15 June 2008

Despite a very favourable weather forecast and the chance of a trip to the Adventure Capital of the UK, there was a very poor turnout of only 18 people (which included 7 guests) for this bus meet.  On the day, the weather was warm and dry, with scarcely a breath of wind, although there were occasional very light snow flurries at the top.  Early cloud on the Ben lifted to provide one of only 36 days in the year when the summit is clear.

No one brought their mountain bike to have a go on the fearsome downhill course at Aonach Mor, but one group opted for the slightly intimidating grade 4 scramble up Castle Ridge.  Starting from the Fort William Golf Club, Ali, Illona, Dave Galloway, Manja Hannon and Adam and Lydia Davis had a superb day on a very challenging scramble.

John Henderson, George Herraghty and Becky Wells set off from the same place for the classic circuit of Carn Mor Dearg, the Arete and then Ben Nevis.  George commented that the Ben had grown a 1000ft since he last did it 30 years ago.  On the never ending descent, they met up with George Sim who had taken the tourist path to the top.

Ken Ross, still turning out for meets after 40 years as a member, had a stroll up to the Munro, Mullach nan Coirean, where he encountered lots of wildlife but no humans!

Moira Baptie, Alastair Wren, David Brown Douglas, Malcolm Campbell and Peter Jones set off from Polldubh for another classic walk round the 4 Munros of the Ring of Steall.  Despite the knee wrenching descent from Sgurr a Mhaim it was a rewarding day with fabulous views.

Gordon Eccleston, returning to the fold after an absence of a number of years brought his Buffalo jacket expecting the worst of the weather.  Swiftly removing it after half an hour, he set off in hot pursuit of Sgurr Choinnich Mor, passing a black Grouse on the way.  Strangely the mountain seemed further away since his last attempt 10 years ago!

Last but not least, Graeme Morrison donned his fell racing gear for an assault on the outlying Corbett, Glas Bheinn, south of the Mamore Forest.  Only 39km from Polldubh, he was hardly out of breath when he got back to the bus.

A nice welcoming pub stop at the Glen Garry Inn rounded off an enjoyable day.  Some people even paid their membership fees!  Hint!  Hint!

John Henderson

For more photos from this meet click here