20 April 2008
2008 is granting us with an exceptionally good start: our bus meets have so far been blessed with dry weather conditions. The Sunday of this meet was the perfect spring day. A total of 34 members and guests turned up for this meet despite an earlier 6.00am start. All groups enjoyed a fantastic day in what can only be described as one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland. Walkers started off from either Achnashellach station or Coulags.
From Achnashellach:
Caroline Chaplin, Ian and Paul Gerragthy, John Henderson, Lee Madden and David Strathdee first walked through the forest and followed the river to the start of Beinn Liath Mhor ridge. Sgorr Ruadh was then climbed by the group which had to back track using crampons. They then circled round the back of Meall Dearg and took a well earned tea break at Loch an Eion before returning to the bus.
Dave MacLean and Margaret Paterson also chose to climb Beinn Liath Mhor and took plenty of photos. They had time to enjoy the amazing views while having lunch at the summit. This was washed down with some homemade sloe gin to celebrate Maggie’s 21st Birthday (again)! Moira Baptie, Morven Bridges and Manja Hannon also had a brilliant day on the same hill. All returned at their own pace to the Ling Hut or to the foot of Liathach where the coach was parked for the day.
Swapping walking partners all day, Peter Jones managed to achieve his objective: two pints in his belly and a munro under his belt.
Fuar Tholl and Sgurr Ruadh were another popular choice. Graeme Morrison, Natacha Mihajlovic, Dan Moysey and Simon Willatts climbed up one of the north facing corries leading to the summit. Filled with good solid snow, it allowed for good progress. They came off the ridge down a steep and snowy gully which Simon later described as “rather fun”. Graham Milton, who was on the same hill that day with Drummond Beattie, thought it “terrifying” (he still turns pale at the mention of this), while Natacha’s descent was punctuated by a few well chosen French expletives. They all carried on north to Sgurr Ruadh at different speeds using snow patches whenever possible. Following this, the party disintegrated: Graeme carried on to Bealach Coire Lair to climb Sgorr nan Lochain Uaine and Sgurr Dubh and was down at the Ling Hut in very good time. Simon went up Beinn Liath Mhor and descended in a north-westerly fashion to pick up the path to the Ling Hut. He also had time to stop for a quick swim at a waterfall. Dan and Natacha walked over to Bealach Ban, Bealach na Lice and past Loch an Eion to the bus. Drummond and Graham finished the day at a leisurely pace, spotting dozens of frogs in the pools they passed. Back on the bus, more of Maggie’s birthday cake was had.
From Coulags:
Moray Anderson and Bob MacDonald walked past the bothy on their way to An Ruadh Stac which they ascended by the east ridge. They went down the north-west shoulder to catch the path leading to Loch an Eion where they stopped to eat and enjoy a snooze in the sun. They were back at the bus for 4.55pm. Almost in trouble!
Rob Murray followed up the track along the Fionn-abhainn river to Loch Coire Fionnraich. From there, he climbed the east side of Maol Chean-dearg and came down backwards a gully filled with snow. He also spotted some wildlife (two lizards) on the way back to the bus.
Also up Maol Chean-dearg, Anne Carter, Lydia Davis, Becky Wells and Sarah White had excellent views to the snowy Cuillins and Torridon hills. There was plenty of time for numerous stops to enjoy the sunshine in great company. A great sunny day was had by all and also a memorable one for a member of this party who climbed her first munro and will be back for more!
Finally, Malcolm and Lesley Leiper had a pleasant trek from Coulags to Torridon interspersed with splendid views of Beinn Damh, Beinn Alligin and Liathach. They spotted a young eagle, lizards, some frog spawns as well as a party of retired people from Boat of Garten, the latter being a rare and possibly endangered species.
Natacha Mihajlovic
For more photos from this meet click here