The usual author is suffering from writer’s block, so it has fallen to me to expand on the unintelligible scribbles that pass for write-ups of the weekend’s adventures. There was a spectacular turnout of about twenty at the lovely village of Cairndow on the shores of Loch Fyne, including a significant contingent of climbers; a most discerning breed when it comes to weather forecasts.
On the Friday, Andy Lawson, Rachel Higgins and Claire Proctor set off nice and early from Elgin to ascend Rachel’s 100th Munro – Ben Vorlich. Jim Bryce also started his weekend early with an ascent of Beinn an Lochain.
Celebrating Rachel’s 100th Munro with a G&T
In the evening, a few drinks were had and then most folk settled down to get a night’s sleep, broken only by Heavy’s swearing (something to do with cramp) and the soft footsteps of the MMC ghost, clad only in a baggy pair of black pants (so says Claire!).
Only mad-dogs and Englishmen head out in the mid-day sun. With this in mind a herd of MMC members (Rachel Higgins, Katie Griffiths, Claire Proctor, Jenny Smith, Brent Craig and Fiona Cunningham) set off shortly after sunset to tackle the three Munros of Ben Vane, Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnain. Clearly these Scots prefer the damp conditions of pre-dawn and a cold wind. Graeme Morrison, Jake Lee, Alan Duncan and Penny TWD took in the same hills, but extended their journey to include the Cobbler. They had a slightly later start due to Graeme’s typical tardiness.
Brent’s harem on Beinn Narnain
Greg Muir headed off early and staggered back late. Not surprising since he had cycled up Glen Fyne then walked to Ben Lui and the three adjacent hills – a long enough day by anyone’s standards, but that was not the end of his journey. With no food left, he decided to take a “minor detour” to Beinn Bhuidhe.
Natacha Mihajlovic went up the three Corbetts Stob Coire Creagach, Beinn Luibhean and Beinn a Lochain that straddle the A83 just east of Cairndow. She only met three people all day – one of the benefits of avoiding the Munros.
Andy Lawson battled his way up through some forest and steep pathless terrain to the summits of the Grahams Stob an Eas and Cruach nam Mult. Jim Bryce ascended the Corbetts Ben Donich and the Brack but alas his whereabouts on Sunday are classified.
Heavy Whalley, Brent Craig and guest also started their weekends early with an ascent of Meall an Fhudair from Glenfalloch Lodge. Heavy’s weekend went on to include the Corbetts Beinn Bheula and Beinn an Lochain.
Martin Collins (aka Prince Charles), Graeme Jones, Andy Brooks and Dan Moysey went climbing on the Cobbler. Graeme and Martin made short work of several of the classic VS graded routes. Dan and Andy also got some good routes in and also a scramble over the three main summits.
Graeme Jones climbing on the Cobbler
On the Sunday, a posse of nine members, accompanied by Penny TWD, set out to ascend Beinn Bhuidhe. Reaching the summit of Beinn Bhuidhe leaves Brent with only An Teallach remaining to compleat the Munros. Natacha Mihajlovic ascended the Corbetts Ben Donich and the Brack.
Posse ascending Beinn Bhuidhe above Inverchorachan
As always everyone seemed to go home suitably tired, but nonetheless with renewed enthusiasm for the hills.
Dan