Sunday, 21 February 2010

Walking across a frozen Loch a' Bhraoin

This meet took place on an amazingly beautiful winter’s day, with spectacular views in perfect visibility and on a calm windless sunny day.  26 people were lucky enough to share the experience and some may have been fortunate enough to capture the perfect photo suitable for use in the forthcoming Club calendar!

Graeme Bartlett was the first to get off the Bus at the Glascarnoch Dam to make his way on nordic skis to the Munro, Am Faochagach.  He met a strange chap who took a dislike to Graeme, saying that he’d rather he wasn’t there so that he could have the hill to himself!!

Alan, Annette and Joanne Napier were next to alight at the west end of the dam to do the longest named Corbett in the book – but the shortest day!  Beinn Liath Mhor a’Ghiubhais Li (big grey hill of the coloured pines) had big deer fences to tackle but the great views made it all worthwhile.

At the Braemore Junction, John Henderson began his walk up to the surprisingly rocky and snow laden Graham of Meall Doire Faid.  From the top there was an impressive panoramic view of all the Fannaichs hills and the best view from any direction of the whole 4 kilometre ridge of An Teallach, one of Scotlands finest Mountains.

Greg and Chris Muir, Alan Duncan and Andy Brooks began their walk from the dam at Loch Droma and they had a fantastic traverse to Loch a’ Bhraoin taking in the 3 Munros of Beinn Liath Mhor Fannich, Sgurr Mor and Meall a’ Chrasgaidh.

Ali Erginsoy, Graeme Morrison, Bob MacDonald and Simon Jacyna did the same traverse but on touring skis!  Their total ascent was 1100m before a steep icy descent from the north face of Sgurr Mor, a fantastic powder descent of Meall a’ Chrasgaidh and a horrible heather hop back to the Bus!  Great mountaineering skills in spectacular conditions.

From the bus park, Heavy Whalley, Eddie Moore, Don Asher, Ray Newell, Tish Richford and Linda Smith walked down to the edge of the frozen Loch before heading south up the Druim Reidh ridge.  After summiting the Munro A’ Chailleach, Tish and Linda made their way back to the bus via the ascent route, whilst the rest of the group decided on a westerly descent back down to the Loch.  They had a magic day in great company and there was even an interesting walk across the Loch??

The route for the last group of David Whitelock, George Sim, George Herraghty, Rob Murray, Ros Wright, Corinne Ferguson and James Hamilon was the Bothy direct, for elevenses, and then up to the Corbett, Craeag Rainich.  It was then the long, powdery ridge descent back to the bus, with time to linger and enjoy the magnificent views.  On the way home a great day was rounded off with hot chips and cold beer in the Riverside Tavern at Conon Bridge.

It matters not how long you lived

But where you went and what you did!

John Henderson

For more photos from this meet, click here