The usual writer is suffering from an attack of grumpiness brought on by suspicions of censorship and surveillance by some technologically superior power. Therefore, it falls to me to provide a factually accurate summary of the weekend meet to Torridon. I thought I would start with some statistics: 13 members, 1 hut, 2 days rain, 70mph wind, zero summits attained, some stars, 2 galaxies (Andromeda and Milky Way), 1 planet (Jupiter, complete with its moons) and several shooting stars. Sadly the superb astronomical observation conditions that greeted us upon arrival soon faded away (a pre-emptive sign foretelling the sad death of Sir Patrick?).
The Ling Hut in Torridon might be slightly damp and a little dark, but it is nonetheless one of the classic mountain huts. Saturday dawned wet and windy, but this did not deter two teams of intrepid explorers. Graeme Morrison, Donnie McLennan and Penny TWD headed off to Beinn Alligin. All the wonderful snow from the previous week was by now turning to slush and the sight of debris from several avalanches was enough to force them to (wisely) abandon their summit bid at about 700m.
The second team, comprising Jenny L, Katie Griffiths, Joe Glennie, Sheena Forsyth, Bob MacDonald, Fiona Cuninghame, Dave McLean, Jake Lee and Dan Moysey were on the trail of the beast of Torridon. Its huge bear-like paw prints were clearly visible on the trail heading towards Coire Mhic Fheachair. After several hours the clouds parted and there was Simon Jacnya, with his paws now disguised by a pair of huge winter boots. Some of the party turned back shortly after the river crossing, citing poor weather as an excuse to go to the pub early. Those remaining trudged on to the coire. Despite being a bit wet and cold there was a nice view of Ben Eighe’s Triple Buttress. Any lingering ambitions of ascending fuselage gully were soon abandoned (most had only pretended to have ambition at the start anyway).
With a relatively short day in the hills and little prospect of the weather improving on the Sunday it was time to start to reduce the weight of consumables that would otherwise need to be carried back out to the cars the following day. Dan, Jake, Jenny, Katie and Joe “oh, can I have some” Glennie polished off a large Lamb Stew, which was followed by Bob’s “Stiffy-Cocky-Pudding”! Jake and Jenny were like students at a free bar – loud and pissed! By 4am in the morning even the stalwarts of late-night sessions were wishing they would b%^&*r off back to their vans.
As far as I can tell the only adventures on Saturday were an unconfirmed ascent of Mt Tiso and a successful traverse of the east ridge of the Kinlochewe Hotel bar.
Dan