Graeme Morrison on the Black Cleft, Beinn Alligin

Sunday, 20th February 2011

The Crowning Glory of Scotland, Torridon, attracted forty-five members and guests of Moray Mountaineering Club, yes forty-five. Did it live up to expectations?  “Oh yes!”

The jewel in the crown, Beinn Alligin, whispered its alluring call to Rob Murray, Jenny Smith, Dave Whitelock, Kath Taylor, Bob Lister, Illona Morrice and Graeme Morrison.

With idyllic clear skies and a gentle breeze, conditions seemed perfect for a ridge walk. On gaining the ridge, however, the party were hit by strong cross and head winds as they rounded Toll a’ Mhadaidh Mor. The traverse of the Horns proved to be quite interesting. With snow and ice covering the more problematic scrambles, the decision was made to don crampons. Continuing on over Sgurr Mhor and up onto Tom na Gruagaich, fantastic views were enjoyed over to Skye, Rum and Harris. They continued down Coire nan Laogh, reflecting on a great day yet again in the hills of Torridon.

The Corbetts of Sgur Dubh and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine proved an enticing proposition for Bill Lindsay, Graham Milton, Natacha Mihajlovic and John Henderson.

Approaching from Loch Clair, they made their way over rough ground to Sgur Dubh, rounding Coire an Lieth-uillt and onto the final Corbett of the day, Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine. They then retreated down Coire a’ Cheud-Chnoc, passing the Ling hut to Beinn Eighe car park.

Tish Richford and Ros Wright tackled Beinn Eighe via Coire Mhic Fhearchair, gaining the col between Ruadh-stac Mor and Coinneach Mhor. Their unrelenting route took them over Spidean Coire nan Clach, Sgurr Ban, Sgur nan Fhir Duibhe, before heading down the west ridge to Kinlochewe.

Also traversing Beinn Eighe from Coire Mhic Fhearchair were Greg and Chris Muir with guest Chris McCann. Climbing the gully between Sail Mhor and the Triple Buttress their progress was hindered when Chris McCann sprung his crampon half way up the gully. Their intentions were to drop down the Black Carls, an airy scramble down a narrow shattered arête, but they took one look at it and thought, “Not today.”

Colin Cowie, Drummond Beatie, Jake Lee and Joe Glennie headed up the Coire Dubh path towards Beinn Eighe. They cut off the path to strike up the hillside direct, in a wholly uncompromising manner, until an intimidating vertiginous quartzite band was reached.  At this point Jake gallantly led through impossible rock and snow to stand defiantly on the ridge. The rest thought he wasn’t the full shilling, and erring on suicidal tendencies, but followed anyway! From this point they followed the crest of the East Ridge, taking in the sublime views.

George Herraghty and Joanna Chappell headed for Beinn na-h-Eaglaise, enjoying a great day in good company, before heading down Drochaid Coire Roill.

Bob Weeks and Don Asher took on the dizzying heights of An Ruadh Mheallan, heading off from Beinn Alligin car park.

Bob MacDonald and Graeme Bartlett took on the might of Slioch, heading into Gleann Bainasdail before striking off into Coire Sleaghaich.  They continued on over Sgurr Dubh, then a sharp pull onto Slioch before following the ridge to Sgurr an Tuill Bhain. They then made their way back to the Coire and retraced their route to Kinlochewe.

Sandy Murray, Ray Harron and Dave Galloway brought eight guests from Suffolk to enjoy Scottish hospitality in the hills of Torridon, their choice of the day being Beinn Damph. Joining them were club members Dave McLean, Jan Paprocki, Sandra Doull and Fiona Duncan, with guests Sue Horth and Fiona Cunningham. After a fantastic six hours on the hill they retired to the Torridon Hotel.

Afterwards, we descended en masse on the Kinlochewe Hotel, to a warm welcome from the landlord who helped to create a wonderful atmosphere and an enjoyable end to a great day.

Dave Whitelock

Liathac

For more photos from this meet. click here