Sunday,  17th April 2011 Despite a very favourable weather report, there were a mere 24 members on this Bus meet.  The day was warm with little wind and a thin veil of cloud was just covering the tops of the big Nevis range hills in the distance.   A good spring day, and the start of the serious hill walking season!!  This Laggan/Spean Bridge road is a very convenient route for dropping off and collecting people, without, unfortunately,  the option of walking to a Pub! First off the Bus at Aberarder Lodge was Ray Harron (with all his mates!).  He walked up to the trig point on Carn Dubh, and then…

Laggan – Sunday, 17th April 2011 O.S.Map(s): 34, 41, 42 Bus Stop: Laggan Dam Est. time of arrival: 9.45am Time of departure: 17.00pm Leave Elgin: 7.00am The bus will park at Laggan Dam for the day but can go on to Fersit if required in order to access the circuit of Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg. To the north of the dam lies Beinn Teallach and Beinn a’ Chaorainn. Getting off the bus at Aberarder for Creag Meagaidh is always a popular choice on this meet, it can be climbed via the path going up to the “window” or as part of a high level walk over Carn Liath and…

Following the shore on the north side of the loch, Dave Whitelock, Tish Richford, Kath Taylor, Bob Litster, Frances Brittain and James Chitty headed up the steep heathery slope of Mullarch na Maoile.  They then headed north up the snowy ridge of Carn nan Gabhor at 992.  A strong buffeting wind now greeted them as they made their way northwest to Bealach na Cloiche Duibhe 796.  On reaching the bealach they continued up the increasingly steep northwest ridge of Sgurr Lapaich in waist deep snow.  The decision had already been taken to return to the bealach, as the wind proved far too strong to continue on over to Sgurr nan…

Sunday, 20th March 2011 O.S.Map(s): 25 Est. time of arrival: 9.30 am Time of departure: 16.30 pm Leave Elgin: 7.00 am There are plenty of hills to choose from in this fine area both north and south of the Loch. To the north there is the challenge of how many mountains you can squeeze into your day, however unless you are very fit then the lure of An Socach might have to wait until another day while you concentrate instead on the superb lofty walk over Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr na Lapaich and An Riabhachan. To the south of the Loch is Toll Creagach and Tom a Choinich. If you…

Sunday, 20th February 2011 The Crowning Glory of Scotland, Torridon, attracted forty-five members and guests of Moray Mountaineering Club, yes forty-five. Did it live up to expectations?  “Oh yes!” The jewel in the crown, Beinn Alligin, whispered its alluring call to Rob Murray, Jenny Smith, Dave Whitelock, Kath Taylor, Bob Lister, Illona Morrice and Graeme Morrison. With idyllic clear skies and a gentle breeze, conditions seemed perfect for a ridge walk. On gaining the ridge, however, the party were hit by strong cross and head winds as they rounded Toll a’ Mhadaidh Mor. The traverse of the Horns proved to be quite interesting. With snow and ice covering the more…

Sunday, 20th February 2011 O.S.Map(s): 19/24/25 Est. time of arrival: 9.45 am Time of departure: 16.30 pm Leave Elgin: 7.00 am The bus will park for the day in the Alligin car park by Coire Mhic Nobuil road and snow conditions permitting. Torridon is a perennial favourite and a popular with both walkers and climbers.  With a great range of magnificent hills, the choice is endless. If we get a clear day, the views will be marvellous so don’t forget your camera! The bus should arrive at Kinlochewe by about 9.30am giving time to tackle Slioch, a “real fortress of a mountain”, a considerable day out with the reward of…

Sunday, 16th January 2011 The Wind (by Andrew Collett) It pulls at your clothes it tugs at your hair, it whispers on windows to make people stare.   It rattles your rooftop it creaks past each tree it charges down chimneys and roars with the sea.   It climbs with each cloud it dives down below, for the wind is with you wherever you go. The wind was certainly with us for our trip into the Cairngorms, gusting up to ninety miles per hour, but everyone had a great day trying to battle the ferocious conditions. The real winners of the day were the winter skills group led by Sandy…

Sunday, 16th January 2011 O.S.Map(s): 36 Est. time of arrival: 9.30 am Time of departure: 16.30 pm Leave Elgin: 7.00 am The first Bus Meet of the New Year and time to burn off all those excess calories! The bus will be going as far as the Ski Centre carpark, where it will wait for the day. 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. Remember you are responsible for your own safety! Needless to say, ice axes and crampons are likely to be essential. There will be…