Sunday, 17th August 2008

A very windy day saw a total of 15 members and 3 guests turn up for this traverse, thus justifying the use of a 25 seat bus. All parties started their walk from there in “moist” conditions however strong gales very quickly pushed the malevolent drizzle away to reveal some good views.

All made their way to Carn Ban Mor and then divided into three groups.

Moira Baptie, Anne Carter, Lydia Davies, Fiona Duncan, Paul Hope and Bob Weeks headed north to complete a traverse over the long ridge of Sgor Gaoith. Cloud and wind accompanied most of the way which caused many a stumble and great hilarity in trying to keep vertical.  Some navigating was required which did not stop Lydia to sink in a bog hole! Fortunately, Paul was there to come to the rescue. The GPS was occasionally consulted purely to check how accurate satellites are… The descent into the valley was pleasant and the day ended even more satisfyingly enjoying a pint at the Coylumbridge hotel.

David Brown Douglas walked all the way to Monadh Mor and Beinn Brothain where he spotted an eagle. Following this, he retraced his steps back to Sgor Gaoith and followed the ridge back to Coylumbridge.

The largest party consisting of Malcolm Campbell, Dave Galloway, Paul Geraghty, Jim Hall, Ray Harron, John Henderson, Andrew Mainwaring, Natacha Mihajlovic, Graeme Morrison, Ray Newell and Alastair Wren completed a 27km circuit from Achlean to Braeriach and reached Coylumbridge where the bus was parked for the day, in good time.

Again, all present had a good day despite the very strong wind. The use of a smaller vehicle made it possible to drive all the way to Achlean. However, let us hope for a somewhat larger attendance for the Corrieyarrick traverse next month.

Natacha Mihajlovic

For more photos from this meet click here