A fine weekend was had as always with the Moray Mountaineering Club at the Cairndow Village Hall. What a cracking location to explore, a place where the club haven’t been for years! However it had been noted by a few members on this meet that more and more meets were taking place closer to the central belt. This certainly is just a coincidence, nothing to do with a certain weekends meet organiser living just one hour away from this venue.
Given the distance for some members, Alan and Fiona decided to head down early on Thursday to climb one of the new ‘Grahams’ – Cruach Neuran. Nothing positive was said about this hill.
Friday saw more folk head out, with Babs, Maggie, Dianne, Dottie, Brent and Alistair out having a great time up the Cobbler. Despite the wet, Alistair and Brent threaded the needle and got to the true summit. Whilst the remaining crew watched and admired their bravery. They split up, with Alistair efficiently bagging Corbetts as usual on Beinn Luibheann; Brent, Dianne and Maggie to Ben Ime and Babs and Dottie slowly meandered down.
Fiona and Bob had a luxurious breakfast at their B&B, and a leisurely stroll turned into a bog fest on the side of Beinn Chabhair. They reached the summit, and the way down was rewarded with spotting both an eagle and purple saxifrage.
Justin was seen up Benvane en-route, and was rewarded with showers at the summit. Alan and Fiona were on the case with the Graham’s again, but wrote more in the BRB about their Fish and Chips and the Fyne Ales than the hill. That must say something about Beinn Mhor. Following everyone descended on the Village Hall, and were amazed to see a massage chair of all things! Fun was had with Alan trying it out on his knees on the floor.
The Saturday saw more adventure. The biggest crew of Brent, Dianne, Dottie, Alan, Fiona, Rona Morrison, Carol and Corrie the dog all heading up Beinn Bhuidhe. They cycled along the track, up the top for some of Dianne’s famous brownies, then back down in time to stop in at Fyne Ales brewery. It would have been rude not to.
Babs, Maggie and Justin were perusing Bab’s remaining Corbetts. A grand day out was had on Beinn a’ Bhuiridh, near the Cruachan ridge. Jule, Blaire, Damian and Martin were efficiently bagging on Beinn Luibheann, Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain and The Cobbler. Grand views were had from the summit of the Cobbler. Alistair’s Saturday ascent was not recorded in the BRB but he was seen heading over Ben Donich and The Brack. Fiona and Bob were seen walking around Ardkinglass Woodland Gardens, and later seen at the Loch Fyne brewery. Adrian was on his bike with Minnie. They reached the shoulder on bike, then walked the rest of the way up Beinn Bhuidhe. A “controlled dismount” (he fell off) on the way down due to failed brakes was required.
Archie, David and Martin had a grand day out looking at climbs. First they pootled about on the side of the Cobbler, trying to find Recess Route. On finding the route, the weather meant Martin could no longer feel his hands. It was said, who needs feeling in fingers when climbing. We agreed after that statement everyone does. So we found some scrambles around the cobbler. On reaching the summit, Martin was worried about getting his feet wet in the puddle so had to scramble round. Following they headed over to Glen Croe crags to look at some climbing there.
That evening saw everyone descend in the local pub, for food, a few drinks, great music and craic. Martin and David even formed a new band – The Eggmen.
Sunday saw more brave folk out, adventure was had by David and Alistair heading over Stob an Eas, then Beinn an Lochain. A claggy day, but interesting ridge line off the hill. Brent and Dianne headed over Meall Mam Maigheach. A misty and boggy, but quick day was had. Jule and Martin were proud to say they climbed all the tops on the Tarmachan Ridge, which hopefully made Alan pleased.
All in all a wonderful weekend. Next month it’s another Village Hall in Arran. It will have a lot to live up to after this weekend!
Thank you to Damian for some of these photos. You can see more of Damian’s photos here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063546579281