Sat 1st – Mon 3rd May 2010
Goatfell
The Isle of Arran is a real gem, but it is not exactly easy to reach from Elgin. Twenty-three members and guests decided that the effort was worthwhile; a few even coming from Orkney… Now that’s what I call commitment. Despite being a bank holiday weekend, the island was still relatively quiet. The only crowds were the MMC members crawling over the many fine glens, ridges, crags and summits of this spectacular landscape. It would take a whole book to do justice to all of the adventures that were had; here are just a few edited highlights…
Sheila Patel, Imke Myneke, Joe Glennie and Graeme Henderson went up Joe Fell (recently renamed after the preeminent mountaineer who almost met his match on the challenging descent). Being such an obvious target, this peak was also ascended by various other parties, including the Orcadians (Sarah De Rees, Tim Deacon and Sherine Deacon) and Dave Whitelock.
The ridges radiating from Cir Mhor, notably the A Chir Ridge and the Witch’s Step on Caisteal Abhail, are every bit as challenging as their more famous cousins on Skye. Several members, including Illona Morrice, Andy Brooks, Fiona Gingell, Dave Whitelock, Daniel Moysey Joe Glennie, Graeme Henderson and Bob MacDonald, tackled the A Chir ridge. The latter three benefited from a belay set up by the mountain rescue team at the bad step (maybe they had heard a rumour… see above re Joe Fell). Many others, including Ros Wright and Corinne Ferguson, Val Kemp, Drummond Beattie, Graeme Gunn, Margaret Paterson and Ella Grant successfully traversed the Witch’s Step on route to Caisteal Abhail and Cir Mhor.
Dan and Illona on the A Chir ridge
Arran is renowned for its climbing and several MMC members were keen to prove that the summer climbing season had arrived. The Orcadians camped at the foot of Cir Mhor, got an early start and successfully climbed the Souwester Slabs before returning to the village hall for refreshments. Fiona Gingell and Daniel Moysey also succeeded on the same route the following day – despite occasional snow showers and a belay under a waterfall. Illona and Andy Brooks set out to climb something suitable hard on Cir Mhor, but they (along with several other parties) decided that the weather was a bit too cold.
A few of the less obvious summits, including Beinn Bhrrain on Arran’s west coast and Merrick (in Galloway!) were also ascended. “Arran Aromatics” also proved popular.
If action and adventure is any measure of success then I think it is fair to conclude that this weekend meet was successful. I hope that everyone, especially those new to weekend meets, had an enjoyable time. Finally, a big thank you to those that provided a “taxi” service between Glen Rosa and Sannox.
Dan Moysey
For more photos of this meet, click here