Fortunately there is no lasting record of the hordes that descended on to Glenbrittle last September. Suffice to say, we were too many and I don’t think we’ll get away with that again! However, the floor is the best place for some members and after Bill Lindsay’s last foray on Jura, he’s lucky to get a roof over his head. The wise, the retired and the wage-less were able to have a full day on the Friday, thus getting the best of the weather. John Henderson, Brent Craig and Derrick Harman clambering over the Graham and the Marilyn respectively of Belig and Glas Bheinn Mhor. Brent and Derrick on Belig…

Dan Moysey Judith Kendal Jenny Graham Dave Maclean Bob Macdonald Greg Muir Jake Lee Due to some last-minute and indeed some no-minute cancellations, no-shows and generally poor bloody efforts, it was a surprisingly small band who came to Strawberry Cottage. A great shame, as its location and general ambience make it a highlight of the year. (Though obviously not a highlight to the lame and weary who didn’t bother coming). No transport meant a pleasant trip in by all. Bob decided to walk, whilst the rest cycled. Many hero points going to Jenny though,who cycled in – but from Inverness! Off-road!! Saturday, dawned bright and promised much. The early mist…

Bob Macdonald Corinne Ferguson Ros Wright Maggie Duncan Bill Lindsay Graeme Milton Fiona Duncan Alan Duncan Dan Moysey Susan Jacyna Simon Jacyna Fiona Cunninghame Katrina Duncan Claire Proctor Margaret Patterson Drummond Beattie Jake Lee  Now that the nights are drawing in, time to cast our minds back to a brighter time. When the endless days of early summer stretched before us and an Island trip beckoned. Jura was chosen as our May Bank Holiday destination and as rumours of its inacessibility disappeared in a welter of ferries the above listed rabble descended to double the local population. (There was actually a large wedding party staying the same weekend and visitors…

Date: 8th/9th December 2012 Venue: Ling Hut, Torridon Location: The hut is situated on the south side of Glen Torridon at NG958562. (See map) Facilities: Ling is a traditional Highland house, with no upstairs living space. It has just been re-furbished. There is accommodation for 12 persons (Four places reserved for SMC members). Cooking, lighting and heating are by propane gas. Don’t forget your sleeping bag! Cost: £9 pppn Nearby Hills: (Munros) Beinn Eighe, Liathach, Beinn Alligin, Beinn Liath Mhor, Sgorr Ruadh, Maol Chean Dearg and Slioch. (Corbetts) Sgurr Dubh, Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine, Beinn Damh, Beinn Dearg, Meall a’Ghuibhais and Ruadh Stac Beag. (Grahams) Beinn na h-Eaglaise, An Ruadh-mheallan, Beinn a’Chearcaill. (Sub2000ft Marilyns) Seana Mheallan, Bidein Clann…

Despite Jake being thousands of miles away defending his Albanian Ferret Pickling title his ruthless organisation shone through and The Lochinver Mission turned out to be more than just a bus shelter on the A9.  Once upon a time “lights on” was the traditional early morning call to action stations (ignored at your peril).  However, over the years standards have slipped and so a new weapon was required to overcome morning lassitude.  The Lochinver Mission has it…fried breakfast all part of the service. With full bellies, members set off in all directions.  Simon Jacyna went up Canisp.  Jim Bryce went up Ben Stack.  Ray Harron, Jenny Graham, Katie Griffiths and…

Date: 3rd/4th November 2012 Venue: Inchnadamph Lodge Location: Inchnadamph Lodge is located in the heart of Assynt – a spectacular parish of mountains, lochs & beaches. The hamlet of Inchnadamph is just 25 miles north of the fishing village of Ullapool, 12 miles east of Lochinver and at the head of Loch Assynt. Facilities: The Lodge is well equipped and offers a great range of facilities. The kitchen was refurbished in 2008 with new stainless steel work benches and sinks, new cookers and larger fridges. The dining room has seating for up to 45 guests, and new armchairs in the comfy lounge. There are two iMacs with full broadband internet access in the…

Date: 6th/7th October 2012 Venue: Lochinver Mission Location: Lochinver Facilities:  The bunkhouse contains 14 bunks, sleeping up to 15 people in three separate rooms. There are self-catering facilities and a café on the ground floor. Laundry service and towels are available at extra cost. Cost: £18.00 per person per night, which includes Continental breakfast. An extra £2 gets you a Cooked breakfast. Nearby Hills: Suilven, Canisp, Quinag, Glas Bheinn, Stac Pollaidh, Cul Mor, Cul Beag, Ben Mor Coigach, Beinn an Eoin, Sgurr an Fhidhlier, Breabag, Conival, Ben More Assynt, … Lots of great sea-cliff climbing nearby too at Reiff. Please contact Daniel Moysey to book a place on this meet.

Date: 8th/9th September 2012 Venue: Glenbrittle Hut, Glenbrittle, Skye The Glenbrittle hut is ideally situated for access to the Cuillin Ridge. Literally walk out the door for access to the hills from Sgurr na Banachdich to Sgurr nan Eag. Location: On road approaching from Carbost, about 300 yards short of Glenbrittle House, Glenbrittle (Grid ref: NG412216) Facilities: 18 bunks (sleeping bags required), All electric; all utensils; large drying room; showers; WCs Cost: £7.00 per person per night Nearby Hills: Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Bastier, Bruach na Frithe, Sgurr Mhadaidh, Sgurr Ghreadaidh, Sgurr na Banachdich, Sgurr Dearg (& In Pinn), Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr nan Eag or all of…

A small and select group of three assembled at Gerry’s Hostel, Fiona Cunningham, Simon and Susan Jacyna, plus Macdhui the lab, who stayed hidden in the car. It was twenty years since your humble scribe last crossed the threshold there, only to find that nothing, absolutely nothing, had changed. Rather unusually for a MMC weekend, firm plans for Sunday were quickly made. These involved leaving in time to find a large TV so the ladies could watch a Scotsman being defeated by a Swiss man at some form of outdoor ping-pong. Plans for Saturday were slightly dampened by the weather forecast, but the day dawned dry(ish) but cloudy and breezy.…

Evelyne Droege Jenny Smith Graeme Morrisson Fiona Cuninghame Bob Macdonald Dan Moysey Rachel Higgins Katie Griffiths Donnie Mclennan Dave Maclean Maggie Duncan Claire Proctor Brent Craig Natacha Mihajlovic Bob Vincent June Simpson John Henderson Jenny Graham Jake Lee Most of the above made it to that perennial favourite, Lagangarbh. The wet and mild conditions making for interesting choices of activity; though in Glencoe, choices are never limited. We had sole use of the wonderfully atmospheric hut, though that didn’t deter a number of our party deciding to litter the glen with a variety of rusting hulks masquerading as utility mobile accommodations. (Tinkers). A strangely subdued Friday night meant that the…