If you wanted to experience the “Joys of Hill Walking” this was the day to do it! Virtually clear skies, warm and windless conditions (and pre-midge) …. just about sums it up! 23 people came out on this trip, and we picked up a couple of itinerant trekkers for the journey home! There are a great range of hills on the Garve/Ullapool road and the use of the Bus allows for traverses or you can just pick off a few Munros at a time.

Of the first group to get off at Lochdrum dam, Rob Murray went North to do Ben Dearg (minus fishing gear!). Bill, Kevin, Alastair, Jenny, Andy B, Brent, Lucy and Nicholas walked up the track in the opposite direction, and headed for the ridge up Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich. In the blistering heat, the group splintered into various sub-groups to ascend 3 or 4 of the 6 Munros on offer. Alastair at the front sped round 4 of the hills and was back at the bus in record time. Nicholas, on his first bus meet experienced the Fannaichs at their finest.

The rest of the members started their walks from the bus park and Mandy, Drummond and Ella took the steep climb up to Meall a’ Chrasgaidh. The Ladies decided not to press on too far, but Drummond left to his own devices added 2 more Munros. “Crampons and Ice axe superfluous”, he added!

Bob Mac and Fiona C, also headed up the track from the bus to do Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Sgurr nan Each. On the opposite of this Glen, Corinne and Ros (on their 1st bus meet for a year), tackled Sgurr Breac and A’ Chailleach which gave them time to catch up on a year’s gossip!

Down at ground level, John, Sue, Bob, Gordon, Faye and Jackie took the leisurely stroll up the side of Loch a’ Bhraoin – The Loch of the Showers! There were no showers this time, just glorious weather and even better photo opportunities, on a mirror calm Loch. After some light refreshment at the Bothy, all but Sue headed up to the Corbett, Creag Rainich and after a good linger, had a very enjoyable stroll down the ridge to the bus.

Sue continued on the path towards Loch an Nid before returning to the bus. Last but not least, Bob Weeks went in search of the Marilyn, Meall Glac Tigh-fail (521m) on the north side of the A832. Apart from a brief spell of “altitude sickness” on this hill, he had an uneventful day and did not need the abseil rope!

The itinerant trekkers – President Joe Glennie and friend Iain Rudkin, made the most of a superb weekend forecast and took the train on Saturday from Elgin to Lochluichart. They then walked up the track to Loch Fannich and with heavy overnight packs set off up the ridge to traverse 5 of the Munros before setting up camp for the night on the summit of the 6th Munro of Sgurr nan Clach Geala – and a beautiful sunset! A leisurely start in the morning began with an ascent of the next Munro, Sgurr nan Each and then they met up with Corinne and Ros on the final 2 Munros of Sgurr Breac and A’ Chailleach! By any measure a superb expedition and at least they did not have to wait for a train on the way home!

The day was rounded off with a very welcome drink in the Aultguish Inn to ward off dehydration. For Joe and Iain, the Guinness hardly touched the sides!!

Report Author: John
Photos: Mandy and John