2-3 February 2008

One of the attractions of using this venue (apart from a few biggish hills nearby!) was the on-site Bar & Restaurant at the Ben Nevis Inn. Unfortunately the facilities were closed for refurbishment but we were treated to some fine entertainment by Andy on guitar (nice rendering of “I wish I was in Carrickfergus!) and Fiona on her home made Stradivarius. Strong drink had to be taken to ward off the bitter cold.

Despite the grim weather forecast, 11 out of the 19 members who had booked, managed to make it to Fort William on the Friday night. On Saturday the weather was still snowy and windy with cloud cover on the tops. Graeme Morrison left early to catch the train to Corrour Station to bag the Corbett, Leum Uilleim. He arrived in a blizzard but it soon cleared to allow him to make his way to the top in the deep snow, and then it was the long wait for the 3.20 return.

Dave, Ray, John, Lee Madden and Chrissy McKay had planned to tackle the Easains at Loch Treig, but after Dave’s Mondeo Estate failed its winter driving test on the snowy road down to Fersit, it was time for a rethink. The parking area at Laggan Dam was slightly less risky, so Beinn a Chaorainn was the next best option. Despite Chrissy falling over trying to get back into the car, there were no more mishaps on the tough trek up to the top of this Munro.

Dave McLean and Fiona had ambitions to tackle a hill on Ardgour, but when they could not see the other side of the Corran Ferry, they opted for a low level 14km walk, stopping at a dodgy “James of the Glen” bothy to sample some home made ginger wine supplied by the occupants!

Andy, Illona and Dan Moysey made a reconnaissance mission to Nevis Range to assess the ski & boarding possibilities but half of the hill was closed due to avalanche risk and the rest of the hill had the dreaded “T” bar feared by the Boarders! A democratic decision led them to Glen Coe and after a bacon butty they ventured on to the chairlift. In good snow, but bad light all 3 survived intact unlike some other victims, eaten by the “Haggis Trap” (don’t ask!). They reported an occasional strange orange glow, last seen about July!

Sunday arrived with howling wind and driving rain – and that was just in the Bunkhouse!! Enthusiasm to venture outside quickly subsided and after a leisurely breakfast most people decided to make an early return home. Not to waste the day completely, Andy, Illona and Dan made their way to the Ice Centre at Kinlochleven for an extended climb on the indoor walls. Oh, nearly forgot the poem!!

The boy stood on the burning bridge
And he was all a shiver
He gave a cough, and his leg fell off
And floated down the river

(With apologies to Jake & Janice)

John Henderson

For more photos from this meet click here