For this annual Cairngorm winter meet, we try to provide the opportunity to practice and develop the skills of walking safely on snow and ice, using ice axes and crampons. Last year in January it was impossible to do this as the road to the upper car park was blocked after a heavy snow fall – so we changed to February this year. Well, conditions were less than perfect, but Heavy and Ray did a sterling job in finding suitable terrain in Coire na Ciste to practice those essential winter skills so that more Club members are better prepared to tackle upland terrain in winter. A large group consisting of Jan, Susan, Malcolm, Kevin, Brad, Katie, Desmond, David BD, Lindsey, Lenny, John K, Bruce, Alastair J and Magda all said they had a very enjoyable day – despite the frequent blasts of icy wind. There were 24 people booked on the Bus, despite the forecasts, but we only took 23 home (more later!).
Another group of Bob W, George, Andy B and Bill got off the bus at the Squirrel café at Glenmore and after an invigorating coffee stop, set off around the paths of Loch Morlich. They were forced to take around 5 lunch stops and various detours via Loch an Eilean, so that they did NOT arrive in Aviemore too soon! Another detour to the Bridge Inn (which was closed!), forced them to head for a Pub for tea and scones before many pints! The Presidential party consisting of Joe, Dan, Jake, John H and Tom (an old school friend of Joe’s), were adamant that a summit must be climbed. The five wandered up to the Ptarmigan restaurant and after a short planning discussion, John decided he should return to the coach to fulfil his committee duties (and also have a hot chocolate with marshmallows in the restaurant!), and Tom (although ex-MR) was ill–equipped as he was expecting a forest walk – also headed back down. Joe, Dan and Jake, having almost walked into the weather station at the summit (could not see it in the clag!), headed down the north ridge, above Strath Nethy to Glenmore. There was just the one casualty – when a slip resulted in a crampon point puncturing a beer can in a rucksack! Mountaineering tips – crampons and beer cans do not mix, and take goggles – or you can bump in to things in snow showers and poor visibility!
The last and most impressive feat of the day was by Tom Summerscales, who got off the Bus at Glenmore and walked home! Tom had previously walked 70 miles on his 70th birthday, so on this 40 mile stroll he would just be getting into his stride! Anyway, he began at the Reindeer centre, Glenmore at 9.05am and headed along the snowy path to Ryvoan and then on to Nethy Bridge. Here he picked up the Speyside Way path to Grantown and arrived at the Co-Op at 1.30pm. After a couple of pints (of Milk!) and lunch, it was on to the Dava Way, reaching the Halfway hut at 5pm. He finally arrived home in Forres at 9.40pm, walking the final 3hrs by moonlight and occasional head torch in the forested bits. An epic walk by any definition, but it would have been more classical to start from the Cairngorm summit?? Any takers?
The day was rounded off with a few drinks in the Cairngorm Hotel and a very early return home. It is always good to have a meet in our “local” hills especially in winter, and sometimes we get lucky with the weather and sometimes we don’t!
To ensure the future of Bus meets, we are embarking on a new venture by linking up with The North West Grampian Long Distance walkers Association. On 4 or 5 meets per year, where a low level traverse is possible, the LDWA group will join us on the Bus and then head off to do their own planned walk (with a leader). They will probably have around 10 people in their group and these extra numbers on the Bus should prevent the cancellations that we have had in the past year. Happy days!