Sunday, 17th October 2010

The sky ablaze between Inverness and Nairn on the way home. The rest of the day was a wee bit wetter. Photo: Ray Harron

26 folk got on the bus in spite of a dire weather forecast, which unfortunately was correct. Plans were laid, and the mood was defiant.

Kathy, Natasha Lilly, Kath Taylor, George Sim and Illona opted for the easy option of following the path from Albeithe over the bealach to Glenhiel where the bus was to be waiting at the Forcan ridge car park. They lost George, then lost the path, but luckily made it over the bealach anyhow.  Here they were overtaken by Graeme Bartlett, who had walked over Kinlochhourn and taken the path to Glenshiel from there. George did turn up at the bus!

A big crowd of folk; Brian Fraser, George West,  Rachel Higgins, Elliott Harbottle, Mark Shewry, Malcolm Campbell, Bob Lister, Ray Harron, Jake Lee and Dan Moysey hurried up Sgurr a Mhaoraich with great intent, but the weather never abated. Sometime it poured, sometime it just drizzled, the wind increased to add to the discomfort. Malcolm noted that it was the first time he didn’t stop for a break on the way up a Munro!

Brian and George W also did the top Sgurr a Mhaoraich Beag. Then the whole crowd headed back in various ways – Jake opting for the old favourite of  tumbling head first- and made their way down the nonexistent  path to the Bealach Duibh Leac and down to the road.

Corinne Ferguson, John Henderson, Stephen Linturn, Claire Proctor, Duncan May and  Jo and Paul Chappell went east from Albeithe, hoping to find a hill that was clear of cloud. Luckily they found one, Creag a’ Mhaim, before they ran out of ridge. Crossing it they headed for the Cluanie Inn for much refreshment.

Paul Geraghty, Lydia Davis and Greg Muir had a schedule to keep,  no talking allowed. They also went up Sgurr a Mhaoraich, but went eastwards in the glen , before going up the South Cluanie ridge and down to the road to the Cluanie Inn.  Seemingly this was done in the allotted time, so food and drink could be enjoyed with a clear conscience.

Everyone commented that in spite of the ghastly wet day – most people were soaking – they had enjoyed themselves and the company!

Illona Morrice

For more photos from this meet, click here