3rd-4th October 2009
The October weekend meet destination was Crianlarich, using the Ochils club hut, ‘Inverardan’. Eleven club members gathered there to join up with Tony and Lynne from the Ochils club on Friday night to discuss their stay. In deference to Saturday’s forecast, a late start was decided upon, but in memory of Glen Etive, a wet and weather route was planned.
Saturday morning saw Evelyne Droege and Mick Greenshields set off to visit the hydro plant at Ben Cruachan and setting a new precedence by going inside a mountain and not up on !! – it was a worthwhile visit.
The remainder set off in two groups south along the West Highland Way to the Drovers Inn at Ard Lui. Three wind-lashed showery hours later they met the bear, had some refreshments then returned on foot; the bus back was too long a wait.
Sunday saw the weather improve: The sun was shining! Dave Galloway and Evelyne set off east along the A85 to Auchessan Farm. They climbed Meall Glas and Beinn Cheataich before going down to the bealach and up to Sgiath Chuil. Braving a chilly west wind they returned to their cars in seven hours.
Alan Duncan, Mick Greenshields and John Henderson took the small ferry from Ardlui across Loch Lomond to the West Highland Way. They walked the short distance down to Doune bothy, before climbing up through the long bracken and steep slopes onto the rocky undulating ridge and eventually the summit of the Corbett, Beinn a Choin. A tough climb to a remote Corbett, but the good weather was very welcome and in complete contrast to the wild conditions 24 hrs earlier!
Dave McLean and Bob Macdonald ascended the lofty heights of the Shee of Ardtalnaig. “We walked up the path on the north ridge from a farm called Claggan and along to the summit of 750m through bogs and peat hags. Near the summit there is a big cleft as if the side is sliding away from the main mountain. From the summit we decided to descend via the South ridge to a track and back to the car in about 3 hr 30 min.”
Graeme Morrison, Ali Erginsoy and Penny the Wonderdog set off for the trio of Corbetts, Beinn Odhar, Beinn a’ Chasteil and Beinn nam Fuaran. Ali missed the last one out, but Graeme scooted up and down in no time, leaving just 5 Corbetts to complete the round!
Jake Lee and Fiona Duncan climbed Ben Challum on Sunday. “It was an amazing day weatherwise compared to the day before, although very boggy and wet underfoot for much of the way. An interesting hill consisting off a double ridge to the summit. The summit was Very Cold but had great views. Down in five and a half hours so can’t be accused of being a pair of wobblers!!”
Dave Galloway
for more photos from this meet click here