It was a damp dreich day for the Bus meet to Dundonnell but thankfully the weather was not as bad as predicted, and we certainly did not see any animals walking around in pairs?? Only 13 members and 4 guests turned out for this meet which normally offers a variety of walking options, although it was probably not a day for a full traverse of An Teallach.

First off the bus was Andy who began his traverse of the 4 eastern Fannaich Munros from the dam at Loch Droma. After ascending Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich it was a case of navigating through the cloud to the final Munro of An Coileachan before the descent through horrible wet terrain to the road side. Lots of Ptarmigan and a dipper were spotted on the hill.

Bob and Fiona were next to alight just beyond the Braemore Junction, for a stroll down the west bank of the Cuileig river to the bridge at Auchindrean. After crossing the road they went up through the Lael forest to the summit of the Corbett, Beinn Enaiglair. On their travels they saw Golden Plovers, Ptarmigan, grouse, crows, seagulls, sparrows and mountain hares!

Graeme began his walk at the high point of the road to Dundonnell and headed east to the sub 2k Marilyn, Meall Glac Tigh-fail. He then dropped down to Braemore before heading up to the summit of the Graham, Meall Doire Faid. Gordon and his son Ewan got off the bus at Corrie Hallie for the trek down to Shenavall bothy. They met several groups who were badly affected by severe flooding and impossible river crossings, as they attempted to continue on their quest to complete the Cape Wrath Trail. Some even needed helicopter assistance! Maybe that is why Gordon and Ewan were back at the bus so early?

The Smiddy Hut was the next dropping off point for Ros, David and guests Andrew and Tom. They set off up the path for the An Teallach Munros of Bidean a’Ghlas Thuill and Sgurr Fiona, in relatively pleasant humid but drizzly weather. Despite regular stops for tea and biscuits they were up and down in 6hrs and 45 mins and Andrew and Tom remarked that it was a nice introduction to the Club (lucky they were not with another group!).

A couple of miles past the Dundonnell Hotel at Ardessie, John, Alastair, Maggie, Brent, Derrick and guest Gus began their walk. It was not a day for hanging about too long at the roadside, as the first midges of the season began to appear. Because of the possible difficulty of crossing the Allt Airdeasaidh river, it seemed preferable to head up the west side of this river to the Corbett, Sail Mhor. John, Alastair and Maggie continued from summit of the Corbett over the smaller peak of Ruigh Mheallain and then over an unnamed 818m ridge to begin the long, wet, rocky descent to the Hotel. For John, this was a repeat of the first ever walk with the Club back in 2001 (and yes the weather was much the same!). Brent, Derrick and Gus also continued to the summit of Sail Mhor where at times Gus looked in need of supplementary oxygen! Not sure what they did in the afternoon, but luckily the Hotel closed its doors as they approached as they had run out of Buckfast!

Last but not least Rob headed down to the lochs behind An Teallach for 3 hours of fishing. I think he caught a couple of sticklebacks before calling it a day and returning to the bus.

The day was rounded off with an enjoyable pub stop at the Aultguish Inn and an early return to Elgin. Some people even paid their membership! Hint! Hint!

Author: John
Photos: John and Andy