4-5 July 2009

Thirteen members and guests enjoyed the stunning scenery and the beautiful weather around Achmelvich in the north-west highlands.  Friday evening was spent enjoying the warm evening sunshine and discussing plans for the weekend.  Ali,  Sarah, Jake, Dan and Kate were seduced by the beautiful beach and went for a skinny dip in a secluded bay near the campsite.  Jake was last seen doing some naked bouldering and meanwhile Ali spotted a “nice crack” at the back of the beach, which he declared was probably a “V Diff”!

Everyone was woken up early on Saturday by the sun beating down on the tents.  Spence, Jo, Paul, Graeme and Imke walked in to Suilven, which in my opinion is one of the best mountains in Scotland.  Spence did his best to keep up, but got lost and ended up going up Canisp as well.  The strange phenomenon of continental drift was also observed, whereby the walk out was much longer than the walk in.

Sarah and Ali spent much of Saturday morning fruitlessly searching for the climbing at Split Rock in Clachtoll.  It was a great location, so they didn’t mind not finding it. Guidebooks, eh?  Instead they headed to Strone Crag near Achmelvich for some excellent slab climbing, followed by bouldering on the beach and another swim.  It’s a hard life, but someone’s got to do it.

Kate, Jake and Dan went up Quinag.  Great hill and great views.

Graeme G and Bob paddled from Achmelvich Beach to the island of A’ Cheit, then back via Soyea Island.  Along the way they did plenty of snorkelling and saw sand eels, jelly fish, seals and fish.  A great day out, albeit a bit wet underfoot.  Graeme also found a buoy to add to his collection. Margaret went for a wander exploring the coastline.

Saturday evening was perfect for sitting around drinking beer and discussing the day’s adventures and eating Langoustine, a bag of which was donated by the Jacobite Mountaineering Club.  They were also staying at Achmelvich and had their annual dinner on the beach in full formal dress!

Sunday started with another swim in the sea for some, and then everyone went their separate ways.  Spence walked to Eas a Chual Aluinn Waterfall, which at 200 meters of near freefall is quite a spectacle.  It also is recognised as Britain’s highest waterfall.

Jo and Paul went to see (err…eye up a potential climb?) the Old Man of Stoer.

Ali and Sarah took a slight (!) detour to Applecross to climb the Cioch Nose.  This was achieved in glorious sunshine and topped off with the excellent long scramble along the ridge back to the car park.

Dan and Kate did four climbs at Reiff.  The first two warm-up climbs were graded “Severe”, but still quite challenging, and so it was a little demoralising to see another climber solo both routes, with the second done as a down-climb!  However, the final climb was a superb arête, which made up for this.

Jake went fishing in some of the small lochs around Achmelvich and actually caught something.  He also observed a young Peregrine being taught to fly by its parents.

As usual, this weekend meet report provides only a brief insight into an action packed weekend.  The only slight disappointment was the campsite owner’s rules regarding camper vans.  We will know for next time.  However, the location and weather could not have been better.

Dan Moysey

For more pictures from this meet click here