartain. His plan if the weather cleared was to do Bidean. Driech it was, so he headed back through Lairig Eilde. Adrian managed two peaks – Stob Mhic Mhartuin ad Beinn Bheag just off the top of the Devil’s Staircase.
Justin, Alistair and David had a fabulously driech day up Meall na Gualainn. They were only out the clag below 400m. Despite poor views, Stonechats were identified, along with plenty of flora such as Self Heal, Lousewort, Butterwort, and Bog Asphodel. David and Alistair decided to nip up the Graham Tom Meadhoin next to the Corbett, because everyone knows efficient bagging is the most enjoyable form of hill bagging.
Dan, Brent and Jule were seen up Creise and Meall a’ Bhuiridh, but unfortunately nothing written up. From someone that lost the Big Red Book behind the sofa, what more can you expect?
Alan and Fiona decided to drive in a south easterly direction to Balquidder (Rob Roy country) to climb “The Stob”. This was only Alan’s second Graham of 2022, but the good news is that he has only to suffer another seven of them. Their decision paid off as there were views on the summit and it only rained in earnest on the walk through the forest on the return to the car.
There was good reason to celebrate on the Saturday night! Despite Joe not being present to complete, it was Justin’s 21st birthday (again!!). We all shared a fantastic meal, with starter of pate, Lasagne for main and plenty of pudding – including the largest bowl of trifle ever seen, and rice pudding cooked in a frying pan. Adrian’s new delicacy of cheese and bourbon biscuits were served for afters. This was all washed down with Elderflower Champagne, Whisky and plenty of “Naked From The Waist Down” (homebrew by David, ask Joe for the story). Graeme turned up later in the evening to help mop up the leftovers.
Sunday morning was home time for most, however some did not have enough of the dreich and decided to face another day out. Adrian headed up the mighty Crusty and had some views of the Buachaille.
Colin’s day on Sunday involved a blast around Laggan Wolftrax. Having not had enough Lasagne at the weekend, Colin decided to cook more for the loon and his family. I wonder whether he decided to share the delicacy of cheese and bourbon biscuits that Adrian had introduced us to.
Alan, Fiona and Dan decided to face An Gearanach. Following a scenic walk they arrived at Steall wire bridge which was busy with tourists. After much groaning Fiona finally followed Alan and Dan across the bridge. Despite having crossed it in the past she said she was never going to do it again. She was instantly reminded that she would be crossing it in another 4 hours! A very steep and unrelenting ascent took them to the summit where it had just clagged in and started to rain heavily. There were no takers for continuing along the ridge and they quickly descended to Steall.
Overall a fantastic weekend was had by all. Great craic, great hills, great food and a spectacular hut.
