Sunday, 19th August 2007

Torridon was the venue of our August bus meet and attracted no less than 34 members and guests. All were rewarded with superb weather conditions and excellent views of the area.

Flora Hunt and Lesley Leiper reported getting the “best ever views of the Torridons” on their way to Sgurr nan Lochan Uaine. They walked past Loch Clair and returned via the Ling hut. Scores of wildlife were spotted throughout the day among which deer, numerous frogs and a newt. Nearby, Fran Knowles was trying her luck on the shores of Loch Clair and Loch Coulin. Unfortunately, she did not catch any fish. Mick Greenshields, Graham Milton and Amanda Strang had an enjoyable day up Beinn Damph and north top. They also met a few presidents from the Grampian Club. Jo Glennie, Andy Taylor and Jake Lee spent the day on Liathach: the ascent was made bearable by lycra-clad views. Somehow, the company was described as “dubious”…

Further west, Ray Harron, Simon Willatts (guest), Graeme Morrison, Joanne Cross, Paul Chappel, Ray Newall and Natacha Mihajlovic headed off for Beinn Dearg from Lochan an lasgair car park. They walked through Coire Dubh Mor to Carn na Feola and reached the top of the corbett in good time. The descent from Bealach a Chamla and along the north-west end of the ridge took them down to a boggy glen where they became prey to hungry midges. Graeme Bartlett also walked the Beinn Dearg ridge, for starters. This was followed by the ascent of Ben Alligin before he returned to the bus via the coast and Inveralligin village. Cameron, Drummond and Fiona Beattie, Val Kemp, Alan Duncan, George Sim, John Henderson, Corinne Fergusson and Monja Hannon (guest) traversed Beinn Alligin from east to west. The day was described as “brilliant, with fantastic views, good company and lots of scrambling over the horns AND Drummond first back to the bus!”

Beinn Eighe was also a popular choice. Andy Brooks, Illona Morrice and Graeme Jones went up a gully at Coire Mhic Fhearchair and enjoyed a fine scramble over Sail Mor. The party had a pause at the top of Triple Buttress and looked at the remains of the Lancaster. They then moved onto Spidean Coire nan Clach. From there, Graeme Jones carried on alone towards Black Carls and also raised interest among the local midge population on his way to the pub. Also on Beinn Eighe were Austin Robertson and Gavin Scott who enjoyed great views of Raasay and Skye from the summit of Ruadh Stac Mor before making their way to Spidean Coire nan Clach. Back at the road by 4.00pm, they managed to hitch a lift to the Kinlochewe pub only to find out to their great dismay that it did not open before 6.30pm!

At long last, a good summer day in a fantastic area and an excellent turnout. Thanks to all who attended!

Natacha Mihajlovic