3-4 November, 2007

The numerous deer grazing by the side of the road as we journeyed north to Kinlochbervie caused grave foreboding; the forecasted “High” hadn’t arrived yet. Come Saturday it was still absent, so with routes modified from the previous night’s bar influence, a late start was accepted.

Saturday

Conditions where perfect though for Bob Macdonald and Graeme Gunn, off sea-kayaking in the bay of Oldshoremore. Struggling to get out through the high waves without capsizing, they caught some awesome surf once they found the courage to turn the kayaks around. Obviously they spent a lot of time swimming ashore.

Andy Williams chose Arkle as the alternative bad weather route for his inaugural Club weekend trip. Along with Dave Galloway and the Graemes (Bartlettt and Morrison), he braved a cold northwest wind and a low cloud base, swearing to put rocks in their rucksacks if he ever goes out with them again. He was impressed with Dave who declared the 757m top as the summit, less so by Graeme “B” who pointed out that the real summit was a mile away along a very wet and windy ridge.

Jake Lee and Janice Taylor, chased by Ruby their dog, went mountain biking along a partially waterlogged route to Sandwood bay. They enjoyed blue skies in the west and a relatively clear day.

A grade 3 scramble up the slabs of Cnoc Duail was Daniel Moysey, Ali Erginsoy and Drummond Beattie’s day out. They met with an “incident” on the ascent when Ali dislodged a large boulder which just missed Drummond. The hill has now been renamed the “Peak of the Assassin”, while the story and the size of the rock increases with each telling. Once on the ridge, they made their way to Ganu Mor, the summit of Foinaven.

The third climbing group consisted of Ella Grant, Margaret Paterson, Maddy, Fiona Duncan and Dave McLean who set out to do Beinn Spionaidh and Cranstackie. However, despite the numerous rainbows, the conditions underfoot combined with the weather meant Cranstackie was left for another day. They retired after their summit to the Kinlochbervie Hotel for a welcome respite.

On return to the hall, Graeme “M” got the heating in the dining area working by turning it on and then planed a sticking main entrance door. All this before the evening’s entertainment, a bonfire, a fireworks display, an open air bar and BBQ burgers. It was run by the local fireservice for charity and was situated 50yds from the hall, so it would have been rude not to show support.

Sunday

Sunday came and still no High, the hall was tidied and vacated in slow time. Four cars left for the Oldshoremore car park as eight members went out to the sea stack Am Buchaille at Sandwood bay, an 11 km round trip.

Graeme “G” and Bob went with their kayaks to the Kyle of Durness and paddled around the ferry crossing for a couple of hours, point spotting seals and sea otters.

Dave “Mc”, Fiona, Margaret and Maddy took in Ben Hee on the way back to round off the weekend whilst Jake & Janice penned this ditty:

Janice and Jake after much debate
Stayed in bed and got up late.
Was it Foinaven or maybe Ben Hope?
The mighty Arkle or some similar slope?
Time alone would tell which it to be,
But first things first-lets have another cup of tea.
Resolute in mind and up for the crack,
Like a couple of old biddies it was up Ben Stack.
The panoramic views, they where so fine
Which was just as well after so much wine?

In conclusion: Fifteen people and two dogs can’t go wrong.

Dave Galloway