More details on the planned walk for the day:

Some of the club’s experienced members will lead a walk into the hills behind Kingussie. In good weather Càrn an Fhreiceadain is a relatively easy ascent over moorland following a good stony track almost to the top. To gain the summit and return down the far side is a walk of 18 kilometers, rising nearly 700m and will take around 5 hours if you are reasonably fit. At the top in good weather there are some fabulous views over the wild Monadhliath mountains, across to the Cairngorms and Strathspey.

The Scottish hills in May can be lovely and warm but it is also not unknown for snowfalls, cooler temperatures, or heavy rain at this time of year. You should come prepared for the weather conditions; see below for links to useful information. If you are unsure about what to wear or if you are fit enough or any other details about the walk, please ask one of the club members. Dependent upon weather conditions and time we will likely pause somewhere for you to consume your piece.

Once the bus arrives at Kingussie car park, at approximately 9:30am, you are of course free to do whatever you wish. There are a number of excellent walks in the local area which are well described on the Walkhighlands website. Links to some are shown below, you may even want to plan your own itinerary.

Càrn an Fhreiceadain (Corbett, 682m ascent, 18km)

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/carn-an-fhreiceadain.shtml

Kingussie and Newtonmore via Loch Gynack (365m Ascent, 11.25km)

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/loch-gynack.shtml

Kingussie and Newtonmore via Loch Gynack (273m ascent, 7km)

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/creagbheag.shtml

What’s going on?
Walking in the Monadhliath Hills.

Navigation Training
Sandy will be running some navigation and general hillwalking training. This will be a chance to learn the basics and put them into action.

Climbing at Kingussie Crag
There’ll be some climbing set up for those who’d like to give it a go. This will include a top rope set up and an abseil. There is also a sport climb option. Gear wise, the club has got a few harnesses and helmets to borrow but no climbing shoes. The crag may be a bit midgie so something to consider along with weather conditions on the day.

Refreshments will be provided at the Duke of Gordon Hotel from 5pm. Soup, sandwich and a cuppa which will be paid for by Club funds. 

The cost of the meet is £15 per person if coming by bus. The bus is a good way to meet others and plan your day. There’ll be plenty members of the committee for you to discuss your options with. If you are unable to make the bus, cars / car sharing also welcome (and don’t have to pay to cover bus costs).

Bus Times and Pick Ups:

07:00          Lossie Green Car Park, Elgin
07:20          The Cross, Forres
07:35          The Westerlea Hotel, Nairn
08:00          Jury’s Inn Hotel, Inverness

Timings on the Day
Bus drop-off location at 9am. Meeting at the Duke of Gordon from 4:30pm onwards for refreshments. Bus will depart hotel around 6pm, and will return to Elgin via Inverness, Nairn and Forres.

What to Bring?
Lunch and the appropriate kit for the weather on the day. Click here for some useful links and information. If you would like to attend the navigation training, a map and compass (also encouraged if you are going on the walk).

Please help spread the word!  Tell your friends, family, colleagues… anyone who might be interested in joining and enhancing the Moray Mountaineering Club.

To express an interest, or to ask any questions, please email Alistair. To sign up, please click here.