Sunday, 16 November 2008

The Throng

This was a beautiful mild, clear day with snow on the tops of the hills and great views of the Mullardoch and Strathfarrar hills and beyond.  33 enthusiastic people (including an encouraging 8 guests), grasped the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Scottish hills in early winter.

First off the bus (about 4kms from the Bus park), was a large group consisting of David Brown Douglas, Ali, Paul Geraghty, Ella, Drummond, Robert Reed, George Sim, Amanda, David Strathdee, Tish, Jim Hall, Paul Chappell, Jo Cross, Ray Harron, John, Peter Jones, Alastair Wren, Ros Wright, Corinne Ferguson, Moira Baptie, Dagmar Borrowman and Sandra Doull.  Giving an impression of a Ramblers day out, the group snaked their way up the hill through the deep heather (where there should have been a path!), and on up to the ridge leading to the Munro, Toll Creagach.  From there they dropped down to the col before the steeper icy ascent to the 2nd Munro of Tom a Choinich.  With great difficulty they dragged themselves away from the summit and then carefully picked their way down the ridge to the Bus as the darkness descended.  Allan McConachie and Annette Turnidge started out from the next dropping off point and took in the hill Beinn a Mheadhoin, above the Loch, before retracing their steps to the outgoing path.  On the walk up the glen to Allt Toll Easa they met up with Kathleen Shanks (first outing with the Club), before heading back to the bus in good time.

Heavy Whalley, Gail Russell, Paul Hope and Bob Weeks decided to tackle the Corbett, Carn a Choire Ghairbh the hard way (ie no bridge!), via the Carn Glas Lochdarach ridge.  Once on the ridge the walking was more enjoyable and they had great views including seeing some flying Swans (but no pigs!).  Good company and good conversation, (mostly from Heavy ?), who is now on the Corbett trail after 7 rounds of the Munros.  George Herraghty and Graeme Morrison sped along the north side of Loch Affric before taking the path up Coire Leachavie to the Munro, Mam Sodhail.  After absorbing the rays of the sun and the glorious views they descended back to the Bus via the ridge of Sgurr na Lapaich.

A more adventurous expedition was planned by Natacha and Simon (travelling separately with the bikes), who were heading for the remote Munro of Mullach na Dheiragain, a long way north west of Glen Affric.  Cycling 13kms to the Alltbeithe Youth Hostel they took the path up to the ridge between An Socach and Sgurr nan Creathreamhnan, before dropping down and then picking up the long ridge up to the Munro.   Although returning in the dark, it will have been very satisfying to bag this awkwardly placed hill.  Compliments again to the weather God for providing such a perfect day.  Remember your mince pies and mulled wine for the Christmas meet.  Santa Claus hats are optional!

John Henderson

For more photos from this meet click here