Well what a weekend. Leading up to Knoydart, the long range forecast was looking good, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted the need for constant reapplying of Factor 50 all weekend, the impromptu ceilidh and David and Becka having to pull Colin back from trying to join the Edinburgh University Mountaineering Club skinny dipping.
Brent, Dianne and Babs’ weekend started early on Thursday sharing a cycle until they parted ways with Brent and Dianne heading up Gulvain and Babs with Braigh nan Uamhachan in her sights. Bob and Fiona were spotted near the top of Gulvain on their way off the hill. They all had a fantastically sunny day, a great day all around.
David and Becka’s weekend started on the Friday with the ferry over to Inverie from Mallaig in the sunshine with Bob and Fiona. They went their separate ways at the Bunkhouse with David and Becka heading up the steep slopes of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, with magnificent views over to Rum, Skye, Eigg and beyond to the outer hebrides. Bob and Fiona explored the coastline around Inverie by foot, yet Brent and Dianne decided to speed along by bike. All reconvened at the newly reopened and community owned pub The Old Forge for some refreshments in the sunshine.
Dan and Sheena both caught the early morning ferry to Inverie and headed for Beinn Bhuidhe, where a golden eagle was spotted. A whale was even seen on the shores of Loch Nevis. They continued along the ridge and back in the oppressive heat back to the bunkhouse.
Meanwhile Babs was accused by Colin of arriving early only so that she could get the bottom bunk. She assured me that in fact this had nothing to do with it as she had Beinn na Caillich to do! Babs had a long day fighting bracken and bog, but she enjoyed the ridge Meall Coire an t-Searraich. Colin spent the day on the ebike at Laggan Wolftrax and exploring around north Loch Morar. He just managed to find parking before the ferry in a heaving Mallaig. Despite complaining to Babs, I believe he too managed to get a bottom bunk.
On Saturday morning we all awoke to an empty bed! Debbie had decided to head off to miss the beating sun at around 0400!! She climbed the corbett David and Becka managed on the Friday and had a fantastic time. Although there is no report of her day, she was seen with a glass of wine in The Old Forge later that day relaxing after an early start. Babs had a “lazy day” after two big Corbett days. This turned into 16km of walking. She explored Loch Braomisaig which nestles below the Beinn Buidhe ridge, then decided to walk along through bog and peat hags to the high point above Inverie, A Chruach, rewarded with stunning views including the Loch Nevis scenery.
David, Justin and Becka too headed up to Loch Braomisaig. Becka decided to stop and take in the flora and fauna. A red throated diver was spotted on its nest on the Loch. Justin and David continued on in the baking sun up Beinn Bhuidhe and back. No whales were spotted today.
Dan was feeling inspired and had the idea for a grand day out traversing Ladhar Bheinn from the west, from Beinn na Caillich, over Ladhar Beinn and onto Sgurr Coire Choinnichean. Dan explained that only “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”, therefore in an attempt to prove he’s learned something in the years being up in Scotland, the Englishman left with Sheena bright and early. Sheena left Dan to his big day out at Mam Li. Colin too headed for Ladhar Beinn on the analogue bike. He said it had been a long time since he had had such an enjoyable day on the hill.
Fiona, Jule, Dianne, Brent and Bob set off early to hit the slopes before it warmed up too much, not early enough it would seem! They should have left at 0400 like Debbie! After a steep and sweaty climb they were soon ascending the easier slopes of the ridge arriving in reasonable time at the summit of Meall Bhuidhe. The views were fantastic as was the cooling breeze that accompanied their early lunch on the top. Fortunately they had Jule, their tick magnet, who was doing a stunning job attracting all the midges and ticks leaving us beastie free. Fiona and Bob then turned back having achieved their goal. They then made it to the top of Luinne Bheinn. The views were amazing, stunning, fantastic, unbelievable and more, a view shared by a young hind a short distance away unperturbed by us. Jule was warned to cover up as we were concerned she did not get attacked by any Luinne ticks!
Colin, David and Becka decided to head over to the Ceilidh on at the Community Hall on the Saturday evening and had a wonderful time! They danced Strip the Willow, the Dashing White Sergeant plus more. It was lovely to be in such a venue with both locals and visitors sharing the community spirit alike. Some of those joining us were the Edinburgh University Mountaineering Club who all decided to go skinny dipping in the interval in Inverie harbour! That was not the only skinny dipping that occurred this weekend….
The Sunday was a bit more sedate on the mountaineering side of things. Justin and Colin caught the early ferry home. Bob and Fiona enjoyed the Knoydart in a Knutshell walk. Jule was seen cycling on the roads around the peninsula. Babs, David, Becka, Dan and Sheena went out to a glorious sandy secluded beach west of Inverie, past Eilean na Glaschoille. Some dipped their toes in. Some swam, with more clothes on, some with less. Then it was time for the ferry home – back to reality.
What a glorious weekend. One to be remembered!