Sunday 20th July saw seven members and three guests head in convoy for Strathfarrar, arriving in good time for the Le Mans type start when the gate is opened at 09:00 sharp!

All ten opted to tackle the “Strathfarrar Six (4 Munros and 2 tops) so eight were dropped at the east end of the ridge and promptly set off at speed towards the slopes of Sgurr na Ruaidhe leaving Bob and Malcolm to preposition a car at the west end of the ridge and return to catch up with the group. The task of chasing them was made easier because, without the pressure of catching a bus, David, Fiona and Lianne were taking it easy while Andy was nursing a broken bone in his hand which seemed to make him (even) slower than usual (The story of how he injured his hand while running for a bus will no doubt be repeated round the campfire at Applecross!!) However, as always, one Tom was a dot in the distance, closely followed by our guests, David, Michelle and Morag, all strong walkers.

The forecast was accurate: little wind, no rain and cloud clearing later. The first three Munros were disappointingly mostly in cloud with only fleeting glimpses of Glen Strathfarrar below. However, by the time the party reached the final summit of Sgurr Fuar-thuill, the clouds had lifted, the sun was shining and the views were fantastic.

While the walk out was a bit of a slog in the heat and with water running short, it was dry underfoot so no complaints. The “escape car” was reached at about 18:45 which left a comfortable margin to reclaim the cars left at the start and to sign out before the 20:00 deadline when the gate is locked for the night.

A good day was rounded off with a stop for some re-hydration at the Cnoc Hotel near Struy.

Author: Malcolm
Photos: David, Moira and Malcolm