Sat 2nd – Sun 3rd October 2010

On the slabs, Foinaven

Eleven members and one canine guest arrived at the Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse in Durness.

Saturday was a lovely sunny day, albeit a bit windy at higher levels.  Four groups headed off in different directions to explore the delights of the northern highlands. Graeme Morrison and Penny went up a couple of Grahams, including Ben Stack.  Dave Galloway and Ray Harron set off at “o-nine hundred hours” towards their target of Cranstackie and its neighbour Beinn Spionnaidh – mission accomplished (with some fine views towards Ben Loyal and Ben Hope as a bonus).

Bob MacDonald, Alan Duncan and Dave McLean took the scenic road along the north coast to Ben Loyal.  There is some disagreement regarding the exact ascent route; Bob maintains that they ascended a short dry gully to the summit ridge, whereas the conflicting story uses phrases like “long” and “wet”.  They celebrated their summit with a “gurgle” of Jamaican Rum.

Fiona Gingell, Illona Morrice, Ali Erginsoy and Daniel Moysey went up Foinaven via a superb scramble in Glas-Choire Granda.  The views from the summit were fantastic. They were also rewarded with a great view of a Sea Eagle.  Just as this disappeared over the horizon, a Golden Eagle appeared…what more could you ask for (Err…a bike for the long track back to the road would have been nice).

Sunday was a bit wet, but nonetheless some hills were conquered.  Another group did the local touristy things… walk along the beach, Smoo Cave, Cocoa Mountain…etc. Dan, Fiona, Ali and Illona stopped at the Falls of Shin on the way home and saw salmon attempting to ascend the waterfall – a wonderful sight.

Dan Moysey

For more pictures from this meet click here