10 members attended the weekend meet at Glenfinnan Bunkhouse and were joined by Justin for the social activities on Saturday night.
Friday 5th December
Tim climbed Glas Bheinn Mhor from Alltsigh (Loch Ness). It was a pleasant walk up a small hill, initially with clear but grey views to the south. A bit of navigation practice near the top was followed by an increasingly dark descent with weather coming in from the south.
Alistair climbed Stob Coire a Chearcaill from Loch Eil.
Saturday 6th December
The day started with a tripped kettle socket in the kitchen which delayed morning drinks and flask filling.
Tim, Alistair, Annika and Rob climbed the Corbett Meall a Phubuill from Fassfern. Annika and Rob returned by the same route while Tim and Alistair continued across the rough Grahams of Meall Onfhaidh and Aodann Chleireig. The descent from the latter via Drum Beag down to Gleann Suibeag will feature in the “100 s**tiest routes on Scottish Mountains” and is not recommended.
Dan and Sheena climbed Streap. They cycled up Glean Dubhlighe, left their bikes at unmarked ruins and then walked up the steep slope to Streap Comhlaidh and then on to Streap where there was clag down to 700 metres so no views. They descended via the south west ridge and dropped off just before Stob Coire nan Cearc. They returned to the bikes, had a swim and then down hill to the cor via a brief stop at the bothy (very clean).
Lauren and Emily chased Martin up Mullach nan Coinean and eventually caught him at Stob Ban. It was a bit cloudy but cleared, giving great views of Sgurr a Mhairn. Martin was on a Munro mission so they headed up a pleasing zig zag track and along the ridgeline which added excitement. A great day out with a pint on the way home.
Mike Belk climbed Glas-charn, a Graham just west of Glenfinnan. He described it as steep, boggy and pathless. When the mist came down, navigation got a bit spicy, too. He added to his description that he doesn’t think he’ll do that one again.
On Saturday evening the group enjoyed a lively game of “Articulate” accompanied by a variety of whiskies of which Emily’s Irish Knappague Castle was particularly popular.
Sunday 7th December
Tim climbed Stob Coire a Chearcaill by Loch Eil. A day that started with an unpromising lack of views nevertheless yielded a view from the summit, grey and misty of the surrounding lochs and hills including Ben Nevis with its sparse snow cover. Return was via the outwards route from Blaich. It was a straightforward route aided by a track as far as the ridge.
Alistair climbed Drum Fada.
Mike climbed Creag Dubh, a Graham near Roybridge, a pleasant walk just under 3 1/2 hours and the
rain held off until the last 10 minutes.
Sheena and Dan stopped off at Invergarry for a lovely stroll around the woods and along the river in rather damp and gloomy conditions.
Annika and Rob headed into Fort William for some shopping and pizza with family.
Martin C has started his campaign for this year’s Golden Boot award for a number of incidents which will become known in due course.
