Sunday 19th February O.S.Map(s): 15 Est. time of arrival: 9.45 am Time of departure: 17.00 pm Leave Elgin: 7.00 am Assynt has an impressive array of outstanding mountains: Ben More Assynt, Conival, Canisp, Quinag, Breabag – names to conjure with. The rock in this area is predominantly gneiss, on top of which sandstone hills have weathered to create some of the weird and magnificent shapes typical of this region and on a clear day, this is an area where you like to linger as long as possible. In addition to the excellent hillwalking in this area, there is some good scrambling on Quinag  (Sail Gharbh, East Buttress – Grade 3), Conival…

Rolling out of Elgin en route to the Cairngorms, via Forres and Inverness, we were treated to a glorious sunrise, skies glowing red and brilliant visibility. Thirty members and guests boarded the bus and headed for them there hills, already anticipating a great day out.  They were not to be disappointed. First out of the traps at Coylumbridge, Bob Weeks headed for Creag a’Chalamain, spending a good half hour in the company of reindeer.  He then continued over Castle Hill and Airgiod-Meall, before crossing over to the Ski Car Park. The three stooges Graham (Moe) Milton, Don (Larry) Asher and Dave (Curly) Whitelock took their vaudeville comedy act to the…

Sunday 15th January OS Map 36 Arrival time: 9.30am Departure time: 5.00pm We’re heading for Caringrom again this January and Sanday Murray has very kindly offered to do some winter skills with those who wish to take part –  A number of topics will be covered including the use of ice axe and crampons.  Ice axe, crampons and helmet will be required (as well as your usual winter walking gear) and a limited number of these are available for free loan if required.  The Ptarmigan restaurant may be visited so bring along some money for tea and cake. If you’d like to take part in the session, please email Sandy Murray stating…

The last time we had a Xmas meet in this area was 2008, when the Bus continued to Newtonmore.  This time it was felt there were more walking options in the Cairngorms, if the weather was not kind, so the Bus terminated at the ski car park.   The turn out of 36 people was one of the lowest in living memory and may be a reflection of the current economic climate?  With a membership of 116, it is still slightly strange that two thirds are not interested or unable to attend the Xmas meet!  Perhaps it should be a New Year resolution of the Club to design a function which…

    Sunday 18th December O.S. Map 36 Est. time of arrival: 9.30am Time of departure: 3.30pm Leave Elgin: 7.00am This years Christmas meal (well-deserved after an arduous day in the wintery Cairngorms!) will be at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. The price is £19.00 per person for the meal (bus fair is additional to this) and includes a tip. We are to be seated at 5.00, but will aim to get there earlier so people can get drinks etc. There are plenty of high level and low level options for a fun day out. Do check the MWIS and SAIS websites for weather and avalanche risk and plan accordingly.…

The pre Christmas sales started early, with forty-six would-be mountaineers queuing behind the coach doors, waiting for the Fannichs PLC to open. First out of the lift and heading for the boot department was Graham Milton, making Beinn Liath Mhor Ghiubhais his destination: it has taken longer to write this than for him to climb it. He had a nice easy day with good views (wasn’t he the lucky one). Graham did a sterling job with his entry for the diary, placing it in the November 2010 to Drumochter section – this took a wee while to find. (Nice one Graham). On the second floor and heading for the rucksack…