The first weekend in August saw MMCers descend on Kinlochleven to stay at the hut of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club of the English Lake District.

En route on Friday, Evelyn and Debbie ascended Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, a Graham of character that is prominent above Loch Ness. The approach from the northeast went through birch woodland, and then amidst the heather in full bloom, on what was recorded in the Big Red Book as a beautiful day with scattered showers.

Meanwhile Tim left his trusty Deux Chevaux between Loch Tarff and Fort Augustus and ascended the Corbett of Càrn a’ Chuilinn to the accompaniment of the shrill sound of skylarks, a song which has been described as “sunshine translated into sound”. This might explain why there was no sunshine remaining. The wide hydro track was soon left, with then an old stalker’s path followed by a pathless pull to the summit. Providentially the summit was cloud free and provided a wide vista of peaks, many of which were not so lucky.

Further south Barry and Justin went up Garbh Bheinn by Kinlochleven. Wide views were sampled of the mountains of Glencoe to the south, with the Pap prominent, and also the Mamores to the north.

Evening saw the normally near empty FRCC car park uncharacteristically overflowing, and as well as our cohort of MMCers, eight FRCCers were also present.

Saturday morning was clear and bright, which heralded an excellent day on the hills. Justin and Tim headed down Glen Etive to ascend Beinn Trilleachan, which involved a steep ascent on to a wonderful slabby ridge. There were extensive views of the surrounding hills and down Loch Etive, but possibly the highlight of Tim’s day was being asked, halfway up the hill, if we was the guy with the cool car.

Dan and Sheena walked out to Glas Bheinn via Loch Eilde Mor from where a pleasant path leads to the summit. Meanwhile Steve had cycled via Mamore Lodge and met them on the summit. Steve returned the same way, but Dan and Sheena continued to Loch Chiarain bothy where they made a mental note to go again and stay. Then followed the long walk out back to Kinlochleven via the Blackwater dam.

Blair, Chris and Simon ascended the classic mountaineering route of Curved Ridge and Crowberry Tower on the big Buachaille. They had an excellent scramble and watched climbers on the nearby climb of January Jigsaw. Simon had a leisurely descent which is recorded in the Big Red Book as involving a nice sleep on a rock. Possibly Simon was making the most of a snore-free zone. Wise. Chris and Blair instead did the ridge heading southwest before running back through the Lairig Eilde.

Alan, Fiona, Graeme, Sandra and Barry headed northeast from Kinlochleven to the SE ridge of Sgurr Eilde Mor, which they ascended to reach the summit of this, the easternmost Mamore outlier. This was followed by a long scree descent and then the fine hill path that skirts Binnein Mor to the steep ascent up Binnein Beag. After descending Binnein Beag came the steep pull up to Binnein Mor and the ridge leading to Na Gruagaichean, the fourth Munro of the day. A truly excellent day of almost 6000′ of ascent and descent, with clear weather and extensive panoramas.

Peter went up to Am Bodach and had good views of the other Mamores and the big hills to the north.

Reports for Sunday are thin on the ground. Alan and Fiona conquered the main face of Highland Soaps in Fort William and were rewarded with breakfast. Looking back to the April meet report in the last newsletter implies that a pattern is developing.

Tim parked at Cille Choirill, in Glen Spean, and crossed the bridge over the spectacular and beautiful Monessie Gorge to ascend the Graham of Cnap Cruinn. The weather was fine and clear. He descended to the north east and had a very pleasant walk back to Monessie along the old Puggy line, which reminded him of walking the old tramways and leats of Dartmoor, only with bigger hills to look at and less chance of a cream tea at the end. There were expansive hill views towards Laggan and a fascinating sprinkling of industrial archaeology underfoot and close by.

Thus ended a superb weekend.