Sunday, 20th June 2010

Thank you to the twenty-one members and guests who set off from Loch Bhraoin in typical flaming June weather (damp and dreich).

Putting their best foot forward (don’t know if it was the left or right), Alan and Fiona Duncan disappeared into the clag up the steep slopes of Tom an Fhiodha and on up to the airy top of Sgurr Dubh. Clambering over some easy pinnacles onto the second top (spot height 981m), the final summit of Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair was achieved before descending over Meall Garbh, continuing down the Heights of Kinlochewe. They reached their goal for the day, the pub, with only just enough time for a well deserved pint.

Brian Fraser and Alistair Wren headed up the slabs at Meallan an Laoigh before parting company. Brian continued into the corrie just below Sgurr Dubh up to the col and on to the summit. Returning to the col he marched on to 981 and finally on to Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair. Descent was down into Coire Mhic Fhearchair and out by the Heights of Kinlochewe. “Had a great day but it was a long walk out.”

Alistair, not content with climbing the slabs once, promptly got lost and climbed them for a second time. He said, and I quote, “I can only put it down to a long walk in and a late lunch!” He continued along the north side of Sgurr Dubh before descending south into Corrie Mhic Fhearchair down the footpath to Lochan Fada and then faced the long walk out.

“Lesson learned,” he said, “always trust your map and compass when your brain has shut down through lack of food.” [Footnote: Always be aware of magnetic rock and if in doubt move and check your bearings again.]

Illona Morrice, Jenny Smith, Dan Moysey, Natasha Lilly, Claire Procter, Donna Nash and Sybille Brinz had a long low level walk. Starting on the A832, walking along Loch Bhraoin and then heading over to Lochan Fada. They then carried on through the stunning Gleann Bianasdail to Loch Maree. The path next to the loch was especially lush and green with awesome views over the Torridon hills, a very enjoyable and varied walk in great company. “It was an awesome day and I loved it!!!” exclaimed Natasha.

Dave Whitelock and Bob Macdonald went as far as Bealach na Croise with the previous group before ascending Beinn Bheag. Bob did a spot of twitching on the top before taking a few pictures of some old bird. We headed down the south ridge over the peat hags towards Loch a’ Mheallain Odhair. Continuing down Gleann na Muice and down, you’ve guessed it, the Heights of Kinlochewe.

Jerry Jacobson, Ella Grant, John Henderson, Bob Weeks, Andrew McGhee and Ray Harron combed the side of Loch Bhraoin, cutting up Bealach Gorm before tackling Beinn Bheag and Groban. Dropping south, Jerry, Ella and Ray took the long trek out via the heights and back to Kinlochewe. John, Bob and Andrew braved a further trek to bag a third Graham, Beinn nan Ramh, a hill with immeasurable false summits.

Rob Murray started at Loch Glascarnoch and worked his way up onto Beinn Liath Mhor a’Ghiubhais, continuing south on down to Loch Fannich. “A wee bit windy but managed to stay dry, a very enjoyable day.”

Ken Ross, our new life member, stayed on the bus back to Achnasheen and then took the track up to the Graham, Meall a’ Chaorainn, which lies to the south west of Fionn Bheinn.  From the summit, he headed west back down to Kinlochewe.

So, a great traverse had by all, just what the bus is brilliant for.

Dave Whitelock