John Henderson’s 700th Marilyn – Beinn Reidh Our journey to Assynt took a wee bitty longer than usual due to road conditions, with snow lying on untreated roads. Sunshine, calm, wind, warmth, cold and the obligatory snow – we got the lot. According to the diary, Rob Murray was first off the bus at Inverlael, heading north over ‘the hill’ – I can only assume this was over spot height 665.  He must then have headed for the ford at East Rhidorroch Lodge, following the track beside Rhidorroch River and making his way passed Loch Achall, before hitting the road just north of Ullapool.  George Herraghty escaped from the bus…

Sunday 18th March O.S.Map(s): 25 Est. time of arrival: 9.30 am Time of departure: 18.00 pm Leave Elgin: 7.00 am Glen Affric is one of the finest glens in Scotland and has big remote hills on high winding ridges.  The first two Munros, Toll Creagach and Tom a’ Choinich are a good combination and offer superb views of Loch Mullardoch.  The next two Munros, Mam Sodhail also make a good pairing, but may just be out of reach, except for the very fleetest of foot, at this time of year.  The remote Beinn Fionnlaidh, way out on a sinuous limb, is best left for the long days of summer. In…

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…

    Sunday 20th November OS Map 19/20 Departs Elgin: 07.00am The Fannichs lie between Loch Fannich and the A 835 Garve to Ullapool road.  With 9 munros in the area  A’Chailleach and Sgurr Breac to name a couple and the corbetts of Beinn a! Chaisteal, Beinn Laith Mhor a! Ghiubhais Li, Beinn Enaiglair and Creag Rainich there is plenty to explore.   The bus will be parked at Loch a’ Bhracin for the day and drops can be made along the way as usual.  Just remember shorter daylight hours now that the clocks have gone back when planning routes!   To book a seat on the bus contact Dave…

This wretched Club it is a pest, It lures me from my Sunday rest, To flounder over bogs and heather, And climb high hills in any weather.   To rise at all unearthly hours, And show my best resistance powers, By scrambling over rock and boulder To some elusive spur or shoulder With promise of a view at last Is met with mist and icy blast And ‘stead of far flung distant land I see an inch from where I stand!   A poem that John Henderson thought would be appropriate after our rather soggy outing, it was written my an unknown club member about 75 years ago! Strathconon Glen…