This meet was notable for the fact that the meets organiser finally managed to attend, despite the earlier confusion over the dates. Having last done the job over 20 years ago it came as a shock to be reminded that this involves trying to decipher illegible hieroglyphics in the Red Book to write this report (subtle hint) and to spend a while cleaning the hut after everyone’s departure (unsubtle hint).

What was possibly the best weekend in the year on the west coast started early for Adrian Marsay and David Treagus who had a great day on A Chralaig and Mullach Fraoch Choire. Fourteen members eventually assembled at the recently refurbished hut and plans were made amidst suspiciously little consumption of ‘refreshments’. This was explained by the early starts made by most the following morning.

Heavy Whalley, along with Susan Birse, Adrian and David were away by eight heading for the In Pin. Adrian duly led the climb up the west ridge and in fairly short order the three younger members has another tick in their books. All enjoyed the superb views afforded by the clarity of the air and were back by four. A memorable day for Susan especially as this was her first ever outdoor climb and abseil.
Jan, Sheena and Ray ascending from An Doras

Ray, Sheena, Ella, Dan and Jan left shortly after and headed for An Dorus from where they first went to Sgurr Mhadaidh, back to An Dorus and on to Sgurr a Ghreadaidh and along the ridge to Sgurr Thormaid and Sgurr na Banachdich. They enjoyed the friction of the gabbro and playing at being geckos as well as the superlative views.

Alan outlines the plan

The plodding pensioners party, combined age of over 310, of Andy Brookes, Drummond, Fiona & Alan Duncan and Simon left well after nine and were barely seen again that day. Finding that their free bus passes were of limited use they headed for the Cioch instead. It was a good thing Andy was there as he was the only one who had any idea of where they were going. A scramble led onto the Terrace followed by a dramatic climb up Collies route and along the equally dramatic, and unusual, Balcony. Some complicated ropework and they were on the summit of the Cioch by five. A rush then ensued to get up the gully and down the ridge to the path before darkness fell. Alan and Simon made it and were able to guide the others past the crags in the darkness. Heavy and Dan took pity on the stragglers and gave them a most welcome lift from the campsite, arriving back at the hut after ten.
Simon and Fiona on the scramble to the Cioch

There is only one Andy

Sunday is less well documented. Susan headed off for the Quirang. The plodding pensioners, plus Ella and minus Andy, headed for the ‘short’ circuit of Belig and Garbh-bhein which was completed in just over seven hours.

Dan and Sheena headed for the Cioch and took the more direct route via the Cioch Slab Corner route, watched by a golden eagle possibly anticipating some carrion. Delicate moves on the traverse led to the summit. They enjoyed the rather unusual balcony as well as the wet wriggle up a tunnel under a chockstone in the gully, a one-move wonder up the wet slab and a second squeeze under another chockstone. Their time is not recorded but may be possibly a bit less than the previous day’s record.

Adrian headed back up to the ridge, but without his helmet decided not to push his luck. He too enjoyed eight hours of sunshine but without reaching any summits. He made up for this on Monday. Having spent the night in his van he stopped off at Glen Cluanie and climbed Sgurr nan Conbhairean, Creag a Chaorainn and Carn Ghluasaid.

All in all a magnificent weekend and everyone commented frequently on the superb views, clarity and the sunshine.

Footnote. Several of those on the Cioch posed for photos with swords hoping for a role in a remake of Highlander. Alas they are wasting their time as there is a club member who has appeared in several movies, (one of which was Oscar nominated) and is almost guaranteed the role.