Sunday, 21 November 2010

What a good attendance this month for our mammoth trip to Drumochter. Thirty -seven stout mountaineers made the effort and were rewarded with… well, let’s find out!

Brian Frazer and Bob Weeks (The ‘Hare’ee Trekkers) teamed up to tackle Meall na Leitreach and the Sow of Atholl. “We spotted seven hares in their winter coats,” Bob exclaimed!!!  As expected the weather was clear to the south of the pass, although there was some low cloud on Meall na Leitreach, but they managed to find a sunny spot for lunch.  They then went on to attempt the traverse of the Sow of Atholl (Meall an Dobharchain), via the south ridge, but were unprepared for the icy north slopes. They made the right decision to retreat back down the south ridge to the cycle track.

Don Asher and Ken Ross toddled up Geal Charn from Balsporran. It was icy on top with no visibility so they toddled back to the bus for a snooze.

Mark Shewry set off from Dalnaspidal, heading to Sgairneach Mhor. He then met up with Ray Harron, Alastair Wren, Nigel Birkin, Graeme Morrison and Donnie Mclennon. The Dirty ½ Dozen continued onto Beinn Udlemain, finishing up on A’Mharconaich before heading back to the bus.

Missing in action from the above posse, Corrine Ferguson and Ros Wright had stopped to “see two men about two dogs”. The duo ended up rounding up the Sow and the Boar of Badenoch (An Torc) before riding off into the sunset.

La Presidenta Illona Morrice marshalled her troops for an attack on Carn na Caim and A’Bhuidheanach Beag. Surrounding the hills with Illona were Kath Taylor, Jenny Smith, Paul and Joanne Chapell, Stephen Linturn, Claire Procter, Andrew McGhee, Alice Roberts, Jan Paprocki, Bob Lister, Natasha Lily, Jake Lee, Donna Nash and Dan (25 hares) Moysey.  The hills’ surrender was completed with an air attack from a golden eagle. Our war correspondent Alice Roberts lost her camera, either on the bus or in the Glen at Newtonmore, so if anybody has spotted it please let me know.

Allan McConachie and Annette Turnidge outflanked everyone by heading straight to Newtonmore from Cuaich Cottages by Loch Cuaich and Phones on hill tracks.  Grouse and pheasants galore but alas no gun, as they had all been despatched to Carn na Caim.

Fiona Duncan, Bob MacDonald, Dave McLean, Andy Brooks and Dave Whitelock set off from Dalwhinnie over the hill and Fara away, padding our way up Allt-an-t-Sluic to the great slash of Dirc Mhor, where the enemy lay in wait. This is like the Chalamain Gap, only more awkward, with a covering of snow on the boulders making it difficult to traverse. Climbing out of the Slash up above Meall Liath, Bob (forever the twitcher) spotted some ptarmigan tracks.  Ignoring this we continued onto the top of the Fara, then down through the firebreak to Loch Ericht and back to Dalwhinnie.

John Henderson toiled up the side of Loch Garry, heading for Creag a’ Mhadaidh, to collect another Graham, having lost one Graham Milton, who ascended Beinn Mholach. They both had a long 30kms to do but arrived back in time for the bus.

Mark Richford had a great day walking up to Beinn Bhreac, then along the ridge, having to use the compass to navigate and taking in Carn Fhreiceadain (Corbett), Carn Sgulain (Munro), A’Chaileach (Munro) and Geal Charn (Top), 24 km in total in crusty/awkward snow.  Lots of grouse, hares and a few snow buntings (no gun though).

We all retired to the Glen at Newtonmore for a few beers and the crack, a good day had by all. Did anyone see Rhod Gilbert playing pool in the back bar?!

David Whitelock