Thirty-four members and guests boarded the bus en-route to Loch Quoich.

First off the bus was Jim who set off from Poulary to ascend Sgurr Choinnich. Owing to some route-finding issues through the forestry, resulting in several delays, Jim opted to only proceed as far as the summit of Glas Bheinn (556m) in order to ensure he was not late back for the bus. On returning to the bus, Jim was keen to know if Glas Bheinn is a classified hill. Having looked it up, I can confirm it is a HuMP.

View from summit of Glas Bheinn (Photo by Jim Bryce)

Next off the bus were Ray, Elliot, Rob and Sandy who set off from circa 1km before Kingie to undertake an East to West traverse of Spidean Mialach and Gleouraich, walking back to the bus at the Glen Quoich bridge.

The third drop-off was at the Loch Quoich dam. Derrick, John and Brent set out from the dam to ascend the remote Corbett Sgurr an Fhuarain. Also dropped-off at the dam were Don, Tom, David, Bob and Sheena who undertook an ascent of Gairich.

Reflections (Photo by John Henderson)

A few kilometres further along the road, eleven members disembarked at the start of the excellent stalker’s path to Gleouraich. The majority in this group undertook a West to East traverse of Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach descending to the road 1km beyond Kingie. As this group were effectively doing the same route as Ray, Elliot, Rob and Sandy in reverse, I suspect that the two groups met at some point on the ridge.

And finally, the bus arrived at the bridge at Glen Quoich and then continued circa 1.5km beyond to get turned before returning back to park-up for the day at the bridge. At the bus turning-point the remaining members set off with three objectives in mind.

Ray, Natacha, Fiona and Alan set off walking several kilometres further along the tarmac road to ascend Sgurr an Eugallt, a Corbett above Kinlochhourn.

Ladhar Bheinn (Photo by Heavy Whalley)

Stephen set off on his own to undertake a low-level walk up Glen Quoich.

Andy, Graeme, Donnie, Gregor and Ken all set off up Sgurr a’Mhaoraich passing a number of stags standing at the roadside near the start of the walk. This group were treated to not only great views but also several Brocken Spectre and a Golden Eagle sighting.

Roadside Stag (Photo by Andy Lawson)

View from summit of Sgurr a’Mhaoraich (Photo by Andy Lawson)

The weather was excellent throughout the day with good views and pleasant walking had by all.

It was touch and go whether or not there would be sufficient time to squeeze-in a pub stop at Fort Augustus. We felt that a quick pint was better than no pint at all, so twenty minutes were spent downing refreshments in the Bothy Bar and Poachers Bar before returning to the bus for the final stretch home.

Andy Lawson