Friday 20th March
On Friday it was still spring like, as Joe was rewarded with a sunny circuit of the Corbett Beinn Bhan by Gairlochy. He was treated to a melody by a song thrush on descending, just as the setting sun was turning the snow on Aonach Mor a delicate pink.
Tim was also out on Friday and climbed the Pap of Glencoe in almost summer conditions. Clear views but hazy.
The final pair who were active on Friday were Evelyne and Debbie who walked the CIC trail from Nevis Range towards the CIC hut. A mixture of forest roads and the Puggy Line through beautiful birchwoods and a lunch stop to admire the North Face of Ben Nevis.
Saturday 21st March
Spring departed on Saturday and although there was little wind there was low cloud all day. First to leave were Joe and Tim who took the Corran ferry over to Ardgour and drove down to Kingairloch. They completed a long clockwise traverse of the Graham Beinn na Cille and the Corbetts Fuar Bheinn and Creach Bheinn. Not a soul was seen, but they did encounter copulating frogs and some spectacular cornices. Apparently this should be a day of panoramic vistas from the finest walk in Morvern. Oh well, our bold duo will just have to make another visit to catch these views!
Dan (billy no mates) was also away early and squeezed into the back of Tim’s 2CV for a lift up to Ballachulish. He climbed Schoolhouse ridge and on to the two Munros and descended more or less to the hut. Some snow on the corries but nothing on the ridge. The descent was fine until he encountered windblown trees and a large crag. Despite this he was still back at the hut by 2pm. The “Duncan” party of Alan, Fiona and Maggie accompanied by Sheena and Sandra drove down to Loch Creran. They ascended the very long and undulating ridge of Ben Sgulaird. Some low cloud for much of the day, but it did clear after leaving the summit giving good views. Ptarmigan and Golden Plover were spotted. No need for crampons but made it a good workout carrying all the gear.
Bob and Fiona climbed Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach) the easy way from the north with clag above 750m and a distinct lack of a view from the famous ridge. Although they weren’t rewarded with views they did watch a golden eagle soaring effortlessly for 5 minutes.
Justin (another billy no mates) went up the Corbett Mam na Gualainn, from Callert on Loch Leven. This was a first hill in 4 months following a torn calf. Despite a hard slog up to the summit and no view, Justin reported that his legs were all good.
Blair and Alison climbed the 2 Munros of Buachaille Etive Beag. Some snow patches higher up requiring ice axes. This did not deter other people on the hill in basic gear!
The final threesome Evelyne, Debbie and Simon drove down to Appin to catch the ferry over to Lismore. Simon had his e-bike and managed a tour of the island, taking in the Tirefour Broch, Castle Coeffin and Achadun Castle. He saw lots of birds (although too many crows) and encountered too many gates for his liking. A grand day out. Evelyne and Debbie were on foot and managed a few sites including the Broch. A beautiful island with good views back to the mainland.
Sunday 22nd March
Sunday morning arrived with the cloud gone and there was some sun and blue skies. Five members (not to be named!) headed to Highland Soaps “direct” for a lovely breakfast and for some retail therapy.
Simon took the opportunity of using his bike again cycling up from Neptune’s Staircase along the Caledonian Canal to Clunes, along the Mile Dorcha to the Witches Pool, around Achnacarry House and back. A good day out learning a lot about the Commandos from the information boards around the old training areas.
Tim had another Graham in mind and drove to Inchree. After a minor detour to the Inchree waterfalls he climbed Beinn na Gucaig. Panaromic but hazy vistas were all around with the scene of the previous day’s exploits just visible on Morvern.
Dan and Sheena had a pleasant walk up the Corbett, Fraochaidh from Duror. An easy forest track led to a steep well made path to the top of the plantation and then a mostly grassy ridge to the summit. They had fine views including down to the red roofed Glen Duror Bothy, birthplace of James Stewart, the falsely accused Appin Murderer. Finished off the day with a quick stop at the murder site (a cairn a few hundred metres along the track behind Craigallan). There was still time for coffee and cake at Highland Soaps. However, they were disappointed that there were only a few scraps left, so they must had had a busy day!!
Fiona and Bob were in cultural mode and visited the old Slate Quarry in Ballachulish. They were amazed at the size of the quarry so near to the village. After a wander around the quarry floor and lochans they bumped into Maggie and Sandra who had decided on the same walk. They all walked to see the arch a short distance along the road. The purpose of this structure was to transport the slate from the quarry down to the shore over the Glencoe road. To finish they explored the small peninsula adjacent to Eilean Munde (just past the Isles of Glencoe Hotel).
Evelyne and Debbie ventured into Glen Nevis and walked for an hour or so up the Ben Nevis path. They encountered a cool wind but sun and clouds made a dramatic and beautiful backdrop. The summit was in clag so no views there, but they were delighted to have been on the north and south sides of the ben over the weekend.
Last but not least Joe staggered out of his tent after a decadent Sunday morning lie in (no, alcohol was for once not to blame) just in time to watch his fellow Moray Mountaineers drive off into the yonder. He enjoyed a relaxed breakfast without the usual kitchen dance and queue for the sink and kettle. He tested his weary legs on the steps leading from the Ballachulish Hotel up to the memorial for James Stewart of the Glen (google for more info or read R.L. Stevenson’s “Kidnapped”). After surviving both an ascent and decent, there was no excuse for not climbing a hill, especially since there might actually be a view, unlike Saturday. He drove up Loch Leven and enjoyed a fabulous panorama from the summit of the Corbett, Garbh Bheinn.
Another excellent and very sociable weekend with an impressive 16 members in attendance.