Sunday, 19th September 2010

Despite the fact that several MMC members were celebrating Fiona Duncan’s last Munro (Schiehallion) over the same weekend, 22 members commendably attended this Bus Meet and enjoyed the mountain views of this inspiring and remote northern terrain.

The star of the day from the point of view of the Bus Meets Organiser was undoubtedly the bus driver.  He made such excellent progress to and from this distant location, that the traditional toilet stops were completely missed!  Fortunately there was a toilet on board, which provided a challenge for those with weaker bladders.

Guests included Alice Roberts and Jan Paprocki, who trekked up Conival in misty weather with Jenny Smith, Kath Taylor, Rachel Higgins, Malcom Campbell and Alaistair Wren.  Some of the party decided to leave Ben More Assynt for another day, when the views would be worthwhile and all returned in good time for the bus and more importantly in good spirits.

Annette Turnidge and Allan McConachie walked Sail Gorm on Quinag via the path from the bus car park.  They experienced some great views and, to make sure they didn’t miss out, returned via the same route.

Andrew McGhee and Pete and Lynne Long walked Quinag, via the S.E. ridge, ticking off Spidean Coinich, Sail Gorm and Sail Garbh (and sandy beaches?)  A cloud-free day, they spotted Ravens, Ptarmigans, Ring Ouzel and Snow Bunting.

Ben, a young German guest, who did the high level walk from Inchnadamph Hotel to the Eas a Chuall Aluinn Waterfall with Andy Brooks, Steve Linturn, Illona Morrice and Mark Richford (who also ticked Glass Beinn), wrote up his experiences of the day in his native language in the Bus Meets Diary. Not being a German speaker, this was not intelligible to me unfortunately, but the word “Uber” suggests he had a good time. Other members of the group reported that it was an interesting walk that just avoided much of the cloud.  They spotted Spagnam Moss, Racomitrium (Wooly fringe) Moss, Devils Bit Sabuluss, Deer Grass, various igneous rocks and H2O in abundance.

Graeme Bartlett had a solo day navigating with the compass on Breabag plateau, having set off from the Bone Caves traversing to Inchnadamph.

Fran Knowles went fishing (don’t mention license laws and no fishing days) and reported catching eight fish, although there was no evidence, apart from the slight smell of fish on the journey home.

George Herraghty walked Siack O Glen Coul, Flora Hunt walked the waterfall from the bus car park and Rob Murray was spotted flitting from the Glass Beinn mountain top to various lochains in search of Moby Dick.

A fine pub stop in Ullapool provided a fitting finale to the day, allowing members to reflect on the day’s events, enjoy the local ‘fish n chips’ or sample the real ale in the Anchor Inn.

Mark Richford