The last meet to this venue was on a glorious day in June 2014, when there were 23 people on the bus. This time there were also 23 people on the bus, but amazingly only myself and Graeme M were on both trips? Kintail offers many possibilities with its big ridges and variety of hills, and for many, is the finest hill walking area in the Western Highlands. The weather was also very good despite forecasts of rain sweeping across the area in early afternoon, and only the late, late party returning from the South Cluanie Ridge had a welcome (?) rain shower to cool them down on the long trek back to the bus!

Joe G, feeling the effects of a cold, resisted the temptations of glorious ridge traverses, and wandered up Am Bathach and then Ciste Dhubh before dropping down to Gleann Lichd to the bus. Tom resisted the temptation of even going up a hill, after recent half marathon escapades and headed towards Altbeithe Youth Hostel before following the same glen back to Morvich. Ray, Lucy, Bill with Sophie and Philipp (forestry students from Germany), also began their walk from the Cluanie Inn and did a combination of hills including Am Bathach, Ciste Dhubh and Sgurr an Fhuarail. They remarked that it was a good day for hiking with fantastic views all round.

Next off the bus were Sheena, Jenny S and Niusia who did a traverse of the 3 Munros of the Brothers, before finishing off with Am Bathach – as they were such fast walkers! This was preferable to loitering and sinking pints in the Cluanie Inn, on such a good hill day. Interestingly enough, Jocktoberfest was responsible for helping to introduce Niusia to the Club! Further down the road at the 1719 battle site, Graeme B, Graeme G, Brent and Josh were ushered off the bus for the long trek along the South Cluanie Ridge. They decided to avoid the shorter path up the first hill and wanted a warm up on the road down to the saddle car park, which naturally meant they were likely to be late for the Bus! When they eventually returned to the bus, minus any refreshment, the nasty bus conductor pointed out the error of their ways!

Alan, Fiona and Ella were next to depart at the Saddle car park, and Alan was singled out as unusual as he had a plan for the day! It was a good plan as it involved going up the Graham, Biod an Fhithich and then in the afternoon going on to the nearby Corbett, Sgurr Mhic Bharraich. They even had time for a swift drink in the Kintail Lodge Hotel before an early bus pick up.

George H also had an enjoyable walk up to this Graham and had a leisurely stroll back to the Hotel for a welcome pint. Bob S had an excellent day on Sgurr Mhic Bharraich starting from Shiel Bridge and had great views across to the 5 Sisters ridge.

From Morvich, Graeme M, and Kevin completed the 2 Munros of Beinn Fhada and A’ Ghlas Bheinn, whilst John H headed over to the Falls of Glomach and then up on to the Marilyn, Meall Sguman. A 23km walk for one small hill but very enjoyable nevertheless, despite being pestered by numerous Deer Keds – horrible spidery like flies! Finally, it was good to see Ken R out again on the Bus. He was testing out a recent injury so had an easy day heading out towards the waterfall. Next March, it will be his 50th year as a member of the Club. Outstanding!

“Better is a handful of quietness, than two hands full of toil”.