Sunday, 18th April 2010

Twenty-four lucky people had a stunning day out in the hills of Glen Shiel & Kintail, one of those wonderful days when you can see for miles.

Graham Milton with guests Jackie Adkins, David Strathdee, Jenny Smith and Doug & Leigh Watt had a nice gentle day out on Am Bathach, then on to Glen Affric. Thanks to Graham for giving our guests a good introduction to Moray Mountaineering Club.

Joanne Napier, Andy Brooks, Bob Weeks, Malcolm Campbell and Sandy Murray tackled the Three Brothers, starting with the steep pull up on to Saileag. With the ridge now gained they continued on over Sgurr a’ Bhealaich Dheirg, Aonach Meadhoin and on to Sgurr Fhuarail. Great days on the hill and in good company, what more could you ask?

Dave Whitelock, Mark Richford, Alistair Wren and Illona Morrice made the ascent of the Five Sisters from Bealach an Lapain, a nice mix of rock and snow along the ridge plus lots of sun. Ben Nevis stood out in all its glory from Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe and the view down the north ridge of Sgurr Fhuaran was just magnificent. Illona descended down Allt a’ Chruinn while the three musketeers continued on over Sgurr na Moraich.

Gordon & Lindsay Eccleston decided on Ciste Dhubh, via An Caorann Beag and on to the Bealach a’ Choinich before heading on to Ciste Dhubh. After spotting some deer and a frog on the ridge they then frog-marched off to the Cluanie Inn, for a well-earned drink.

John Henderson took on the might of a couple of Grahams, the first being Carnan Cruithneachd from Morvich then, from the base of the saddle, he tackled Biod an Fhithich with the help of our coach driver Ed Hunt!

Hero of the day goes to Billy-No-Mates Chris Muir, who completed a solo west to east traverse of the South Cluanie Ridge. He still (!!!)  had time for a couple of beers before collapsing on the bus (well I certainly would have).

Greg Muir, Lydia Davis and Graeme Morrison set off up the Graham Biod an Fhithich. They promptly built a snowman on top for John Henderson but alas it had melted by the time John got there. The Forcan ridge proved to be very entertaining and the only bit not to be attempted was the down climb as it proved to be covered in snow. The rest of the ridge was described as awesome. Great fun was had glissading down to the col, then up onto Sgurr na Sgine, finishing the day on Faochag.

Brian Fraser stormed up the Forcan ridge and on to the Saddle, continuing to Spidean Dhomhuill Bhric. He then retraced back, then down to Bealach Coire Mha’lagain to finish on Biod an Fhithich.

David Brown Douglas set off from Lundie and climbed Carn Ghluasaid, on to Sgurr nan Conbhairean then onwards to his third munro of the day Sail Chaorainn. Retracing back to Sgurr nan Conbhairean on to Drochaidan an Tuill Easaich, down the ridge to Cluanie Inn. A very enjoyable day.

David Whitelock

For more photos from this meet. click here