20 March 2011

Twenty-eight members braved the twisty road threading through Glen Cannich towards Loch Mullardoch.

Bob Weeks, John Henderson and Andy Lawson were first off the bus at the Muchrachd Bridge for the southern approach to the rocky Corbett – Sgorr na Diollaid.  A short scramble to both summits (just in case!) was followed by the long snowy trek east to the Graham, Carn Gorm.  Blue skies were visible in all directions as they made their way down to Cannich via impassable rivers, impressive waterfalls and huge areas of very wet terrain.

On reaching the Mullardoch Dam, Greg Muir, Lydia Davis, Graeme Morrison and Natacha Milajlovic set out to attack Tol Creagach and Tom a Choinich from the south side of Loch Mullardoch.   Reaching Tol Creagach they headed southwest to Bealach Tol Easa, followed by a windy ascent up the East Ridge of Tom a Choinich. Their descent was, as they described, the worst in mountaineering history (forget waist high snow, this was neck high!). Thereafter followed a punishing four-mile boulder field walk along the shores of Loch Mullardoch, returning to the coach with just five minutes to spare and just enough energy to close their weary little eyes.

Following the shore on the north side of the loch, Dave Whitelock, Tish Richford, Kath Taylor, Bob Litster, Frances Brittain and James Chitty headed up the steep heathery slope of Mullarch na Maoile.  They then headed north up the snowy ridge of Carn nan Gabhor at 992.  A strong buffeting wind now greeted them as they made their way northwest to Bealach na Cloiche Duibhe 796.  On reaching the bealach they continued up the increasingly steep northwest ridge of Sgurr Lapaich in waist deep snow.  The decision had already been taken to return to the bealach, as the wind proved far too strong to continue on over to Sgurr nan Clachan Geala to try to attempt the ridge down from 972.  Great fun was had glissading down to the bealach, with Bob managing a commando roll over a large rock. Ten out of ten for style!  It was then a trudge through wet snow down Glas Toll and back along the shores of Loch Mullardoch.

Following up Mullarch na Maoile were Sandy Murray, Ray Harron, Ros Wright, Corrine Ferguson, Jo Chappell, Lisa Taylor, Don Asher, Jenny Smith, Andy Brookes, Sue Horth, Fiona Cuninghame, Ken Ross, Jan Paprocki and Alice Roberts. By the time they reached Carn nan Gabhor it was blowing a hoolie.  Jan and Alice decided to turn back, as the twisty road had affected Alice and she was not feeling very well.

Turning east, the rest of the group then had the wind at their back, making the assault of Creag Dubh a little easier.  From Creag Dubh they headed southeast as far as 815 before turning southwest and heading down.  Great fun was had crossing a burn down in the glen, especially when Sue slipped and ended up sitting down in the middle of it!

We all finished the day with a well-earned drink at the Slaters Arms, Cannich.

Well, I just come down from the Moray coast
Twenty –eight of us I’m not one to boast
Passed the dam by the gate post

“Sue, you’ve wet your troosers!”

Let the wind blow high
Let the wind blow low
Over Carn nan Gabhor we go
All M M C shout, “Ho ho,
Sue you’ve wet  yer troosers!”

From 815 we head below
and it was slippery in the snow

Crossing the burn, “Oh no!
Sue you’ve wet yer troosers!”

Let the wind blow high
Let the wind blow low
Sitting in the burn she goes
All M M C shout, “Ho ho,
Sue you’ve wet yer troosers!”

David Whitelock

For more photos from this meet, click here.