]The Bus meet venue this month was to the wonderfully scenic area of Achnashellach and Torridon. A traverse allows a variety of high and low walking options, but the weather in the end dictated most of the action. There was also another good turnout of 33 people for this meet despite the gloomy weather predictions of strong winds and constant rain. We also had another joint meet with the LDWA and 6 of their members enjoyed the chance to experience another spectacular part of the Highlands.
The first drop off point for the traverse was at Achnashellach Station, where the majority of people started their walk. This included Andy B, John H, Bill, Colin, Peter, Fleur, Heather, Ray H, Derrick, Brent, Jake, Jan, Maggie, Aileen, Susan, Martina, Alasdair, David BD, Fiona D, Nick, Pip, Alison, Angela, Sarah and Rikky who began their trek through Coire Lair. This route snakes its way on good paths up to the Bealach na Lice and then down via Loch an Eion to Annat in Torridon and the bus park. A few coffee and lunch stops were included in the walk, despite the constant rain on this 20km stroll which took just a smidgen under 7 hrs. The sun did come out for the last hour, however to dry out the waterproofs! From the same start point, Joe, Brad and Stewart decided to brave the strong winds and head up along the splendid ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor. Despite the almost constant cloud, there were periods of clear weather to allow them to peer down on the lowland dwellers of Coire Lair! Dan and Sheena also started out from the Station, and then made their way up from the Coire to the Munro, Sgorr Ruadh. Kevin decided he also would like to take in some hills and managed to traverse over the Corbett Fuar Tholl and then on to Sgorr Ruadh. A swift walk it was as well, as he caught up many of the walkers on the last section down to Annat. Last but not least, Bruce and Lenny stayed on the Bus to the Coulags and walked through under the shadow of Maol Chean-dearg to the bus park on the Glen Torridon road.
Amazingly everyone ended up at the Bus this time, and no one was late – although a few relished the opportunity not to waste a precious minute of walking time in these splendid surroundings (well …. It would have been even more splendid if the sun stayed out a bit longer!). The day was rounded off nicely with a Pub stop at the Kinlochewe Hotel and we even had a birthday presentation for Andy Brooks on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Next month’s bus meet is to the fearsome but enjoyable location of An Teallach. Hopefully the weather will be kind for those who wish to tackle the traverse or the up and down route from the Smiddy Hut, Dundonnel. There is also a low level traverse available from Loch a’ Bhraoin to Corrie Hallie. In the end you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office, or mowing the lawn …. so climb that goddam mountain!