Nevis Hillwalking Club

A Journey in Tibet

2012-01-08T17:38:00.002Z

Slideshow by Stuart Morallee
Wednesday 1st February
Lochaber College 7.30pm
Members and non-members very welcome
£2 donation at the door

Ten Tips for Hill Walkers and Climbers Now the Clocks Have Turned Back

2011-11-23T11:59:00.001Z

MCofS News Release 10 November 2011

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is urging hill walkers and climbers to take particular care with preparation when heading out to the hills during the winter months.
Our Ten Point Winter Check List comes as shorter days and adverse weather conditions require preparation for the potential problems that can arise on a winter day or night spent on the Scottish hills.
MCofS Chief Officer, David Gibson, says: "There is a poignant quote that goes: Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. Having considered a selection of typical winter pitfalls, the MCofS has developed a Winter Check List which we hope will help hill walkers and climbers to enhance their ability to make good judgements and return home safe from enjoyable days in the mountains."
The MCofS ten point winter check list is:

1. Check your head torch and GPS batteries are in good condition, renew them if they’re fading and always carry a spare set of batteries in your rucksack. Always check that everyone you go on the hill with has a head torch.

2. Carry a mobile phone whenever possible, but be aware that you won’t always get reception in remote places. Register with the SMS Emergency Text Service by visiting www.emergencysms.org.uk.

3. Carry an emergency survival bag or bivvy shelter with you in winter.

4. Check that your crampons fit your boots before using them, and get into the habit of putting them on before you reach icy ground.

5. Carry your ice axe and know how to use it. Why not attend a MCofS Winter Skills Course?

6. Carry a big enough rucksack in winter. Using the same rucksack that you carry in summer is a recipe for an uncomfortable day when you are carrying extra winter kit.

7. Carry sufficient extra layers of clothing in winter. The temperature drops quickly as darkness falls and you should plan for unexpected delays and the possibility that you could be out on the hill for an extended period in the event of an incident.

8. Always check the mountain weather forecast before going out and be prepared to change your plans.

9. Always check the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service avalanche forecast and modify your route when the forecast indicates avalanche conditions on your planned route.

10. Know when to turn back: the summit is only the half-way point of your journey.

MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, said: "Now that the clocks have turned back it is time for anyone who goes out onto the Scottish hills in winter to give serious thought to preparing themselves and their kit for the season ahead. If there are one or two points in this list of ten that you hadn’t previously thought about then do something about it before your next trip to the hills."

For further information contact Mike Dales on mike@mcofs.org.uk or go to the MCofS website at: http://www.mcofs.org.uk/mountain-safety.asp

Two days in Glen Carron

2011-11-11T11:59:00.000Z

With a good weather forecast for earlier in the week I drove up to Achnasheen and stayed at the bunkhouse for two nights. First night on my own and second night two guys from Shrewsbury staying.
Day 1. I walked up Sgorr Ruadh commencing from Achnashellach Station through the woods then up onto a flatter area about 370m and took the left path up to the bealach, then steep climb up slope to the ridge then west to the summit. Great views in all directions and weather forecast spot on.
Day 2.Maol Chean-dearg. Commenced from Coulags taking the path sign posted for Glen Torridon. Followed the path past the bothy for about 1km and picked up path heading west to the bealach with great view of the Corbett, An Ruadh-stac. From the bealach headed north up quartzite scree to plateau then final ascent up sandstone rocks to the summit. Again weather excellent and had similar views from previous day.

Craigallian Fire

2011-11-10T10:07:00.001Z

I’m writing to you in the hope that your Club would be willing to help us preserve a very important piece of Scottish history and outdoor heritage - the Craigallian Fire.

If you already know something of the Fire, forgive the following history lesson but there seem to be few people, even in mountaineering circles, who know anything of it ! During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Fire was a beacon for young, poor people from Glasgow and Clydebank who, through it, explored wider afield and were introduced to Scotland’s wilderness. It’s location and significance has been forgotten by all but a very few and soon will be lost completely unless the site is commemorated. Those who daily pass by the Fire site in their hundreds on the West Highland Way by Craigallian Loch are unaware of the debt they owe to the original young pioneers who opened up Scotland’s countryside to us all. Some Fire-sitters became prominent figures in the protection of our wild places.

There is a gathering view that a permanent memorial should be erected on the site of the Fire. It is the aim of my brother Bill and I, sons of an original Firesitter and Weekender – Professor Sir Robert (Bob) Grieve - to commemorate all those who sat by its flames gaining warmth, companionship and an awareness of wider horizons - and the potential of the human spirit. The attached electronic version of our hard-copy double-sided A5 information leaflet will give you some more information on the Fire and our project. Please do see our website: http://www.craigallianfire.org.uk/ for further information.

Would your Club be willing to publicise this project amongst your members and help us to raise the funds to erect this memorial and preserve this small but important part of Scotland’s history, which is about to fade into obscurity ? We need to raise about £5,000 to build and maintain the memorial which is designed by the well-known Scottish sculptor Tim Chalk. Any donation will be gratefully received.

Members could make individual donations by cheque or BACS (Acc No 10006869 Sort Code: 80-02-77). If you would prefer to collect monies for a Club donation, this also could be done by cheque or BACS. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Friends of the Craigallian Fire’ and sent to me at my address below. Please let me know which method (Club or individual) you would prefer. If you do make a donation, we would like to list your name on the website as a 'Friend of the Fire' – please let me know if you would prefer this not to be done.

Thank you for your help,
Iain Grieve

Hello, Nevis Hillwalkers--is anybody out there??

2011-10-20T16:30:00.003+01:00

Over the last four weeks, there has been an average of less than four members on each walk, with six being the most and one the least. Where is everyone? I know that we all have other responsibilities--work, family, etc., but numbers on walks seem to be falling away. As I have produced the last and current programmes, it occurred to me that maybe I have not given our members, you, what they want. If that is the case, then please let me know. If there are other reasons, then I, for one, would like to know them as well.

As a walking club, we need people to be walking, otherwise the club, your club, will slowly fade away.

Or could it just be the bad weather?--surely not, not Nevis hillwalkers?!

John Burton

Ben Chabhair

2011-09-23T15:25:00.003+01:00

I couldn't make the club walk on Saturday, and was keen to get out on Sunday. The weather forecast looked good so I decided to do Ben Chabhair, which hurricane Katia had made impossible the previous weekend. Norman, Mike and Grant, a friend from Glasgow, came with me. It was a steep start from the farm up to the waterfall, and in the heat Grant found this hard going and turned back. It was a lot warmer than forecast, and it never did rain. It was windy on the summit, where we fed the tame ravens with bits of our ' pieces'. We decided to follow the ridge all the way back which was hard going and tiring. But it made a far more interesting route. Another excellent day on the hills.

One dry day and one wet day.

2011-09-17T16:21:00.000+01:00

On Thursday morning I drove up to Spittal of Glenmuick and on arriving about 11am was surprised to see that there were over 30 cars in the car park. Obviously a popular place for walking up high or at low level. Set off from the car park heading for Lochnagar. On reaching the spot just below Meikle Pap I got a great view of the Lochnagar cliffs. Have posted a photo above to let you see Andrew what you missed on the club walk. Worth going back on a clear day.
Then up the steep steps before following the corrie ridge to the summit. Descended via the Glas Allt and the waterfall was in full spate then a walk north along the Loch to the car. Great day and views.

Friday not so lucky. Drove to the car park from Braemar to Glen Tannar and cycled the first 9km then ascended Mount Keen. The rain started shortly after I began and just got progressively worse. On reaching the summit there was a gale force wind coming from the south and I made a quick retreat back down to my bike then to the car.
What a difference bewteen the two days weather wise and I guess you have to take the bad days with the good ones when you are ticking off the Munros.

Glen Lighe Bothy

2011-09-03T10:52:00.000+01:00

Glen Dubh Lighe bothy has burnt down. For details please follow the link below
http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/news-general-item.asp?item_id=299

Alan Moore

This weekend in Glenshee

2011-09-02T16:55:00.000+01:00

A few of us are heading off to Glenshee for the club weekend away. We may be few in number but we have a great weekend of walking planned. If anyone wishes to join us for the day we will be tackling Lochnagar on Saturday and Ben Gulabin through to The Cairnwell on Sunday. If you do wish to join us give me a ring or send a text to 07740 698173 and I will confirm logistics.

See you on the hills soon!

Andrew B

Barbecue Munro Quiz

2011-08-30T10:31:00.002+01:00

To add a little bit of amusement to proceedings at Sunday's Club barbecue, I devised a 20 question quiz which everyone got involved in. Gerry came out on top and graciously shared around the winning chocolates.

What amazed me was how difficult the quiz was - it's totally different compiling questions when you have the reference books in front of you to note down the answers.

Some participants left behind their answers sheets and I got a few laughs from some of the answers :

Q : Who wrote the Old Man of Lochnagar ?
A : Prince Charles - other answers ranged from The Corries,Paul McCartney,

to Robert Burns !

Q : What is the name of the demoted Munro at the Rest and be Thankful ?
A : Beinn an Lochain. Stuck for gaelic words one participant answered " Ben Blether " !!

Q : What is "Culicoides Impunctatus " ?
A : A midge ( or Highland Midge).

Some answers received :
" A rescue helicopter that arrives late " !!
"Something Nasty" !!
"A bacteria causing occasional diarrhoea " !!

Q : Which type of aircraft crashed on Beinn Eighe in 1952 ?
A : Lancaster

The best answer was " a UFO " - and this was suitably illustrated on the answer sheet !!

Thanks everyone for entering into the spirit of the event, and for the humour, which I greatly enjoyed.

My Last Munro – Sgurr MicChoinnich, 12 August 2011

2011-08-15T11:15:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to Cris, who 'compleated' the munros on Friday. She sent me this report.

I had hoped to have completed my round of the Munros on Sunday (* see In Pin blog report from Les) but it was not to be. My next chance was on the Friday, just me with a guide. The mwis forecast seemed favourable with 80% cloud clear and light winds but of course Skye has to be different.

We set off from the beach carpark and were up in Coire Lagan in no time at all. We had a quick stop to put on waterproofs, it had started to drizzle, the wind was blowing strongly and cloud was on the tops. A quick drink of water and we were off again, up the south side of the Great Stone Chute of Sgurr Alasdair, cutting across to the other side below the crags and some ‘interesting’ scrambling! to emerge onto Collie’s Ledge. (I’ll leave those interested to look up Munro Magic etc for descriptions and photos as per http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/33308 ) All I can say is that I’m glad it was misty and I couldn’t see what was either below or above! I confess to couple of squeals * once when my boots lost their grip on wet basalt. My guide, Lochy, was excellent, keeping a good hold of me and positively hauling me up some bits. When we finally got onto the last stretch of the ridge, I was all for giving up but Lochy would have none of it. We touched the stones at the top (no time for photographs) then beat a hasty retreat back down to our rucksacks, a march along the ridge and down to the start of the An Stuc Screes where we had our first stop of the day. I had only enough time to take off my harness and eat half a sandwich before we were off again down the screes to the Lochan where we had a proper stop. By this time we were thoroughly wet in the now steady rain. Celebrated by sharing my flask of coffee and finishing off my sandwich. Then it was a quick sprint down to the car.

The choice of route for the day was to try to avoid the winds on the ridge, we were fortunate to get a lull, and the pace set was to ensure that we kept warm – Lochy even carried my rucksack and dragged me along on a rein so that we could get off that ridge asap – 4 ½ hours from start to finish. Certainly a day to remember – I think I might feel tired every time I think about it!

I would highly recommend Skye Hi guides to anyone like myself who is a little ‘rock shy’ and it is thanks to my guide’s stalwart efforts that I made it this time. My thanks too to all those whose company I have enjoyed on various other hills.

What next? Time to spare to join others in their quests and to explore the Outer Isles on my bike.

InPin Photos

2011-08-11T14:43:00.000+01:00

I tried to add photos to original report, without success. Below are two photos.
1. InPin
2. Cris after her abseil

Chairty Event looking for help on the Ben

2011-08-10T16:46:00.000+01:00

Capability Scotland is looking for volunteers with mountain rescue experience to help out with a unique challenge event taking place on Ben Nevis on 20th August 2011.

The Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, will involve teams of disabled and non-disabled people working together to conquer Britain’s highest peak.
The teams will be guided by ex-SAS officer and TV presenter, Ken Hames, who was also the man behind the original 2008 challenge which saw the UK’s first wheelchair led ascent of Ben Nevis.
All the money raised from the event will go towards Capability’s work campaigning with and supporting disabled people of all ages at home, in work and at school. But the event is not just about raising valuable funds, as Capability’s Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, explains: “As well as challenging the people participating in the event, we also want to challenge people’s expectations of what is possible. In Scotland we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK and disabled people, just like non disabled people want the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of the country, an opportunity which they are not always given.”
Capability is now looking for enthusiastic and energetic individuals who have mountain rescue experience, such as First Aid or Mountain Leadership qualifications to help out on the day.
Duties will range from accompanying the teams as they climb Ben Nevis or being positioned at different stages on the mountain, monitoring teams’ progress.
Capability fundraiser, Suzanne O-Hara added: “This is a great opportunity to get involved in an event that not only has the potential to raise vital funds to support disabled people across Scotland but also to highlight the opportunities that are out there for disabled people to get involved in the outdoors.” “If you are free on 19th and 20th August and have mountaineering or mountain rescue experience we’d love to hear from you.”
If you would like to volunteer please contact Suzanne O-Hara on 07787536658 or 01313471044

Success on the InPin

2011-08-09T21:16:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday I drove up to Skye with a friend, Stewart to meet Cris Bonomy at the Glen Brittle Hostel. We arrived about 6.30pm in glorious sunshine and the Cuillin were looking majestic with the clear blue sky in the background.
On Sunday morning we met up with the guide that Cris has been out with before, though on this visit he was taking a day off and his colleague Lochy was going to be our guide for the day. The original plan was to climb Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and The InPin though because of the weather forecast a final decision would be made later. We set off about 9am from the Memorial Hut and followed the path until we reached the path that you take east to Sgurr Dearg. Lochy decided at the junction that we would go for the InPin first as the black clouds were rolling in and sure enough, when we got up onto west shoulder Sgurr Dearg the rain came on and after a short while the waterproofs went on. As we gained height we were in the clouds and as the paths narrowed with steep drops, maybe just as well you could not see them. Before we knew it we were at the ridge facing the InPin as Lochy had us going at a fast pace.

Had an energy bar and drink before putting our helmet and harness on, then slowly down the stone and scree slope to the east ridge of the InPin to be given our last minute instructions before being roped up and then commencing the climb. Lochy pointed out the lower part of the route as he went first followed by Stewart, Cris then myself. The climb was a bit of a haze for me as I was so focused in looking for the hand and foot holds and the wet rock did not make it easy. We reached the half way mark and had a few minutes rest and a wee chat and encouraging each other and it would not be long before we reached the summit. The second pitch was easier though more exposed with just one tricky part near the top which we all managed without too much bother. Next we were on the summit then sitting on the ledge getting instructions for the abseil. Stewart went first and got down with no problems then Cris was next. Because she had not done an abseil before she was fairly tense and Lochy and I knew when she had reached solid ground as the screams stopped which must have been heard back at the Glen Brittle Hostel. I went next and for me was the highlight of the day.
We went up to the ridge where our rucksacks were, had lunch congratulated each other and because of the wet weather the guide decided that we would miss out Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and just descend the way we came up.
We went to the Carbost Inn for a celebration drink,where we met Sarah and her Mum who were up in Skye for the weekend attending a wedding. A great day and Cris was pleased that she did the InPin as she thought she might only achieve Sgurr Dearg, though the guide was having none of that.
Because of the weather and the speed we were doing I did not take any photos though Stewart managed a few and when I get them I will post one as proof that we did do the climb.

Fisherfield in 3 Parts

2011-08-04T11:18:00.001+01:00

This trip report comes from Cris Bonomy who recently did the Fisherfield Six...

Being neither a camper nor a bothyperson I divided my assault of the Fisherfield into three separate day trips.
Saturday July 30th, I ticked off my remaining 3, Beinn Tarsuinn, Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Sgurr Ban. This sortie had been planned for the Sunday of the Achnasheen w/e, but with the weather due to break, I selfishly went a day early with only one of the proposed 3 companions.
On a blistering hot day, midges and clegs enjoying right royal feasts, we (Roy and I) set off from Incheril, Kinlochewe taking bikes as far as 1½ km short of Lochan Fada. Thanks to Roy’s height and biking experience, we were able to negotiate a couple of high deer gates. With such good visibility we headed straight for Beinn Tarsuinn, then picking up paths did the next 2. The downside of this route is having to climb Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair twice!
Having complained bitterly about dragging the bikes so far in, the ride out was sweet and with enough time for a well earned pint at the Kinlochewe Hotel.

Sunday July 24th, I stayed at Carn Dearg, Gairloch, SYHA. From Poolewe I cycled to the far edge of Kernsary forest and from there walked to A'Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mhor. As I was on my own and cloud was rolling around the tops, I didn’t do the ridge on A’M but stayed on the paths to the bealach between the two hills. A very long but most satisfying day.

Saturday 7th May, was my first sortie, starting from Coirre Hallie and walking the route to Beinn a' Chlaidheimh. (Remember to think about the level of water in the River Sealga.) Although only one Munro on this trip, it gave a good taster of what was to come in distances to cover and the general lie of the land.

Often regarded as ‘much prized’ amongst Munro baggers, they are best saved for a good day to savour the full grandeur and I was fortunate enough to have managed that for all except A'Mhaighdean.

1st Ever Wild Camp

2011-07-24T18:17:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday I set off from Milngavie about 6.45am to Dalwhinnie. Parked the car and cycled in laden with tent and all the add ons. Arrived near the Bothy at Culra,set up tent had lunch then climbed Geal-Charn and Carn Dearg. The clouds and mist had lifted and the views were excellent. Arrived at tent about 6pm and had dinner!! about 7pm. Went for a walk though in bed by 9.30 and slept sound till 8pm.
Prefer tent as sleeping on grass is a bit softer than the hard board in a Bothy.

Next morning I climbed Ben Alder and Beinn Bheoil though the weather was not as good with mist and cloud hanging around till after lunch. Got back to tent about 3pm, had food then took tent down and packed bags for the cycle back to Dalwhinnie. Set off for home about 6pm and home for 8pm. A great two days, as back in Glasgow it rained. managed to get the best of the weather and good experience for tackling the Fisherfield 6 sometime in the future.

First munro

2011-07-24T10:46:00.009+01:00

Yesterday I took Peter and Douglas dog up their first munro. Peter has climbed a couple of corbetts and the pap of glencoe and was keen to do a munro. Douglas is 9 months now and I was hoping he was up to a good walk.

I chose one still on my list that has the least ascent and distance - Meall Buidhe in Glen Lyon. I had heard the views were spectaular on a good day, and they didn't disappoint. From the summit we could see across Rannoch Moor to Stob Ghabar, Buachaille Etive Mor, Ben Nevis, and further north. All the summits were laid out infront of us like a model of Scottish hills. I can't wait to go back to the area and do Stuchd an Lochain.

Hillwalking in England

2011-07-17T13:50:00.002+01:00

After my Irish & Welsh expeditions, all that remained was to bag the 6 peaks in England listed by the SMC as being over 3000 feet.

I climbed Scafell on a very busy day down at Wast Water with many participants in the 3 Peaks Challenge, however my route up Green How soon got me away from the crowds. A descent down the ravine at Foxes Tarn and then a further 300m ascent saw me on Scafell Pike in time to witness two rescues, with two helicopters involved. It made for quite a noisy day ! A quick trip to Broad Crag and Ill Crag was required before a descent back to Wast Water over Lingmell.

To complete what is known as "The Furths" in Munro's Tables, I did another ascent of Helvellyn one sunny afternoon, and the following morning plodded up Skiddaw with my wife to complete the list. The photo above shows that some fizz was consumed to celebrate !

Well, that's it - all 545 peaks listed in Munro's Tables as being 3000+ feet successfully climbed, many in Scotland in the company of Nevis members.

Did somebody mention Corbetts ? Just don't tell my wife who says "NO MORE LISTS" .......

Hillwalking in Wales

2011-07-17T13:25:00.003+01:00

After my Irish trip in May, I decided to continue my quest to bag all the 3000 foot mountains in Britain & Ireland with a trip to Wales, combining this with a touring holiday by caravan.

There are 15 peaks in Wales credited with being at least 3000 feet, and if you are sufficiently masochistic it's possible to do them all in one massive 20 hour expedition, but I decided to break the task down to three managable days of 6 - 8 hours each. Day One I tackled the classic Snowdon Horseshoe route, up Crib Goch, along over the pinnacles to Crib y Ddysgl, then on to Snowdon itself (large numbers of people who had come up by train !) and then finally over Y Lliwedd to complete the circle. A very enjoyable day in pleasant sunshine. The second photo shows the Crib Goch pinnacles (very similar to parts of the Aonach Eagach) and Snowdon on the skyline.

Day 2 I climbed the Glyders starting with Tryfan, and the first photo shows the extent of the North Ridge - which I didn't take on, preferring the Llyn Bochlwyd approach. A further 4 peaks were traversed, all over rocky terrain for a 19k walk with 1800m of ascent.

And then finally Day 3 was over the Carneddau, seven peaks in a long line (with an out-and-back excursion to one of them). My wife dropped me just up from the A55 road near the North Coast and came to pick me up when I finished the 23k at Llyn Ogwen.

There were rainy days in between, but I was very lucky to pick three days when I only had one shower of 5 minutes, which seemed to contrast with the weather being reported back in Scotland !

Eilean a'Cheo

2011-07-15T14:20:00.003+01:00

Skye certainly lived up to its reputation as the misty isle last weekend. I met Cris, her friend Alastair, and our guide Graham (Skye-Hi) at 9pm at Sligachan and we headed into the clouds. Our main goal was Am Basteir so we climbed up to Sgurr a Bhasteir and along the somewhat slippery ridge. We had no views, but I suspect the drop was far greater than we imagined, and I was somewhat thankful not to see the full extent of it. We hid our bags and Graham took myself and Alastair along to Bruach na Frithe.

Back to Cris, our bags, and a quick bite to eat before following a faint scree path on the north side of the ridge. Looking up to our right we could just make out the Am Basteir tooth looming above. Having lost some height we then turned back on ourselves and started to climb once more, up the east ridge of Am Basteir. We had to negotiate lots of wet slabs, short scrambles and a "bad step" before reaching the summit (which was marked by a slighlty disappointing handful of stones).

We retraced our steps back down and continued east to the Bealach a Bhasteir. Here I left Cris and Alastair, and Graham attached a rope to me. Then came the difficult (scary) bit. With Graham leading we climbed up a chimney, and then along the ridge. There are no words to describe this. It was somewhere between scrambling and climbing, and quite the most terrifying thing I have ever done. There was one point where I was 'this close' to calling it a day. However we got round, over and under all the rocks which stood in our way and soon reached the summit of Sgurr nan Gillean. I had an adrenalin fueled grin on my face when we returned to the others. It took some time before relief to be back turned into excitement about what I had just achieved.

Another amazing day in the cuillins. Perhaps one day I will do Sgurr nan Gillean from the more usual NE ridge, and peek over looking west and say "I came up that way last time"!

Braemar Trip

2011-07-15T11:15:00.000+01:00

On Monday evening I drove up to Braemar to stay at the Hostel and do a couple of days hillwalking.

On Tuesday I cycled up the track from Linn of Dee to the Derry Lodge where I left my bike. From the Lodge I headed north up a path through the forest then picked a spot to head north east to Beinn Bhreac through thick heather. Reached summit in mist. From there headed north over 4km of bog to the summit of Beinn a' Chaorainn. Just as I reached the summit the mist lifted and had splendid views all round. From here I dropped down south west to the Lairig an Laoigh, cut across heathery ground to pick the path up that headed west, passing the memorial hut up to Loch Eichachan. From there headed south to Derry Cairngorm then south west to Derry Lodge. It had been a big climb from Lairg an Laoigh to Derry Cairngorm of 455 metres.
On day 2. I again took bike to Derry Lodge and headed west to Lairg Ghru then Corrour Bothy and took the path behind the bothy to the summit of The Devil's Point. It was sunny all day and had great views in all directions. Back the same route then home.

Aonach Eagach

2011-07-11T10:33:00.004+01:00

I joined the club this week to navigate the Aonoch Eagach ridge and what a great time I had. It was a hard but satisfying day but tired legs were forgotten as we gradually put each difficult, and there are many, problems behind. It was much harder than I remembered, I'm sure someones been adding bits on. Sitting on the first top, Am Bodach, the cloud rolled in and blotted out the terrific views and I thought that was it but just as quickly they rolled away and luckily kept away all day. So we had the best day possible, great views and the most exciting scrambles. There is, of course, two Munros but they come well down the list of achievement. This was my fourth traverse of the ridge and I don't know if there will be a fifth but if it is my last time I signed off on a high ( should be on the programme every year)

Settings

2011-07-08T15:42:00.000+01:00

Until recently I was unable to publish a post.I discovered that by going into settings once you have gone into the blog you then scroll down to Global settings. Click on Updated Editor(recommended). This will take you away from old editor and everything should be ok.
Les

200th Munro

2011-07-05T20:18:00.000+01:00

Hi All

I was out on the club walk last Sunday and joined the group that climbed Beinn Eibhinn and Aonach Beag, the latter being my 200th. At the summit we celebrated with a small dram from my hip flask. It was a great day weather wise, though when I will finish doing them all, I do not know.

Les

Weather forecast

2011-06-29T12:22:00.002+01:00

Where we live the weather is always a topic of conversation. There are loads of sites offering weather forecasts, I'm sure you've got your favourite. I tend to go by the Mountain Weather Information Service for a reliable short term hill forecast, and the met office for a 5 day general forecast.
Here's a link to a longer term forecast that might prove useful when planning a week ahead.
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/Scotland/Fort_William/long.html Thanks to Cris for passing this on to us. There's a surprise, next week is forecast for rain!

Blog Problems

2011-06-23T20:14:00.002+01:00

I'd like to comment on some of the recent posts, but having technical difficulties. Ron has made some suggestions, but I'm still unable to add a comment, although I can add a new post, such as this.
It's not really a problem, I just wanted bloggers to know that's the reason I can't say "Well Done" when members provide details of exciting outings, e.g. Ron, Sarah etc !!

On Top of the Cuillin

2011-06-21T13:07:00.001+01:00

Several years ago, I wrote a piece for the club newsletter, describing a day in Skye with Andrew, Gerry and Wesley. We climbed up the Sgumain Stone Chute and on to Sgurr Sgumain. The plan was to reach Sgurr Alistair (Andrew knew an easy route over !) but the conditions were awful - we never saw more than 10 metres all day and everything was dripping wet - so we gave up, despite being only 170 metres from the summit of Sgurr Alistair, and descended to Coir a Ghrunnda. Clearly unfinished business.

So last Sunday, I returned with Cris, Sarah and Graham Paterson. The plan was to do Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr Alistair. It meant that I missed the club walk on the Five Sisters of Kintail which is one of my favourite walks but that is Munro-bagging for you. We set off from the Glen Brittle camp-site at 8am and traversed round to Coir a Ghrunnda. Then, instead of the usual path, hugging the cliffs on the left, we followed a route up through the boiler-plate slabs and ended up south of the lochan. Then it was up a huge stone-filled gully on to the ridge and out to Sgurr nan Eag. One down, two to go !

Back along the ridge, cross over to the east side of the Caisteal, up to Sgurr Dubh an da Bheinn and out to Sgurr Dubh Mor. The scrambling was getting serious now - a succession of narrow exposed ledges and steep stony gullies but we all made it to the summit. Two down, one to go !

Return to Da Bheinn by the same route, then contour round Coir a Ghrunnda, keeping right up next to the cliff so as not to lose height. A stop for lunch and a welcome rest. Up yet more stone fields, a dark, wet chimney, several more narrow ledges (dont even want to think about the drops !) and scrambles. Then the slope eased off a little and we were in a steep, stony gully which led us straight to the tiny summit of Sgurr Alistair. No real cairn (not enough room) - just an insignificant little pile of stones. Then scramble along a narrow exposed ridge down to the top of the Great Stone Chute. Sarah and Graham went off for a look at the TD Gap. Cris and I just sat down, glad of a rest. Sarah found Mike Pescod of Abacus Mountaineering at the TD Gap with a large group who were doing the Ridge Traverse. I gather she told him we were Nevis Hillwalkers - not clear whether he was impressed or horrified to find us in such a place .

Then it was down the Great Stone Chute. All I can say about this, is that I might recommend it, some day, to someone whom I really don't like. But it got us to Coire Lagan and into tourist territory.

Clearly, a fantastic day out - maybe even better than the Five Sisters.

Lochan a Coir a Grunnda

Coruisk

Sgurr nan Eag Summit

Coruisk


Coruisk

Thanks from our guest...

2011-06-21T12:28:00.001+01:00

I loved it, I had a great day,
I found it all very well organised, met everyone at the start point, arranged for cars to be dropped off at finish and then got started on the walk just after 10am. The tops were in mist at this point and everyone hoping that it would lift, which it did. Had a fantastic day with stunning views. It was so nice to meet everyone and hear of all the different backgrounds and interests. Obviously I was a bit apprehensive of meeting everyone and whether or not I would be able to keep up but, it all went great, even although there was a variety of fitness levels it all worked perfectly. Everyone was so nice and friendly and welcomed me, I felt at ease immediately.
Then at the end of the day to have a well earned refreshment and discuss the day was so nice and relaxing.
I would certainly like to come along on walks again but due to usual time issues this may not be too frequent but I would love to join the club if this sort of membership would be considered.
Sincere thanks for a wonderful day.
Kind regards
Diane

Half way - only 141 to go!

2011-06-07T14:36:00.005+01:00

On Sunday Ron, Jimmy and I set off to join the Glen Affric Walking Festival. We met at Morvich just after 8am. Jimmy and I had stayed overnight in the motorhome to avoid an early drive. By 8.30am we had tied the rucksacs onto the roof of the landrovers and 16 of us headed off to Killilan and privileged access all the way to Iron Lodge.

Our aim was to climb Mullach a Dheirgain, one of the Glen Affric hills. It was a clear dry day, with high cloud and a lovely cooling breeze. On the way up the ridge we stopped to discuss orchids and kestrels, and higher up watched a golden eagle circling over the ridge.

We reached our summit in good fettle and the ridge infront of us was just too tempting not to carry on. A leisurely stroll along the ridge, and a final pull of 300m steep ascent saw us on Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, our second munro of the day, and my number 142. Reflecting on this number makes me think of many wonderful days and experiences I'd never have had if not for munro bagging. Ticking a list may not be everybodys cup of tea, but it has taken me to some wonderfully wild spots.

We continued to give us a circular walk back to the track. We are told that we passed several munro tops, but skirted round them (too late in the day for any more ascent). My GPS logged the trip as 20.9km, 1449m ascent, taking 9 1/2 hours but my legs tell me it was more than that! A quick cup of Jack's homemade soup in the motorhome before heading home finished off another excellent day on the hills.

Stob Coire Easain

2011-06-04T10:34:00.002+01:00

Summer is here, and it's time for the silly hat. I'm sure most Lochaberites have done these two hills before, but they were new to me. The weather was excellent, if a little too hot! Super views all round.

Hillwalking in Ireland

2011-06-03T16:27:00.003+01:00

Scottish hillwalkers will feel at home in Ireland - the main mountain range, The Macgillycuddy's Reeks is very similar to much of our own territory. It's situated just a few miles from Killarney which I used as my base.

The SMC recognise 10 peaks here over 3000 feet, and I set out to climb them over 2 days. It was quite a windy period (May 2011) and there were days with heavy rain, but I was fortunate enough to choose two days when the sun shone and the winds died down.

My first day was on a walk known as the Coomloughra Horseshoe where the main excitement is the rather exposed ridge between Beenkeragh (1010m) and Carrauntoohil ( at 1039m, the highest in Ireland). Along the way one needs to scramble over The Tooth (sometimes called Knockoughter), and the top photograph shows the connecting ridge with The Tooth in the middle, and Carrauntoohil on the left. After that it's an easy traverse to Caher and its West Top, making 5 "Irish Munros" in all.

After a few days waiting for the wind to subside I set off to do the other 5 peaks on what is known as the Eastern Reeks. Starting at Cronin's Yard (a small farmyard with a tearoom) I clambered up The Bone, to Maolan Bui, headed out to Cnoc an Chuillin and then enjoyed the ridge on the way to the aptly named Big Gun. This part of the ridge reminded me a bit of The Saddle. From The Big Gun it was only about 400 metres to the final peak, Cruach Mhor but I found it really tricky with huge slabs which all seemed to lead you out to precarious downclimbs which I didn't feel comfortable with, so it took rather longer than anticipated. Apparently the walk is much easier tackled in the other direction.

So that concluded my 2 days in the Reeks. Before that I'd meandered around Ireland, bagging the other 3 "Munros" , Lugnaquillia, Galtymore and Brandon Mountain, perched way out on the Dingle peninsula, but they weren't really very exciting.

Incidentally, Trail magazine in this month's feature claim that there are 14 peaks over 3000ft, but the odd one is just a little bump on the Eastern Reeks ridge which I passed over in any case.

The second photograph taken from the summit of Cnoc na Peiste shows the ridge leading to The Big Gun (right) and Cruach Mhor (Left) with the very large cairn , and little shrine built by a local.

Ireland is a good destination for a holiday, a bit expensive but that's improving, and weather very similar to our own. Go on, try it !!

Club Walks – Where is our Commitment and Organisation?

2011-05-29T15:49:00.000+01:00

There was a time when members of this “small friendly Lochaber based club” would turn out regularly in any weather and do a walk in or on the hills, even if it was not the hill on the programme. This was because they “shared a passion for the local countryside, the Scottish hills…”. They enjoyed being outdoors, and each other’s company.

Sadly, these days are long gone. The Nevis Hillwalking Club has moved on and the majority of the active members have different priorities. On Saturday 28th May, Gerry and I turned out for the Glen Shiel day. The forecast was not good, and once again, there was nobody at the meeting places, the Fort and Spean Bridge. There was no coordinator rostered for the day to ring for information. In view of the cold wet and windy weather forecast for the west, we decided to do one of “eastern alternatives” that had appeared on a previous programme, Creag Dubh at Kingussie. It was a good sunny day, very cold but with only the occasional shower.

Soon after starting the walk, Ralph phoned to say he was waiting for other members in Glen Shiel. I explained what had happened. He had been staying in the area for a few days. Had we known this we would have gone to Glen Shiel.

It is clear, that with fewer people turning out regularly and no regular social events, information about Club activities is not being passed around. A coordinator for each walk day is more essential than ever. For what it is worth, the information I passed on to the new committee was as follows:

The 14 coordinators on the list were emailed asking them to name their preferences for the 2nd Quarter programme that had just been circulated. There were three replies:

Norman Wares volunteered for June 5th, Ben Lomond. He will meet members at Rowardennan Pier.

John Burton’s first choice was June 25th, Aviemore.

Stuart Moralee was not able to give a specific day but would coordinate at short notice if he were available.

Since then:

I have volunteered for 3rd July, Glen Spean.
Gerry Gilbert has volunteered for 9th July, Glencoe.

Andrew Gilbert

Last Two Weekends

2011-05-24T14:50:00.002+01:00

Andrew sent me the following contributions intending them to be walk reports. But you cannot have a walk report without doing the walk -

No walk - No report !

So here they are, in the club blog -

Saturday 14th May 2011 – A day on Skye missed

The forecast was awful and three members were on a course at Glenmore Lodge. Andrew G., Gerry and Wesley turned up at the Fort. Unfortunately, I had injured my hand and it wouldn’t stop bleeding so I decided to go to A & E to have it stitched up. Wesley went on alone to Spean Bridge but texted to say that no one else was there either. He decided to go bird watching instead of going to Skye.

Later, Gerry and I decided on a short walk to the C.I.C hut and back. Almost there at about 14h00 two guys overtook us, one of whom enquired “Are you doing both of them?”. “Both of what?” I asked. “ Both Munros” he said. I explained that we were enjoying an afternoon stroll. The pair pulled ahead and I pondered their assumption that the only reason for walking in the hills is to bag Munros. Sad really.

Shortly after this, I fell over and burst open the wound on my hand. I decided to go home to fix it, rather than return to A & E. They would not be amused. Should have just gone to Skye.

Andrew G

Sunday 22nd May – Another day missed

The forecast was awful, 90 mph gusts in the afternoon with blizzards on the summits. It was raining hard. Gerry and I found no one at Glencoe car park. There was no coordinator rostered to contact for information, and we had no idea whether other members would be meeting at Achallader Farm. We decided to stay in Glencoe and do the Two Lairigs, setting off clockwise in the Lairig Gartain, following Martine’s new path. Thick cloud in the glen cleared at the watershed, and we contoured around the spine of Buchaille Etive Beag, high above Glen Etive, with a fine view southward. Ducking below some crags we gained the Lairig Eilde path and were soon at another watershed.

A short distance further on we met a guy in shorts, coming the other way, the rain streaming off his cagoule. “How was it at the top?” he asked. “Cold, wet and windy, same as here” I replied, somewhat puzzled, and asked him where he was going. “Buchaille Etive Beag, that’s it over there isn’t it” he replied, pointing to the col on the south-east ridge of Stob Coire Sgreamhach. I realised he was assuming we were bagging Munros too, and pointed out the location of his day’s objective, looming above our heads. “I’ll just do Sgreamhach instead then” he said, “I need that one too. Where is the summit?”. He didn’t produce a map so I gave him brief directions and off he went.

Sad really, and a bit worrying. There are a lot of them out there.

Andrew G

Mountain Aid Fundraiser - Schiehallion longest day event

2011-05-20T10:29:00.000+01:00

Dear Hill Walking/Climbing Club
Our next fundraising event is drawing near, and we would appreciate it you could circulate the information to your members in the hope that some of them and their friends might join us for a midsummer get together to watch the sun rise on Schiehallion and raise a wee bit of money for Mountain Aid. We understand the pressure on everyone’s pockets these days and so are only asking for a minimum sponsorship sum of £50 – which will get participants a t-shirt as well as a sunrise toast and canapés on the hill!! A poster is attached and there is more information on our website at http://www.mountainaid.org.uk/events/midsummer where on line registration is available.
Mountain Aid Committee

Lost Dog

2011-05-16T17:33:00.002+01:00

A lady phoned today to ask if we could keep our eyes open for a lost dog. It went missing on Sunday morning on the Kinlochleven to Fort William stretch of the WHW. It is a brown terrier called Davie. Please contact me on 01855 821277 if you have any news.

Model T Ford on Ben Nevis

2011-05-14T11:07:00.001+01:00

As you are probably aware there is an attempt being made to carry a Model T Ford to the summit of Ben Nevis on 18th of May to celebrate the centenary of car being driven to the summit in 1911.
The above event is being organised by the John Muir Trust and the Model T Ford Registry of Great Britain.
We have managed to get over 60 volunteers to help carry the dismantled car to the summit, but feel that we need a few more!!
Would any members of Nevis Hillwalkers be interested in lending a hand ?
If you require any further information ,please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail or mobile on 07771 532370
Cheers Spook

Charity Hillwalk Challenge

2011-05-14T10:59:00.002+01:00

I am sending you information on a charity hillwalk challenge that we are undertaking next month, helping wheelchair athlete Kenny Herriot to the top of Broad Cairn.
Kenny is an enormous character and since being confined to a wheelchair has undertaken many unusual challenges, this will be his first Munro, and we are looking for enthusiastic people to help him. The two charities which will benefit are Shopmobility Aberdeen and the North East Disabled Veterans Association, both small charities who do enormous works with very small funds.
If you, or any of your members require any further information please feel free to contact me.
Thank you in advance for any help you can give to promote our challenge.
Best regards
Paula Bisset
01224 630009

New Walks Programme

2011-05-11T13:56:00.002+01:00

As we are about half way through the current programme, I am hoping that some (or all!) of you will give me some ideas for walks for the next quarter, July/August/September. The daylight hours will still be long, so the walks can also be long, the drives long, or not. Just let me know your favourites or ones that you have not done, but would like to. You can email me or see me on a walk.

John Burton

Walk, Sat. 14 May

2011-05-10T19:51:00.002+01:00

As the email to all members is no longer working, I am using the blog to let you know that I will not be out on the next walk as my wife and I are going on holiday to the Isle of Arran for one week.

It is possible that there will be no-one from Oban on this walk, as Ralph is going on a GPS course, along with Martine and Ken, and Ian and Sue are away.

John Burton

Summmmer?

2011-04-10T17:59:00.002+01:00

I know Jean's probably been in them since Boxing Day but Saturday was my first walk in shorts. That says something about the weather doesn't it? Thankfully there are no photos to scare you with..

Kev.

Jungfrau Map

2011-03-04T09:38:00.002Z

I've arrived home from the Loch Leven Hotel talk with an extra map, of Jungfrau. Let me know if it belongs to you and I'll post it on. Or perhaps it came from the hotel library ?

Meall Glas, Sunday 20 Feb. 2011

2011-02-22T15:03:00.002Z

Meall Glas, Sunday 20 Feb. 2011--

Once again, the weather forecast threw a spanner in the works of the scheduled walk. The walk was supposed to be on the Saturday, but the forecast was for strong winds and snow, with blizzards possible. It looked very likely that it would be dangerous to try to even get to the start point in Glen Dochart. So we chose to give it a miss, and try on Sunday instead, which had a much better forecast.

By we, I mean Ralph, Sue, Bruce and me. Sunday did look much better and the drive was uneventful, although there was a little snow at the roadside (from Saturday?).

The start of the walk was up fairly easy slopes, with the snow level low down. As we went higher, the snow became deeper, which was hard going. It didn't help when I walked across a flat area of snow to discover that it covered a deep, water-filled hole. Cold, wet feet after only less than an hour!

We were navigating by map and compass as all the hills were covered with cloud. Then we came across some footprints that were going in our direction (there had been a couple of cars at the start point). As they had kindly broken trail for us, we decided to follow them, while constantly checking that they were still going our way! Nevertheless, the going was still hard work and it became steeper and craggier. We were using our ice-axes, but did not need crampons as the snow was very soft.

Close to the top, we met our three trail-blazers coming down. They had been contemplating doing Sgiath Chuill as well, (as had we), but decided against it as there was the possibility of avalanche.

The summit was windy and cold, so we beat a hasty retreat to find somewhere for a break. Then it was down, following the tracks again. Another Munro to add to the lists of Ralph, Sue and Bruce ( I had already done this hill, but years ago in much better conditions). Altogether a successful, but viewless day.

John Burton

Email Lists

2011-02-06T14:29:00.000Z

I am sorry to report that the club email lists (NHCmembers and NHCcommittee) no longer work. Any emails sent to them disappear without trace. They will not be delivered. I am not sure exactly when this change happened but I would recommend that any emails sent on or after Monday 31st January be re-sent by other means.

With hindsight, this was bound to happen sooner or later. The lists depended on email features provided by my Internet Service Provider - Freedom2 Surf, who have been swallowed up by Talk Talk Business, a very much larger company and they have "consolidated" their email services. When I signed up with Freedom2Surf (5 or 6 years ago), they promoted themselves as "an ISP for IT professionals" and provided a more functional service that most other ISPs but without the marketing gizmos (six free downloads from Itunes etc !). In today's Internet, this is probably not a viable business model. Nowadays, it is all about numbers of customers and very large numbers (millions) at that.

I am investigating alternative ways of providing the mail list facility.

Nevis Hillwalking Club Evening Meeting

2011-02-06T14:07:00.001Z

The Nevis Hillwalking Club is holding an evening meeting, open to all, at the Loch Leven Hotel, Old Ferry Road, North Ballachulish, on Thursday 3rd March 2011 at 19h30. This is an opportunity for a sociable evening for members and their friends and acquaintances. The main subject of the evening will be:-

“Climbing the Munros and Munro Tops”

An illustrated talk by Norman Wares, our latest “Compleat Munroist”

Norman joined the Nevis Hillwalking Club in 2006. He has now climbed all 283 Munro summits, and the 227 subsidiary Tops. He is keen to make this presentation as a way of thanking the Club and its members for all the support given to him over these past few years.

Norman has numerous photographs, many featuring Club members. He will show pictures of the more interesting outings that led up to his completion of the main summits, and then describe what was involved in bagging the Tops. He is aware that his audience will include hillwalkers more experienced than him as well as others who aspire to meet the challenge of finishing the Munros, and has prepared his presentation accordingly.

All members, past and present, members of other clubs and anyone who shares our interest in the Scottish Hills are welcome. The Hotel will make no charge for the use of the room, and hopes therefore that participants will avail themselves of refreshments from the bar.

Andrew Gilbert (Chairman)

Beinn Dubhchraig--alternative walk, Sunday 30 Jan.

2011-02-02T12:36:00.002Z

The forecast was for strong winds and low cloud, so to avoid possible disappointment after a long drive to Drumochter, Ralph and I decided to try nearer to home. Beinn Dubhchraig and Ben Oss seemed like a good idea.

We arrived at Dalrigh just after 8 am, having driven through some sleet showers. But the weather at Tyndrum was OK, so we followed the track towards the hills looking for the bridge over the Allt Coire Dubhchraig. After a short distance, the bridge had not materialised, so we crossed the river on the rocks, joining a path on the other side. Here we were walking through the lovely remnant of the old Caledonian pine forest, which seemed to make the walking easier.

Coming out of the forest on to the floor of the coire, we encountered the first of the snow. Behind us, we could see quite clearly, but ahead the hills were in cloud. After climbing towards the ridge for a while, we put on crampons, and then entered the cloud. There was a breeze that was cold, but not too strong.

On reaching the wide and lumpy ridge, with poor visibility, we took out the GPS and discovered that we were not very far from the summit. After navigating over the confusing terrain using the GPS and map and compass, we reached the summit cairn. We could only see for around 15 metres, and the wind had become stonger and was bitingly cold. So we decided that Ben Oss would have to wait for another day.

On retracing our tracks down the hill, we found ourselves on a different path to the one we had ascended. This followed a delightful burn leading back into the forest. This path was boggy in some places, but frozen hard in others, and led us eventually to the bridge that we had missed on the way up.

The drive home was uneventful, (not like a previous one!) and we arrived home unusually early before 4 pm.

John Burton

Winter warm up

2011-01-19T16:12:00.004Z

I was feeling decidedly lazy with wet, windy weather curtailing any plans of walking. With a change to high pressure and a nice settled spell forecast I decided I had to get out and do something. So Fern and I walked Tom Meadhoin from Callert. It looked like I could carry on along the ridge, but without knowing where the descent might bring me out I decided to return by my ascent route. A nice walk, pleasant weather, and we saw a buzzard (probably) circling above the saddle, and two stags who headed slowly toward Mam na Gualainn as I approached.

Fingers crossed the weather stays settled as Jimmy and I are heading north tomorrow (Thursday 20th). We're staying in Gerrys Hostel at Craig tomorrow night with plans to walk Moruisg (and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean) on Friday. There will be two spare seats in the car if anyone wishes to join us.

Then, assuming my legs are up to it, I'll be out on the club walk on Saturday to climb Druim na Sgriodain- at a nice leisurely pace I think!

Snow Fun after Aonach Beag

2011-01-12T12:35:00.003Z

After an exhausting, but good , walk on Aonach Beag, we had coffee in the Alexandra Hotel in the Fort. While there, we heard via mobiles, that it was snowing in Oban, and so decided to leave first.

We (Ian, Ralph and John) were in my car that unfortunately does not have four-wheel drive, but, although dark, the weather was fine leaving the town. There was a fair amount of traffic travelling at a decent pace, so we were making good time, expecting to be home before seven o'clock. However, around Appin, it began to snow, though nothing serious and it didn't slow us down. But it was lying on the road, and by Barcaldine (about 10 miles from Oban), it was becoming heavy. Naturally the traffic slowed down, but still kept going at a reasonable speed. By Benderloch, seven miles from Oban, it was a blizzard, and we were doing no more than 25 mph. Over Connel Bridge, and we were nearly home. Then, going up the hill about 1.5 miles from Oban, the traffic in front of us stopped. We could see hazard warning lights ahead, but did not know why we had been stopped. The snow was still coming down heavily, and Ian got out to ask a pedestrian what the hold-up was. He was told that the police had stopped all traffic from going up or down the Bealach an Righ (the hill leading down into Oban).

Ahead, we could see one car trying to negotiate the hill, but was slewing all over the place. Four-by-four vehicles, plus one or two two-wheel drive vehicles were passing us successfully up the hill, with one or two coming down. This caused a few problems as cars were not always on the correct side of the road. But there were no collisions.

After waiting for a while, my two valliant passengers decided that they would get out in the still-falling and several inch deep snow to try to get me going up the hill. With the help of another stranded motorist, they managed to start me off, but I had to stop when I was met by another car coming down. So another shove was required. This time, I did manage to keep going. Of course, it meant that Ralph and Ian were left behind, but we had arranged that I would stop at the top of the hill At Pennyfuir (the local cemetery!).

When two snow-covered people climbed into the car, I suggested that conditions were so bad that I would not be able to navigate the hill into Oban in my front-wheel drive car. I was parked beside the entrance to the car park for the cemetery, so we decided to get the car in there and then walk the remaining distance into town. So. after a bit more shoving, that was achieved.

Just then, a snow plough arrived, turned at the car park entrance and drove off back towards the town. We walked after it in its tracks, that were even more slippy than before. In fact, I had my only fall of the day then.

Nearing the top of the hill, we came across all the cars, including the four-by-fours that had passed us earlier, waiting where the police had stopped them. Halfway down the hill, there were three cars, one facing the wrong way, abandoned at the side of the road, and just below them was a bus. Traffic was going nowhere! We all arrived home at about 7.45pm.

The next day, I walked up to the car park with a shovel and my grandson, Chris. After some digging and some shoving by Chris, we got out on to the now clear road, and home. Chris did suggest that I should do the shoving and he would drive! But I decided that at 13 years old, he was a bit too young.

John Burton

Happy New Year

2011-01-05T19:01:00.003Z

Happy New Year everyone.
The gallery is closed in January and February and I'm longing to get out on the hills. I have been compiling a list of shorter walking days, but perhaps with a longer drive, that I am keen to do on good weather days. Perhaps an overnight stay where necessary.
If anyone is interested in joining me please get in touch. I'd love to have some company. These will not be club walks, just a group of friends walking together. I may take the dog on some days.
The list so far includes hills like Meall Bhuidhe (N Glen Lyon), Stuchd an Lochain, Meall Ghaordaidh, Schiehallion, Carn a'Gheodh (which could include Cairnwell and Aosda)...
Sarah

North West Scotland Inspiration

2010-12-09T17:54:00.001Z

If, like me, you are in need of something to inspire you to get out more these days, have a look at this article . There are some fantastic images.

Beinn a'Chleibh

2010-11-30T19:50:00.002Z

On Sunday, Ralph and I set out to climb Beinn a'Chleibh, having missed doing it earlier in the year with the club, after doing Ben Lui. When we left Oban, the weather was dull, but OK. Towards Taynuilt, we could see what I thought was cloud, but when we got nearer, it turned out to be snow. However, the roads were clear, so we carried on.

Not wanting to get our feet wet on such a cold day, we decided to use the foot-bridge to cross the River Lochy. The snow was several centimetres deep and was still coming down. After an unplanned tour of the forest, and an awkward burn crossing, we emerged on to the hill and headed up Fionn Choirein to the col between Beinn a'Chleibh and Ben Lui. Although the snow was soft, there were patches of ice, so we donned crampons. Going up the coire, we could see what looked like sand storms swirling around, but of course were snow not sand. It was impossible to avoid them, and when in them it was not very nice. The snow was coming and going, but the wind was getting stronger.

After the col, we just made a bee-line for the summit, from where we could only see snow. Coming back the same way, the wind was ferocious and nearly blew us off our feet at one point. And together with the snow made for intermittent white-outs.

But apart from snow stinging our eyes, the descent was uneventful.

Back at the car, the snow had added about five centimetres to the roof and road-side. So a very slow start to the return journey was made, but as we came nearer to Oban, the snow eased and the roads became completely clear.

John

Thank You Nevis HWC

2010-11-14T16:37:00.003Z

I eventually made it to the summit of my last Munro Top in the company of Andrew, Gerry, Alan, and Gavin who kindly took the picture. As you can see conditions were challenging.

I would like to say thank you to everyone from the Club who has accompanied me to any of these 227 Tops, many of which are off the normal Munro-baggers routes.

For those who like statistics, I had climbed 97 Tops during my ascent of the Munros in the years up to 2008. To climb the remaining 130 meant 68 days on the hills, walking 1329k in 460 hours. I couldn't even think of calculating what mileage my car has done to get to these hills !

As I've said here before, some of the Tops are a bit boring, but others, particularly in Skye and Torridon give you a real sense of achievement.

I'm grateful to those who have sent good wishes in recent days. In some ways it's sad to get to the end of a journey. Next year I'm hoping to climb "The Furth", the term which the SMC use to describe the 34 mountains over 3000 feet in Ireland, Wales and England. That should be a small enough list for someone of my age to tackle !

I'm looking forward to walking with the Club again next year, and I wish all my fellow members success in their individual challenges.

A Day in Arrochar

2010-11-11T13:16:00.005Z

I had planned to meet the club last Sunday but had a cold all weekend. yesterday Wednesday I felt better and drove up to the car park at Succoth in Arrochar to walk up Beinn Narnain. Have forgotten how many times I have done this hill, though I do enjoy it as it has a couple of short scrambles on route to the summit.

Arrived at the car park in glorious sunshine and before long the jacket and top layer was off. Took the route straight up from the car park passing the concrete slabs then through the crags. Views from the summit were great as you could see Arran and Ailsa Craig to the south and all the mountain tops to the north with snow on the upper tops. The two photos show Ben Lomond and The Cobbler.

From the summit headed north west down to the bealach and was surprised at the depth of the snow on this slope, then south past The Cobbler, the Narnain Boulders then through the forest on the zig zag path to the car.

Spoke to several people who had taken the day off work to do the hills since the weather was so good.

Alternative Walk

2010-11-02T12:34:00.003Z

Ralph was not able to make the club walk on Saturday, 29 Nov., so we decided to do Beinn Sgulaird, one of our local hills, instead. As it happens, the weather on Saturday was pretty terrible, but on Sunday it was good. As Ralph had not done this hill before, we decided to do it by the usual route, from Druimavuic. Starting up the first ridge, we met a guy coming down, who told us he had been up to see the sunrise! Unfortunately, there was a bit of cloud around and it was not as good as he would have liked.
There was still cloud up ahead on the tops, but we were hopeful. On the way up we were lucky enough to see a small flock of fieldfares (identified by Ralph). However, when we arrived at Meall Garbh, we missed the cairn because of the mist. A few minutes later, we were joined by another guy who had missed the small cairn to turn off the track at the start of the walk. He had carried on to the col at the head of Coire Buidhe, and then climbed up to join the path where he met us.
On one of the rockier bits, there was the burping sound of Ptarmigan, and then we saw them. They were nearly in their full winter coats, and were wonderfully camoflaged. The three of us carried on to the summit with the cloud coming and going. When it cleared, there were wonderful views in all directions, with the lochs like mirrors, and the sound of the rutting stags echoing up from the glens below. As usual, Ralph reached the summit before me and was lucky enough to see a Brocken Spectre, but by the time I got there, the mist had cleared. I missed the Brocken Spectre, but got the views.
We met various people who had different ideas to complete their walks, but given the short day, some were a little ambitious.
We returned the same way, with all its ups and downs, (this hill may be only 936 m high, but with the lumps and bumps, the climb is about 1500m) . On the descent, we saw two more ptarmigan that just carried on feeding, although we were only a few metres from them. All in all, this was a very successful walk.
John

Mullach nan Coirean diversion

2010-11-01T12:40:00.003Z

The forecast was better for Sunday this weekend, so I headed for Glen Nevis with Fern. At the bottom of the track to Mullach nan Corean were forestry signs asking walkers to follow a diversion. My book says "a footpath winds pleasantly" from the track to the NE ridge by coire riabhach. But the diversion takes the walker up a peaty, boggy, rough forestry path by the Allt Coire a Mhusgain burn instead. This brings you out at the SE corner of the forest and leaves a steep climb up to the ridge to join the path. The diversion, in place until Jan 2011, makes a very difficult start to the walk and may be worth avoiding.

However, I continued on the ridge to the summit, and had a very pleasant walk. I think this hill may often be overlooked for it's close neighbour Stob Ban. But it is a nice hill, and a pleasant ridge walk to the summit. Forecast was for 80% cloud free munros, and I was on the summit in the other 20%. Not to worry, I had left my camera in the car anyway.

The Lancet Edge

2010-10-28T19:30:00.004+01:00

In reality some Munro Tops can be disappointing, such as Meall Garbh where we were with the Club as part of the Chno Dearg walk last weekend. Others however are vastly more interesting, so I thought I would post a few pictures of Sgor Iutharn which I climbed the following day. The classic route is up "The Lancet Edge" from the direction of Culra bothy. It's a pretty steep ascent to the summit of this hill (1028m) and at first there are no real difficulties but nearer the summit there's a bit of exposure particularly on the right where the cliffs seem to fall straight down to Loch an Sgoir , and some slabby rocks to clamber over. On Monday there was still a bit of residual snow, so care was required.

The photos show a general view of the hill, the part near the summit, and a view from that point looking back down the Lancet Edge. You can climb this hill from other directions, but I'm sure Andrew G would agree with me that this is the route of choice !

For Map Geeks !

2010-10-22T14:30:00.003+01:00

On 30th September I found myself walking from Carn Etchachan (a Munro Top of Ben Macdui) to Creagan a Choire Etchachan ( a Top of Derry Cairngorm) and made a conscious effort to visit a little spot which has fascinated me. It's the meeting place of four of the one hundred kilometres squares, so that within a few steps you can stand in grid squares NH, then NJ, NN, and NO. It makes your GPS work overtime ! I suppose the actual grid reference would be NJ000000 ?

Anyway I discovered I was not the only sad person around - someone before me had erected this tiny "cairn" which is just to the left of the little lochan in the other photo.

There you are - I've saved you the bother of going to look for yourself (although Andrew G admitted that he's been there as well ! )

Not a Cloud....

2010-10-12T10:31:00.006+01:00

Well, not in the sky anyway! On Monday I set off with Ben from Glencoe ski centre to climb Meall a Bhuiridhe. The conditions were perfect, not a breath of wind, the sun in the sky, and we were quickly above the morning clouds. We managed the wee bit of scrambling on the ridge over to Creise and returned by our ascent route. What a wonderful day.

The Hills are Alive

2010-09-25T11:16:00.002+01:00

From my bedroom window I have just seen three cows on the summit of Tom Meadhoin (621m). Take heart all you lapsed members. If they can do it .........

Two Days on An Teallach

2010-09-21T14:21:00.003+01:00

Ron and Roy will remember the Club weekend three ago at Dundonnell when we climbed An Teallach from the path by the Hotel in foul weather. Last weekend I had another go, and on Saturday I went up the same way on my own and bagged the three outlying Tops of Glas Mheall Mor, Glas Mheall Liath and Sgurr Creag an Eich. True to form it rained most of the day !! Then on the Sunday in a small guided group I did the "proper" traverse from Corrie Hallie over the Forge Ridge. It started fair but conditions deteriorated and the rock proved very slippery in the mist and rain. The first part is fairly straightforward but I found the ascent of all the pinnacles of Corrag Bhuidhe to be quite a challenge . The exposure is extensive, and holds on the pancake shaped rock formations were difficult in the wet. Four of our party managed the route over all the tops, whilst the other two took the bypass path and had a long wait for us. The photos show me sitting on Lord Berkeley's Seat looking like Mr Magoo, and the other is of the preceding party roping up for the ascent of the Corrag Bhuidhe Buttress. Those in the Club who are accomplished scramblers will enjoy this traverse, and I'm sure many have done it before, but I feel it is best saved for one of those clear crisp days with endless sunshine - they do get them occasionally on An Teallach , just not when I'm there ! Anyway, that was another 7 Munro Tops, and I passed the summit trig point on Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill no less than 4 times during the weekend. Does anyone want my surplus ticks ??

Sunday October 10th Stob Coire nan Lochan and Bidean nam Bian

2010-09-21T10:37:00.001+01:00

As these hills are in my back yard, no one would be surprised to read that I have done them many times. They make one of the finest hillwalking expeditions in the country. However, the route proposed in the Club programme is normally chosen by boring old baggers whose only aim is to earn ticks for their list.

Far more worthy of a genuine hillwalker’s attention are the approaches starting with an ascent either up the nose of Gearr Aonach (the Zig-zags), or the west face of Aonach Dubh (Dinnertime Buttress). Neither of these features in the Baggers’ Bible.

I intend to do the latter route that day, conditions permitting, having done the former just recently. Discerning members are welcome to join me. All anticipated ticks will be available.
AndrewG

Derry Cairngorm

2010-09-21T10:20:00.002+01:00

I'm beavering away at the next club programme, due out very soon. It was suggested that we have another day trip to the cairngorms to do Derry Cairngorm so I have pencilled this in for 16th October. Meantime a couple of us have commented that Derry Cairngorm is easier to do from Linn of Dee (a lot less ascent) and also could be shortened by cycling some of the way. So, having recently purchased a second hand mountain bike, I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to try it. Is anyone else interested in doing an overnighter at Braemar to do this hill from a different direction? If we plan it properly we could time the trip to meet the others from Cairngorm at the top...

All over Scotland !

2010-09-04T12:54:00.006+01:00

As I can't be at the Club walk and barbecue today I thought I would share my activities this week by way of the blog.

With a good forecast on Tuesday I headed for Braemar and at 7 a.m. the temperature was -1 C. The cycle up to Slugain for an ascent of Ben Avon and it's four tops was very chilly. A puncture 6k up the glen slowed progress but I managed to visit all the Tops, including the furthest away, East Meur Gorm Craig, which is nearer Cock Bridge than anywhere else ! Did you know that whilst Ben Avon has only one Munro, there are in fact no less than 6 Declassified Munros also ! After a tiring 43k, I was back home by 7 p.m.and a day off to follow !

Thursday saw me in Glen Affric for the marvellous ridge walk in perfect conditions from Tom a' Choinich to Mam Sodhail, and then a descent over Sgurr na Lapaich, last visited by me with Chairman Andrew on 28th March in a blizzard. So different now.
The route described gives 3 Munros and 7 Tops, of which 6 were new to me, and of course the visibility was incredible. The photo above is of Beinn Fhionnlaidh and Coire Lochan, the water looking so blue. Note the distant hills. The total walk was 26k.

I stayed over and on Friday headed for Inchnadamph to climb Ben More Assynt and Conival. On this occasion I headed for the col between Breabag Tarsuinn and Conival and an ascent of Ben More Assynt's South Top from Dubh-Loch Mor. The heat and rough terrain meant four hours to attain the South Top. The ridge connecting the top to the main summit is quoted as being quite exposed but I didn't find any difficulties. By the time I got to the two Munros it was very busy, and I was glad to get back to the car to cool off. Total walk 21.5k. Home to Crieff in just under 4 hours.

I hope to catch up with you all soon, but probably the Arran weekend will be my next outing. Meantime have fun and I look forward to hearing about exploits on Club walks.

2 Days in Lochaber

2010-09-03T11:17:00.002+01:00

On Monday the 30th August I left Glasgow very early in the morning and arrived at the Glenfinnan visitor centre car park at 9am. Had a ten minute nap then set off up the west side of the river on the tarmac road to the Corryhully bothy. About 2km past the bothy I picked up the stalkers path to take me to the south ridge of Sgurr nan Coireachan. From here it was a steep climb to the 852 mark then down and up to the summit. Great views as the weather was excellent. Had a good rest then set off along the ridge to Sgurr Thuilm with its many steep downs and ups. Reached the summit had food and drink, good rest then down back to the car. I drove to Invergarry and stayed at a B&B.

On day 2 I set off to the north side of Loch Quoich to walk up Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach. Similar walk as in day 1 though thankfully not just as steep. Picked up the stalkers path which took me to the 850m point then level path before steep climb to summit. Great views and could see The Saddle and Sgurr na Sgine that I did with the club two weeks ago. Set off along the ridge to Spidean Mialach, then the decent back to the car.

It was a great two days with excellent weather and only met another three walkers over the two days, apart from the game keeper at Glenfinnan who asked where I was going to walk that day. After I told him, he said that was ok and have a good day.

Unfinished Business .......

2010-08-20T17:19:00.003+01:00

Just back from 7 consecutive mountain days (of which the most enjoyable was the Club day on The Saddle) but I thought some might like to know how I fared elsewhere.

An earlier informal outing to Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (Fisherfield) was planned with Cris but didn't happen, so last week I climbed that one from the A832 via Loch a' Bhraoin. It's a long day and the 28.5k took just over 9 hours. About 45 minutes was spent to and from the wee exposed top of Sgurr Dubh, so if that was omitted and a cycle was used on the long loch approach it should be possible for Cris to add on a couple of other Fisherfield Munros.

John B may also be interested to know that I made it to A' Chralaig's remotish top of A' Chioch which proved impossible on the Club outing on 1st May when snow and zero visibility intervened !

I also blogged about a windy outing to Torridon in July, and on Saturday enjoyed a perfectly calm day to bag my remaining 2 Tops on Beinn Eighe - what a spectacular mountain !

Finally , Les might like to know that I was back in Skye this week and he isn't the only one to suffer poor weather there. Yesterday, Thursday, all forecasts indicated that sunlight would be the sole hazard but up on the Cuillin Ridge it was dreadful, heavy rain, winds of 25mph+, and cold enough for gloves. Managed my 4 remaining Tops there, but I have never seen rock so greasy and frankly I was glad when the time came to escape down the Great Stone Chute !

Toughprint

2010-08-20T12:27:00.002+01:00

As many of you know, I like to take an A4 map onto the hill in a pocket (as well as my OS map in my bag). I have tried all sorts of poly pockets etc, and laterly was laminating a double sided page that Wesley likes to affectionately call a "sarah sheet". The problem with laminating is that when it is folded to put in a pocket it starts to de-laminate and water gets in the creases.

So I purchased a pack of Toughprint through Amazon. According to the blurb it is 100% waterproof, tough, durable and photo quality. 25 sheets for £13.99 so not cheap at 56p each. However I do file these maps for reuse. I am pleasantly surprised with it. It seems to be waterproof (coped with the showers we had on Lochnagar) and stands up to a fair bit of buffeting in the wind. Please ask to see it next time we're on a walk and you can judge for yourself.

Weekly Reports versus Blog versus Diary

2010-08-17T21:26:00.001+01:00

Firstly, I take issue with Ron’s comment that “…the Reports of Recent Walks web-page is nothing more that a crude blog….”. I know he is referring to the technology involved. I am referring to the content. Contributors to the Weekly Reports have hitherto taken great care with their copy to ensure that it is readable, factual and informative, mindful that it constitutes the “shop window” of our Club. If this were not so, I know that the editor would, and has on occasion quite rightly edited the piece to make it presentable. The Weekly report is rather more refined than the Blog and I think we should keep it, and keep it so.

In contrast, a blog is full of personal opinions as well as facts, often written hurriedly and without the care and attention one would give a more important piece of writing. All bloggers know and accept this and it in no way detracts from the value of the Blog and the important role it plays. However, neither Club members nor members of the public will plough through all this stuff to find out what we did last week, or obtain a clear picture of what our Club does and stands for.

Let us use up to date technology to publish the weekly reports, but keep it under the control of an editor. If this task is too onerous for one person, we should appoint a small number of additional members to assist.

The Diary of course predates the Website by many years. Yes, it is a tradition. It is also a record of what the Club actually does, as opposed to what we intend to do (the programme). It is read every week, and information extracted by the Club archivist (task currently being performed by Gerry). The information assists those producing the programme, the weekly reports, the annual report, supports grant applications, and so on. Other media can present this information but there is no more immediate and accurate means of gathering it than the members who participated writing it down immediately after the walk.

I can understand that sometimes members may be too tired or too embarrassed to write something meaningful, poetical, philosophical, original, funny, scathing, intelligent, outrageous, or useful. Please don’t bother. Just ensure that you or someone in your party writes down the day and date, which hills you did, which routes you took, and whom you walked with. That will do thank you. If you didn’t do the walk on the programme, a reason why would be helpful. Or if it was just due to weather or conditions on the Hill, a description of these would be useful.

AndrewG

Two days in Glen Shiel

2010-08-16T15:33:00.002+01:00

On Saturday I arrived at my start point in GlenShiel too do the three Munros on the west side of the south ridge. There was no sun as promised by the weather men, only low lying mist. However I set off across some wet ground south then west for a short distance before heading south west to the summit of Sgurr Coire na Feinne before heading to my first Munro of the day Sgurr an Doir Leathain.
On reaching the summit the mist had lifted though views were still restricted. Had lunch then set off for Sgurr an Lochain and by now the sun was fully out and had excellent views in all directions.
Set off for Sgurr Beag though traversed round the south of the peak and headed for my final Munro of the day to Creag nan Damh. On approaching the cairn there was a large bird sitting on top of the cairn though could not tell what it was. After a good break and lots of photos I set off south east down a steep slope then South to the A87 where I had to walk back to my car which was about 7km east to my start point.
Since I was joining the club next day I decided to test my new tent at the Sheil Bridge campsite and also get eaten by the midges. The guy and his wife in the tent next door kindly help me to erect mine which took us 10 minutes, or should I say them. If it had been me, I would still be trying to piece it together though now I am all set to do some wilderness walking to bag a few Munros!!!
I met Norman in the Kintail Lodge for a night cap and discussed our days on the hills.
I will leave the Sunday report to a club member though I did The Saddle via the Forcan Ridge and Sgurr na Signe. A great two days with wonderfull weather and five munros.

Problems making a comment?

2010-08-10T10:49:00.002+01:00

If like me you have been struggling to comment on a controversial post - good on John Burton putting the cat amongst the pigeons - it could be that you are using firefox. After much tearing of hair and scouring the internet for advice my feelings of inadequacy were finally put to bed by another blogger elsewhere. If using firefox you need to have third party cookies enabled. You don't in other browsers so I simply logged on using chrome. Not sure if you can use safari though.

Hope this opens the floodgates to comments.

Reports of Recent Walks

2010-08-08T20:26:00.000+01:00

Further to John and Norman's blogs re the diary and the newsletter, I think I better come clean and confess that I would like to use the blog software for the weekly reports which are presently on the club web-site.

Obviously, the "Reports of Recent Walks" web-page is nothing more that a crude blog. This was fine when I started it but things have moved on, blogging technology is available today, all over the web and we ought to make use of it. The advantage would be that any member could contribute reports and publish them themselves. At present, people write trip reports in an email. I then cut and paste these into a copy of the web-page on my PC along with some HTML (HTML is the instructions to your browser on how to format the page), add the photos, tweak the HTML a bit to tidy up any oddities and load everything to the web-server. Really, this is all looking a bit "third world" by today's standards !!

We could either include reports of these walks in the existing club blog or have a separate blog dedicated to Programme Walks. I personally think that one blog is enough for a small club like ours.

But this is enough from me. What do others think ?

The Diary

2010-08-08T14:46:00.002+01:00

The diary--do we really need it? There, I've just picked up a fairly large stone and thrown it into the Nevis Hillwalkers pool. I hope that the ripples that are caused will produce some eddies in all sorts of directions. I do realise that the diary has been a feature at the end of our walks for a long time, but wonder who, if anyone, reads it? And also, what purpose it serves? Someone out there, I'm sure, will tell me. But with our very good website with entries on each walk, and even photos, and now this blog (thankyou, Ron), are we not becoming a little overburdened with walk detail?
At the end of our walks, it is customery to meet up at a local hostelry or cafe to talk about that day's walk and others, and generally socialise. The diary, at the moment, is part of that, but I feel that it has become something of a chore, actually reducing the craic.
That's enough of my feelings on the subject. Now it's your turn! And by "you", I mean all members. Let's have lots of comments, please!

A Short Day Out

2010-08-05T19:54:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone.
This is my first attempt at writing a mesage on the blog so
lets hope it works! I was out today for the first time in quite a while so I didn't fancy a big day out. I wanted a short day to give me a short strenous walk to get back into the swing of things. Andrew and I met in the Glencoe car park and walked up to the mast " the hard way" of course because we couldn't have too easy a start back. We were out for about 3 hours but it was enough to stretch the calves and get a bit of fresh air. The views were much better than expected and we only had one heavy shower so that was a real bonus. It was great to get out and I am looking forward to getting back to walking with the club so if there is anyone else out there who wants to be led gently back into the habit of walking give me a shout and I will keep you company.
It's not all about getting to the top as quickly as possible. It's about enjoying the walk, the company and hopefully the views.

Jean

Beinn Dearg near Blair Atholl

2010-08-03T19:39:00.003+01:00

Hi Folks
On Sunday I drove up to Blair Atholl to climb Beinn Dearg. It is a remote Munro so I took my bike and cycled along the track which felt like a steady ascent all the way to the bothy.The good point was that it would be downhill back to the car and so it proved. On reaching the bothy it reminded me of the club trip to Knoydart last May in that 'beautiful' Druim Bothy that we stayed in for three nights.
Further along the track you come to the path which starts the uphill walk proper, heading mainly north to the summit. The weather was ok with light mist on the summit and just a couple of light showers which only lasted about 10 minutes.
On the cycle out I met up with the young couple that I spoke to at the bothy where they had stayed the night after walking in on Saturday, not realising how far a walk it was. I felt sorry for them as they had back packs and the young lad also had two polly bags to carry with several more miles to go. A good day and another one bites the dust.
Hope to join the club walk for the Saddle and plan staying a couple of nights to do another day in that area.
Les

A day in the life of Wesley

2010-07-27T12:16:00.004+01:00

Hello all

On Sunday I met Sarah at the top car park at the Cairngoirm Ski Resort to walk to Ben MacDui and Cairngorm. Sarah was already in Aviemore for the weekend and I decided to join her. I was tired and not in the humour to deal with the wet west!! That's for another day. Guaranteed.

The day was good but the weather was mixed. It was cold for the time of year. Not surprising I suppose when you are at 4000 feet above sea level, anything can happen. That dog is mine. Her name is Suzie and she is on her 5th Munro, and here is another one of Sarah with Fern, on the summit of
Cairngorm, where we had a shower of hail greet us. Nice.

Glen Affric

2010-07-22T19:17:00.004+01:00

Just a brief report on the informal outing to Glen Affric attended by 7 members who all stayed for one night or two at the Youth Hostel at Alltbeithe, having either cycled in from the East end of Loch Affric, or walked in from the same place, or from Glen Shiel.

The weather was quite kind for the hill walk on Tuesday and hills climbed included An Socach, Sgurr nan Ceathreamhnan, Mullach na Dheiragain, and the seven Munro Tops in the area.

Unfortunately Wednesday was a bit wet ( that's a bit of an understatement) and I'm sure most got a trifle damp on the way back out to civilisation ! I bagged a couple of Tops on Mam Sodhail and was almost at Affric Lodge on the way back when I was confronted by a horrendously swollen burn which threatened to force me to walk back all the way round Loch Affric, but somehow I found a way across although it was a bit hazardous !

Note for Mike : This outing was arranged to ensure it didn't clash with any of the Club's formal walks, although I note the attendance here exceeded some of the recent walks on the programme.

Lurg Mhor etc.

2010-07-22T19:01:00.004+01:00

A few photos to complement Ron's excellent report on the recent expedition by a few of the Club's members to Lurg Mhor , Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich, and in my case the Munro Top of Meall Mor.

Perhaps we could have chosen a drier day !

Midges Update

2010-07-22T08:35:00.002+01:00

Harking back to Ron's post on 18 June 2010, I have some good news!

Some of you may already have come across the new midge repellent, called Smidge. I have bought some and find it to be excellent. It has hardly any smell, is non-greasy and seems to be highly effective. It comes in a spray can and costs £6.99. Not so much a spray, more a white lotion which you spray into your hand and rub on.

Visit www.midgeforecast.co.uk for a list of stockists. Their own supply had run out until 23 July last time I checked, but it is cheaper to buy it offline anyway.

Correction to "A Wilderness Walk on the Isle of Mull"

2010-07-20T23:27:00.002+01:00

Those who have read this in the newsletter may have noticed that at para. 13, where we approached the col, it went from "we" to "I". That was because Dougie had opted to forego the pleasure of climbing A'Chioch and Ben More (he never really was a hill-walker). Instead, he suggested that I go on alone and he would take both packs down into Glen Clachaig and pitch camp. This meant that I could climb the hills with only map, compass and water.

PS to Sgor an Lochan Uaine and Cairn Toul

2010-07-20T23:22:00.002+01:00

A plus for this walk was the wildlife that I saw--a flock (?) (help, Wesley!) of ptarmigan, two dotterill (thanks, Ron, for helping me identify them), and one reindeer (but it definitely did not feel like christmas!).

Lurg Mhor and Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich

2010-07-18T16:27:00.000+01:00

Seen from the south, at least, Lurg Mhor does not look like a particularly exciting hill - grassy slopes with some crags near the summit. Its fame comes from its inclusion (with Seana Braigh and A'Mhaighdean) in the list of the "most remote" Munros. Because of that it is regarded with some awe and apprehension by many hillwalkers. The usual route starts from Craig and proceeds by the Pollan Buidhe, then over the Bealach Bhearnais, Beinn Tarsuinn, Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich to finally reach Lurg Mhor! For all but superhumans, a night out somewhere (in a tent or a bothy) is the only option. We, therefore, took notice when we heard of an alternative route from Attadale on Loch Carron. This is a little shorter and, significantly, was rumoured to be cycle-able.

Accordingly, Cris, Norman, Ron and Roy gathered at Attadale on a dreich and miserable Saturday morning. The forecast was for the weather to clear up in the afternoon. However, the first thing which met us when we got there, was a large sign, saying the Loch Carron Highland Games, scheduled for that day, had been canceled. Hmm - not encouraging.

Anyway, we set off on our bicycles, along a good tarmac road. For those who don't know it, Attadale is a very attractive little glen with forestry, holiday cottages and, of course, the Gardens. All very nicely done. Of course, that did not last. The tarmac ended with the holiday cottages and the track became rougher and much, much steeper. The climb up to the bealach has some fearsome hairpins which give an idea of what the Bealach na Ba, in Applecross, must have been like before the road engineers got their hands on it. The other side is quite different - a long and relatively gentle run down through a deserted landscape. Finally, two white buildings appear - Bendronaig Lodge. One building is locked and is kept for the Estate but the other is a very well-equipped bothy - it even has a flush toilet (though you have to fill the cistern from the nearby burn with a bucket !)

We abandoned the bicycles a few hundred metres further on at a dodgy river bridge, then walked on to Loch Calavie. From there, it was just (!) a slog up the grassy slopes to the bealach between the two munros and a left and right. For information, the area around the bealach is very confusing in mist - lots of bumps and dips etc so you have to pay attention to your compass.

The summit of Lurg Mhor is a wide plateau with a large cairn at the far end. Bidein a'Choire Sheasgaich's summit is much more spectacular being gained by a narrow rocky ridge with big drops on both sides. Don't know about the views - completely clagged in when we were there.

Then it was back to the bothy and the long cycle ride back to Attadale with a terrifying descent down the hairpins. The forecast improvement in the weather finally happened and I had a fantastic sunset in front of me for the drive back to Fort William.

If anyone else is interested, it took me just under 2 hours to drive from FW to Attadale. The cycle/walk took us around 10 hours including 2 x 1/2 hour stops in the bothy. We probably lost another hour or so due to burns which were uncrossable raging torrents and dodgy navigation on the way up. So it is still a very long day but no more. Clearly, it is possible to cycle as far as Bendronaig Lodge though you have to get off and push for a fair bit of the way. The surface is pretty rough in places (in fact, most places) - a bike with suspension would definitely be preferable.

Tired now

2010-07-18T08:38:00.001+01:00

We are sixty kilometres into the course really shattered. Apparently this is the checkpoint where most people retire. I am certainly considering it at the moment.

Sent from my HTC Touch Diamond

Resting blistered feet

2010-07-18T08:38:00.000+01:00

Well I finally bowed as my feet were unable to take anymore. My colleagues are still walking but not sure for how much longer. Dawn is here on another fine, clear day, that may give them a much needed boost.

Sent from my HTC Touch Diamond

Checkpoint 2

2010-07-17T16:23:00.000+01:00

We have just reached our second checkpoint after
20 km. We are ahead of schedule so a good point to refuel and look after our feet.

Sent from my HTC Touch Diamond

Sgor an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Toul

2010-07-16T20:48:00.002+01:00

There were two things that affected this walk--the weather which can make a walk wonderful and magical with awe-inspiring views, breezes to keep you cool and the midges at bay, but this was not one of those; and time. When I left Oban, I thought that the road at Barcaldine, north of Oban, was to be closed for road-works at 10pm, but on crossing Connel Bridge, an electronic sign informed me that it was to close at 9pm. One hour less to do a long and high walk. My brain tried to calculate distances and times, but I was already on my way, so I just had to go for it.
Left the car at Achlean in Glen Feshie at about 9.40am, with the weather not too bad--dry, but with low cloud and a fairly strong wind. The walk was uneventful until the crossing of the Allt Sgairnich, where I met another walker. He had camped the previous night, was heading for Monadh Mor, and was planning to camp again that night. I commented that the cloud had risen in front of me as I climbed on to the plateau, and hoped it would continue.
We separated and I passed Loch nan Cnapan with no view of the hills I was aiming for. The cloud did not continue to rise, but in fact came lower, and with it the rain and wind.
I set my compass and headed for the foot of the first hill. The going was hard, with boggy patches, and where there wern't boggy patches, it was bouldery, (and all the time, wondering if I had enough time to complete the walk). Ascending Sgor an Lochan Uaine, the boulders became bigger and more often, the rain and wind wetter and stronger. GPS came into its own, and I made it to the summit cairn. There was a slight lull in the wind, and I was able to take a look over the edge of the cliffs to try and see the lochan. Cloud and more cloud. So, another bearing and down to the col before climbing Cairn Toul. More and bigger boulders, stronger wind and rain. ( and still checking the time--not enough to stop for a break). The shelter cairn at the summit came just in time, and I had to take a short break for a drink, but no food.
Compass and map again, then out into the weather. More boulders (downhill and harder), gale-force winds and rain, and 10 metres of visibility. I was walking into the wind now, heading west. Boulders, boulders, boulders, wind, wind, wind. This was not fun. Still heading west, the cloud cleared for a moment and I could see a spectacular glen to my left that I had not seen before. Where was that? Am I on the correct bearing? Out with the map-it must be Glen Geusachan (?) The doubt lingered, but I had to carry on.
Eventually, the boulders ran out, but the wind and rain did not. Again, a break in the cloud, and I could see steep cliffs in front of me--Glen Einich? (how's the time going?) Still not able to stop for a break. Then Loch nan Cnapan, and confidence returned. Crossed the burn (no problem, even with all the rain), and on to the track. Then something rather strange. I was out of the wind for the first time in a while, and my brain became disoriented, like being drunk but without the pleasure. It did not last long, as I was straight back into the wind again.
The just ahead of me, two walkers appeared out of the mist, going the same way (two more idiots out in this weather!). But I did not have the energy to catch them up, and they turned off towards Carn Ban Mor. The wind was still battering me, the rain was off and on and the cloud was still down, but I was nearing home! The wind did not stop until I entered the forest, and was I relieved.
Back at the car, I decided that I had better head for home immediately, so put the sandwiches on the passenger seat to eat on the way.
At Duror, there was a sign "Road ahead closed", but it was too early! I carried on, but again at Appin, another sign "Road ahead closed"!
I reached Barcaldine at 8.35pm, and the road was open! Yippee!!
In retrospect, it was not too bad a walk--objective achieved (two Munros climbed), navigation worked out successfully and I completed a long, hard walk in a reasonable time--but I hope that I never have to do it again!

Swapping Highland hills for gentler southern ones

2010-07-16T12:46:00.002+01:00

I have swapped the wet, dreich weather of the Highlands for what I had hoped would be sunnier, warmer South Coast hills this weekend. ALthough having travelled all this way the weather forecast looks fairly uncertain.

Along with three friends we are preparing to take part in the Trailwalker 2010 challenge organised by Oxfam and the Gurkhas. This big event takes place every year and attract hundreds of teams. We will be walking 100km across the South Downs from near Petersfield to Brighton in under thirty hours. It's really like coming home as this is where I first learnt to love the outdoors, exploring the South Downs as a boy.

We set off at 7am tomorrow morning, walking all through the night, aiming to stoll across the finishing line at Brighton Racecourse by Sunday lunchtime. We are backed by two supprot crews who wiill be meeting us at checkpoints along route. I hope that my time spent with the club and on my own in the mountains around Lochaber will prove useful.

I am going to try some mobile blogging over the weekend so that you can see our progress along the route accompanied by a few photographs.

Failure on the In Pin

2010-07-14T13:13:00.002+01:00

Three weeks ago, five of us went to Skye for two days with the intention of climbing the In Pin on the first day.Two weeks previous we went to the Glasgow Climbing Centre to practise under instruction how to climb and abseil. At the end of the course we abseiled twice 70feet down the outside of the building and this gave me confidence for the trip to Skye.
On the big day we set off with our guide in good weather conditions with a forecast of sun and a light shower in the afternoon though as we were to discover later, in Skye they do not do light showers, only continous downpours.
By the time we were halve way up Sgurr Dearg the white puffy clouds were turning to grey misty clouds and getting thicker as we gained height. When we reached the summit of Sgurr Dearg it was thick cloud, then we droped down then back up to a ridge with the In Pin in front of us covered in thick cloud. We had lunch while waiting our turn to go down to the beginning of the Pin and when time came for us to get strated the cloud was even thicker and the wind had got up. The decision was made to go ahead though by the time the ropes were set up it had started to rain. I was second to go and by now the wind and rain was heavy, though I set off and to my surprise I did the first pitch to the halve way point, very steadily and only pausing at one rock slab where I could not see foot holds very clearly at first. After doing the first pitch, the real problem arose. The person at the top could not get the rope down due to the severe wind as it kept blowing over to my right. After what seemed like ages the decision was made to abandon the climb and then panic set in when I was told I would have to go back down the way I came up.
I focused myself then went back down and was pleased with how I had coped and will try to get up to Skye next month while my confidence is high.
Wednesday was a total washout as we gave up just over halve way up Sgurr nan Gillean because of the wind and rain. The lady that owned the B&B that we were staying at told us that they had not had rain for 6-8 weeks. Just our luck.
Les

Ruigh Aiteachain Bothy

2010-07-09T11:41:00.003+01:00

My grandson, Chris, his dog Lou and I walked the six km from Aclean in Glen Feshie to the bothy on a dry but windy day. I have visited the glen before, but never the bothy. It is in what I consider to be one of the most fantastic Scottish glens I have seen. Caledonian pine forests, with plenty of space, a lovely river and trees allowed to remain where they have fallen.

On the way in, we met a walker who told us that he had come across three men who were going to the bothy. So we knew that we would have company--for the first time, as we had always had previous bothies to ourselves. Coming in sight of the bothy, we could see two, then three, four, five, no six people. Would there be room for us? It is only a small bothy, although we did not know how big or small.

On arrival. there were three men trying to light a stove outside in the wind. Apparently, they had tried it with diesel for the first time in the bothy, and filled the place with smoke and fumes. There were, in fact, eight people there. The other five were a family from Canada, Mother, father and two daughters aged about 11 and 14 years, and their cousin/guide from Scotland. And there was plenty of space for all of us. There are two rooms, one with bunk beds, that had been claimed by the Canadian five, and another with three sleeping platforms and a stove. (By the way, there is also a toilet! It's outside in a small hut, but that's better than most bothies)

Chris (and Lou) and I stayed in the second room with the three walkers, who had come in on foot from Kingussie. And the next day were planning to walk to Ryvoan bothy via Aviemore. They eventually gave up on the diesel for the stove and decided to try to get some petrol from one of the houses on the other side of the River Feshie. Unfortunately, the bridge at Carnachuin has only recently been washed away, so they had to ford the river both ways. But they were successful in obtaining petrol from the estate and also getting the stove working.

The room with the wood burning stove was the obvious place for everyone to congregate, so we did get to socialise. Rowan, the Scottish cousin, took charge of the stove, but encouraged Chris to help. He is a keen bothy visitor and walker, and had persuaded the Canadians, Ken, Catherine, Abbie and Gillian to try the "bothy experience".

The next day, Tuesday, the three men left on their 20 mile (they guessed!) walk, while the family headed for the Munro of Mullach Clach a'Bhlair with Rowan. Chris, Lou and I went to have a look at the remains of the bridge, and then followed the path up towards the Munro, but only for a short way. Back to the bothy for lunch, and then a leisurely wander up the glen. The character of the glen changes further upstream as it becomes narrower and steeper. We came across a previous landslide caused by the extremely fragile rock.

Supper was prepared and eaten, with Lou making friends with anyone who had food, and endearing herself to everyone. Chris was put in charge of the fire by Rowan and told to keep it alight all night, by putting logs on every hour!

Next morning, we awoke (to a cold fire!) and started to pack. Everyone was leaving that day. Rowan had come in by cycle and trailer, carrying an incredible amount of food and coal for the family, and of course, had to the ford the river, and would have to again on the way back.

After tidying up, we made our farewells and walked back in lovely sunshine.

Our thanks to Ken, Catherine, Abbie and Gillian, and Rowan for making our first bothy stay with company so pleasurable. And I think that the bothy experience was a success for them as well, even the two children.

Advice please

2010-07-08T10:46:00.002+01:00

I am thinking of getting a mountain bike. I have resisted so far, but with the purchase of a motorhome, as well as those distant hills, I think it might prove useful. Investigating the difference in front and rear suspension just caused more confusion with terms such as rigid, hard tail etc...! I don't want to spend a lot, and have a friend who no longer uses her front suspension (I think) mountain bike and will sell it to me for £80. Or do I look further before I decide. Please can someone advise the best type to go for. Help, please...

Steal Bridge again

2010-07-05T20:08:00.001+01:00

It was too wet and windy for the hills today so I went for a walk up to Steall Meadow to see what was happening with the broken wire bridge. The answer is "not a lot !"

As you can see in this picture, the wire is not actually broken. Instead, one of the two steel cables, which make up the "foot rope", has come loose from its fixing. On the face of it, it would not be difficult to re-attach it ?

The fact that it is taking so long to do anything at all, makes me suspect that the lawyers and/or H&S people have got involved.

Despite the notice on the bridge, " DANGEROUS STRUCTURE - DO NOT CROSS", it is clearly possible to cross - see this picture, taken this afternoon.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Torridon

2010-07-04T14:33:00.002+01:00

I've walked through Coire Mhic Fhearchair before, on my way to Ruadh-stac Mor on Beinn Eighe but had forgotten about the tragic incident of March, 1951. It was therefore a great surprise to me on Friday on my descent from Sail Mhor to come across a great deal of wreckage still strewn around the area. A Lancaster bomber on a training mission from RAF Kinloss hit the Triple Buttress with the loss of all life, and due to the terrain it took 2 months to recover the bodies. This incident led to the formation of the RAF Mountain Rescue teams as we know them today.

I've read that afterwards the aircraft was blown up with explosives, and this is the reason for all the debris covering such a large area. Having "Googled" about aircraft accidents around that time, I'm really shocked about how many there were. Such a tragic loss of life !

Troubled by wind in Torridon !

2010-07-04T13:42:00.004+01:00

Another "Top Bagging" exercise, but this time with a poor forecast for high winds, and so it turned out.

The main objective was Meall Dearg (Northern Pinnacles) on Liathach, described as one of the hardest Tops - that's the pointy one in the middle picture, but reached by us from Loch Coire na Caime, by rough ground and a steep ascent, the grassy parts of which were a bit greasy. This misses out the bulk of the Pinnacles, see the next photo . I'm not sure I could have got to Meall Dearg over the Pinnacles but I know many in the Club who could !

With the wind getting up we then opted to walk over to Beinn Eighe, climbing Sail Mhor from the South. By this stage the gusts were furious and so we aborted the plan to climb the Ceum Grannda (the ugly step) which would have led to the next top of Coinneach Mhor. That's it, right on top of the famous Triple Buttress above Coire Mhic Fhearchair.(Top picture)

Instead we opted for relative shelter by descending to the Coire, and a longish, very windy walk out.

Anyway, for me this means a future return to Beinn Eighe, hopefully on a less windy day ! - that's someting to look forward to.

Excellent Reports of recent Club Walks

2010-06-23T18:35:00.002+01:00

I've just read Mike's report of his (solitary) day out on Creise. What a super story, well written, and with some excellent photographs. Well done.

Maybe the committee should consider an end of year prize for the best report published during the year, and this might encourage more members to submit material to Ron.

Meantime, Mike gets my vote !

Monadh Mor & Beinn Bhrotain (Cairngorms)

2010-06-23T16:03:00.002+01:00

On a day when the weather forecast was for bursts of rain with cloud maybe down to 700 m, Ron and I set out to do these rather remote hills, hoping that our navigational skills would not be too tested.
On reaching Glen Feshie, all the hills were clear and it was dry! In fact, the whole walk was characterised by the dryness, both in the air and on the ground. I don't think that I have seen the hills as dry as this for a very long time, if ever. Apart from a fairly strong northerly wind, conditions were ideal, and we made good time.
Crossing the plateau SE of Carn Ban Mor, Ron pointed out an adult dotterel and three chicks (there may have been more but that's all I saw). There were still extensive areas of snow on all the hills around, but we only had to negotiate one small patch.
On reaching Monadh Mor, the views to the east were spectacular with Sgor an Lochain Uaine, Cairn Toul and the Devil's Peak particularly so. Ron has done the first two, also from Glen Feshie, so I was trying to see a possible route for me, as I have not. After the almost flat Monadh Mor came the climb up the boulder field that is Beinn Bhrotain, then back by almost the same route. Eight and a half hours to do about 28 km and 1600 m climb-not bad (for me anyway).
Then the drive home, and not a chippy between Glen Feshie and Fort William!

Skye - Knight's Peak & The Bhasteir Tooth

2010-06-21T13:36:00.006+01:00

I knew that if I am to bag all the Munro Tops then two in Skye would give me ( as a non rock climber) some difficulty, so last week I hired a guide and successfully climbed those two, in a very enjoyable and exhilarating day.

This picture shows, in profile, Pinnacle Ridge on Sgurr nan Gillean, the first two pinnacles being quite modest. Number 3 is the one where an abseil off is the usual way, whilst number 4 is Knight's Peak, with a rocky spine connecting this to the main summit of Gillean via the West Ridge.

The second photo above is of a following party (from Glenmore Lodge) negotiating Number 3, and I took this whilst on Knight's Peak.

After Gillean, reached by an interesting bit of exposed rock climbing we traversed over Am Basteir, a bit of down-climbing then ensued and suddenly, all that was left was a little scramble to the summit of the "Tooth", easier than I had anticipated. Then a small descent into what could best be described as a cave before emerging onto a rocky ledge in King's Chimney . Out over the edge into thin air on a stout rope onto the scree below, and a trudge down the Bhasteir Gorge path to the Slig for a celebratory pint - a great day out in perfect conditions. (The top photo is my guide, Jonah, dropping onto terra firma from the top of the Chimney on the Tooth)

The midges are back

2010-06-18T06:40:00.000+01:00

According to the BBC, the midges are back and worse than ever. Evidently, the hard winter has killed a lot of the creatures (small birds, bats etc) which eat the little devils. For sure they were out and about in Torridon this week. I was wondering what people recommend to keep the little b.......s at bay ?

I tried Avon Skin so Soft (appears to be recommended by army types) but found it almost ineffective. The best I have found is MozzyOff but it seems to lose its effectiveness - you have to buy a new bottle every year and I could not find any last year. Does any know if the firm has gone out of business or, if not, where I can buy some ?

This year, I am trying Nikwax Skitostop - a combined sun screen and insect repellent. And if it does not work, I can always put it on my boots, I guess. Not convinced about it yet - it certainly works for a bit but you may have to re-apply it rather too often to be convenient. Also, it comes in a plastic dispenser thing which is not very reliable.

What do other people use ? Or do hillwalkers just man it out and suffer in silence ?

Strathcarron trip

2010-06-17T16:07:00.005+01:00

Mike, Jimmy, Fern (my GSD) and I set of just before 10am, past Achnashellach station and up the forestry track. Mike was quick to point out our path, which I had walked right by! It was nice to have a good, dry path, gently ascending into the valley, and the views of Coire lair got better and better. We checked the river crossing for the return and decided we would have no problem as it was very low after our relatively dry spring.

Then the real hard work started as we climbed to the 876 eastern top of Beinn Liath Mhor where we were rewarded with spectacular views of Torridon and its hills. After a quick bite we headed off along the ridge, which was harder going than one might think, due to the rocky terrain.
We reached the summit on schedule 3hrs40 after heading off. Another quick bite and we set off down to the head of the coire. Some of this was tricky, but Mike’s wee book kept us on the right path through the crags which we negotiated carefully. Then we stopped at the lochan for a swim (for the dog), before starting off on our next climb up to Sgorr Rhuadh.

By this time we were beginning to tire, but still on schedule. The cloud came in a bit at the summit, and I put on waterproofs. Then we started our long descent past Loch a’ Bhealaich Mhor where Mike decided to bag the Corbett too (Fuar Tholl) while he was in the area!
Jimmy, Fern and I carried on down, our legs definitely weary by now. It was a relief to be back at the van, 8 ½ hours after setting off, having had a super day out. We changed our shoes and socks, and Mike appeared down the road. We met Cris and gave her a lift back up to Torridon where we met Ron and the five of us had a lovely meal in the Torridon Hotel bar.

The next day Mike was keen to do something on the way home so, with the forecast better further east, we stopped at Ben Wyvis. It was cloudy and when the rain started I decided to do the corbet instead, but Mike and Jimmy carried on and reached the summit.
This was a rather impromptu trip, rather short notice as the weather is always such a big factor. If anyone wants to join us if we are heading off on another such trip, often midweek and weather dependant, please get in touch.

Isle of Arran Walk

2010-06-15T14:39:00.003+01:00

While on our annual holiday with my wife to the Isle of Arran, I managed to do two(!) walks. The first was with Oban Walkers (including John Nicol!) from Lochranza to the Fairy Dell (keep your comments clean please!), a stroll of about 10km along the shore, then up and on to a track.
The second was much better and in similar weather--dry and warm with lots of sunshine! This time I walked up Glen Sannox to climb Cir Mhor. The walk up the glen was pleasant on a very good path, ending at the head of the glen in stone steps leading to a tricky chimney (lots of scrambling, but minimal exposure) to reach the Saddle, the col between North Goat Fell and Cir Mhor. There I was surprised to find a steep and rocky path up to the summit of Cir Mhor. My only prevous climb of Cir Mhor was several years ago, and I remembered the summit as being very exposed and scary! However, the exposure was only on the north side, and the views were exeptional. It was not as scary as the chimney!
To change the route down (and to avoid reverse scrambling down the chimney!), I descended north towards Caisteal Abhail (The Castles), but not climbing it. Instead I dropped down into Coire nan Uamh, causing a small rock avalanche on the very loose and steep climb down (good job there was no-one below me!). Coire nan Uamh is spectacular with steep slabby walls, and is a coire within a coire, which means that there is also another climb down to reach the floor of Glen Sannox and the way home.
Do consider this walk if you go to Arran in October. It can be varied, with additions to The Castles, North Goat Fell, A'Chir or Glen Rosa.

Walk Programme-Sunday 20th June

2010-06-08T14:57:00.001+01:00

G and I did a combination of both walks last Thursday since we are unlikely to be around on the day. The scramble up Sron na Creise is as easy as you want to make it. Hold to the crest of the ridge all the way, sound rock, mainly jugs, with a nice airy slabby bit on smaller but good holds. Conditions were ideal. Some will remember the last time the Club did this route, see post on “Pictures and Report from Older Walks” on our website for Sunday 1st March 2009. Then the conditions were far from ideal and we were forced into the gully to the right at times.
One can omit Meall a’ Bhuiridh and continue to Clach Leathad to descend by the SE ridge (Sron nam Forsair) towards Ba Bridge on the WHW. Some way down the ridge steepens considerably, giving a fine airy viewpoint. One could continue down to Ba Bridge, but we came back up a short distance to where a steep grassy slope leads down towards the Allt Coire an Easain. It is possible to thread a route through the crags to arrive at the outflow from the lochan. From here, a traverse rising about 80 metres gains the col NW of Creag an Fhirich. The Old Military Road, or the WHW can be reached north of their highest points by contouring round the bulging flank of Meall a Bhuridh, with a splendid perspective across Rannoch Moor.
Much more interesting than pounding back up the WHW, and shorter too. Don’t bother though if it’s wet (very boggy), or bad vis (very boring), the WHW would score higher.

Andrew G

Strathfarrer Six

2010-06-01T14:43:00.001+01:00

Cris Bonomy and I did this ridge walk yesterday (Monday 31 May). We were at the locked gate at Struy at 8.30 to get our place in the queue and though the gate on the dot of 9.00. We took two cars - left one at the foot of the Coire Mhuillidh (finish of walk) and the other at the Allt Toll a Mhuic where we started walking.

We took the same track as the club weekend outing in March but discovered the path, which we followed then, continues in a gentle ascending traverse across the corrie headwall below Sgurr na Fearstaig. This looks like an old stalkers path - it has been dug out of the hill. It must have been buried by the snow in March. This time it was clear apart from a short stretch of 10m or so where we had to tip-toe across the remnants of an avalanche. On reaching the ridge, it was a left turn to Sgorr na Fearstaig which turns out to be a fabulous view point. The air was astonisingly clear and we could pick out Ben Nevis, Skye, Torridon, Loch Maree, Slioch, Fisherfield, An Teallach, Ben Klibreak, Ben Wyvis and the Cairngorms. Must have been over a hundred miles !

It was then a case of heading east along the ridge (clear path all the way) over Sgorr Fhuar-thuil, Creag Chorm a Bhealaich, Sgorr a Choire Ghlais, Carn nan Gobhar and Sgorr na Ruaidhe - 4 Munros and 2 Munro tops. The N side of the ridge as far as Sgorr a Choire Ghlais is very spectacular - it seemed like you could throw a stone from the path to land in Loch an an Fhur-thuill Mhor, 300m below. After Sgorr a Choire Ghlais, the character of the walk changes completely into gentle round hills covered in moss.

We got back to the car with about an hour to spare before the gate closed (7pm) so the two cars trick was probably a good move.

Since it was so clear, this was a unique opportunity to see the extent of remaining snow cover. Most hills still have the odd patch of snow but the ridges are black and should be fine for walking. The big Glen Affric hills, such as Sgurr nan Ceathreamhan, still have a lot of white stuff - presumably gullies etc where the drifting snow is many metres deep but the ridges are black. Probably OK for walking access though it might be prudent to take an axe in case you have a cross a steep slope of the white stuff. The big exception to this is the Cairngorms which are still covered in a continuous white layer. It is going to take several weeks yet for this to melt.

The wire bridge at Steall Meadow is broken

2010-06-01T13:59:00.002+01:00

Header says it all really. For more information see

this news item on the John Muir Trust web site

Nevis Hillwalking Club

A Journey in Tibet

Ten Tips for Hill Walkers and Climbers Now the Clocks Have Turned Back

Two days in Glen Carron

Craigallian Fire

Hello, Nevis Hillwalkers--is anybody out there??

Ben Chabhair

One dry day and one wet day.

Glen Lighe Bothy

This weekend in Glenshee

Barbecue Munro Quiz

My Last Munro – Sgurr MicChoinnich, 12 August 2011

InPin Photos

Chairty Event looking for help on the Ben

Success on the InPin

Fisherfield in 3 Parts

1st Ever Wild Camp

First munro

Hillwalking in England

Hillwalking in Wales

Eilean a'Cheo

Braemar Trip

Aonach Eagach

Settings

200th Munro

Weather forecast

More on Blog problems

Blog Problems

On Top of the Cuillin

Thanks from our guest...

Half way - only 141 to go!

Stob Coire Easain

Hillwalking in Ireland

Club Walks – Where is our Commitment and Organisation?

Last Two Weekends

Mountain Aid Fundraiser - Schiehallion longest day event

Lost Dog

Model T Ford on Ben Nevis

Charity Hillwalk Challenge

New Walks Programme

Walk, Sat. 14 May

Summmmer?

Jungfrau Map

Meall Glas, Sunday 20 Feb. 2011

Email Lists

Nevis Hillwalking Club Evening Meeting

Beinn Dubhchraig--alternative walk, Sunday 30 Jan.

Winter warm up

Snow Fun after Aonach Beag

Happy New Year

North West Scotland Inspiration

Beinn a'Chleibh

Thank You Nevis HWC

A Day in Arrochar

Alternative Walk

Mullach nan Coirean diversion

The Lancet Edge

For Map Geeks !

Not a Cloud....

The Hills are Alive

Two Days on An Teallach

Sunday October 10th Stob Coire nan Lochan and Bidean nam Bian

Derry Cairngorm

All over Scotland !

2 Days in Lochaber

Unfinished Business .......

Toughprint

Weekly Reports versus Blog versus Diary

Two days in Glen Shiel

Problems making a comment?

Reports of Recent Walks

The Diary

A Short Day Out

Beinn Dearg near Blair Atholl

A day in the life of Wesley

Glen Affric

Lurg Mhor etc.

Midges Update

Correction to "A Wilderness Walk on the Isle of Mull"

PS to Sgor an Lochan Uaine and Cairn Toul