3rd Oct

Annika and Rob Acheson – An early start to get through Drumochter Pass before storm Amy arrived. At Blair Atholl decided to walk the Glen Tilt circuit. A dry misty autumnal start with noticeably high levels of water in streams and the river, wet underfoot we reached the viewpoint for lunch before the weather descended with worsening wind and rain, a flooded stream prevented us reaching the bridge so we retraced our steps and crossed to the other side lower down. Finished very wet and needed to try and keep warm until the youth hostel opened at Pitlochry.

Tim Spencer and Alistair Jeffs – We set off for Ben Mholach amidst quite tolerable weather along Loch Garry, after starting the hill ascent and a first lunch the proper weather arrived. The summit was windy and misty with occasional views as it became wetter. A sensible person would have been pleased with attaining one summit so Tim headed back along the loch. Alistair went on to do Creag a’Mhadaidh, Crag of the Fox, a Graham. Rough ground followed on the way to the Corbett of Meall na Leitreach above Dalnaspidal. It was tough underfoot and a ‘proper hillwalk’.

4th Oct

Fiona C, Bob M, Annika A, Rob A, Fiona D, Alan D, Tim S and Alistair  – After a stormy night in Pitlochry we weren’t expecting to climb any hills, but the morning brought clear weather. The decision was made to attempt the Graham Blath Bhalg. A crocodile of red jackets (with 1 blue) made their way up from the cars as the wind steadily increased. There was a good path all the way to the summit. Although a bit boggy in places on the summit, we curried down in the Lee of the summit to savour Annika’s rock cakes, then down to the hostel for lunch and off into town to find a cafe.

Brent Craig and Dianne Watters – Given the forecast, we opted for a low-level circuit starting in Pitlochry. The Bealach path starts in town and heads towards Ben Vrackie turning left at the lochan through a bealach down through the fields and haughs to Kilicrankie – a little exposed to the wind. We donned waterproof for almost 10 minutes. Where was the wild weather? The cafe was shut (power cuts) and along the river Garry to Pitlochry climbing over the fallen trees beside the speeding, swirling and swollen waters. Past the duck pond and back to the youth hostel: 20 km and 650 m superb!

5th Oct

Brent Craig and Dianne Watters – Headed to drop to do Corbett Meall an Leathaid. Approaching the pass the wind which had been absent now started up and buffeted the car. After getting violently blown about as we left the car we proceeded along the path for a few hundred metres but on seeing the dog blown nearly off her feet we retreated for breakfast in Aviemore.

Rob and Annika Acheson – Rob and Anneka climbed Ben Vrackie, returning via the Bealach route. Windy on the summit but otherwise a good and dry day out. Safely home.

Alistair and Tim – Tim and Alistair went up Beinn a’ Chuallaich from the Trinafour road, descending to Dunalastair where we’d left a car. It could be described as being breezy with sunshine and was an excellent short trip out on a characterful Corbett. Panoramic views were in all directions, including a pleasant and interesting overview of Friday’s hills to the northeast. Views to the west indicated a distinct east/west split in the weather, to the benefit of ourselves in the east. A satisfying end to a good weekend.