We headed to the Kintail Outdoor Centre for a weekend of Munro bagging, Corbett collecting , Graham grabbing and a bit of general meandering and alcohol drinking thrown in for good measure.
David and Alistair attempted A’ Ghlas Beinn on the Friday, but were halted by a torrent. They chose to do Bheinn Fhadda instead and returned via the ridge having overcome the unexpected slushy, slippy step not mentioned in the guide book, but both agreed it was better than having your teeth pulled out. David should know being a dentist.
On the Saturday after much deliberating Jen, Jenny, Jan, (can you imagine if Jane had come?), Fiona ( the fire mountain monkey), Gus, Brent, David, Alistair, Drummond, Ray and Heavy set off to do A’ Ghlas Bheinn. After a steady walk in the group divided in three. David, Drummond and Alistair set off in front, keen to continue over the summit and descend down the north side via the falls of Glomach. With Heavy at the Healm and Ray at the rear, the “chicks” felt in safe hands. An enjoyable walk to the summit was had by all, learning about cornice formation and avalanche risks along the way. Battling against some 60mph gusts at the top everyone made it to the summit without being blown away. The group stopped for a tea break at the bottom of the hill and Heavy reiterated the importance of good navigation skills and to always carry a map. The boys then set off to get back in time for the rugby and the chicks took the scenic route home having misread that all important map. Now we’re not sure what David and Alistair did to Drummond, but he stuck a help yourself label on his whisky and was handing out popcorn when he arrived back that evening. Well it is a New Year after all!
Andy L, Sheena, Alan D and Jake headed off to Corran for an ascent of Beinn Clachach. The weather was not perfect, but it was a lot better than the day before. Andy L sat in his car on the Friday after an early start waiting for the torrential rain to stop, it never did. From the Ceilidh House car park , they walked a short distance back along the road towards Arnisdale to gain access to the Landrover track heading towards Achadh a’ Ghlinne. En-route to the Achadh a’ Ghlinne bothy, they passed a small herd of highland cattle. On reaching the Allt Utha, Andy and Alan crossed using some small stepping stones, while the more sensible pair, Sheena and Jake (?!?) used the rusty bridge further upstream. They made use of the stalkers track and ascended t the bealach via Coire Luachrach. About 80m from the summit they stopped for bothy bag elevenses. It was very cold and breezy at the summit so they didn’t hang about. Andy had already had his hat blown off twice!
Andy B and Dave had a leisurely start ( What’s new!) and went for a walk to the bealach to A’ Ghlas Bheinn. Andy spotted some wild goats, which are apparently great in a curry and a deer carcas still within its sell by date, but they chose to leave it.
Bob set off early to Beinn Loinne up from the Cluanie Inn, cutting across a boggy area to the summit.
Nicholas and Brian did Beinn A’ Chapuill and had a grand day out.
Colin drove down on the Saturday and went up Moruisg en route. It was so windy he didn’t even stop for tea and a piece and that does not happen. Ever.
A few ventured to the Kintail Lodge Hotel to watch the rugby. Good beer, good game, shame about the score! The rest stayed cosy by the fire before the evening’s musical entertainment by Andy B, Jake and Fiona.
When we awoke on Sunday the sky was grey and the hills uninviting so it wasn’t surprising that everyone was keen to return home. Jen and Jenny had a brief walk along the river Corse before retreating from the rain and Andy L did a coastal walk from Fort George to Fisherton and back.
Now as a mountaineering club we like to pass on some pearls of wisdom to our members. So here are a couple from this weekend meet with a running theme:
- Never ever piss into the wind. Jenny S will tell you all about it.
- Got a mole problem? Jake’s your man! Pretend to be a predator and pee on the mole hill. Sorted!
You’re welcome!