New Route to Beinn Eunaich & Beinn a'Chochuill

Having completed 195 Munros and aiming for 200, my next target hill is Braeriach, a fine looking hill. This is a fairly big walk--20km and 1300m of ascent from Rothiemurchus, although I had thought of doing it from Glen Feshie, but that is 26.6km and 1600m of ascent--too far! Not having been on the hills until fairly recently, I decided that I needed to get hill-fit. So I looked for a walk near to Oban that would nearly equate to Braeriach. The hills to the east of Oban are familiar to me, so I plumped for Beinn Eunaich and Beinn a'Chochuill, but with a new approach (at least to me).

This invoved parking the car at the entrance to Glen Strae, walking along the estate track to the bridge at the waterfall, leaving the track to go north along the Allt Dhoirrean to the Lairig Dhoirreann, going west on to the ridge at Meall Copagach, over the 880m height and on to Beinn Eunaich. From there it was the usual route west to the col, on to the ridge to Beinn a'Chochuill, down the SE ridge to the Hydro Board road to the B8077, and a final kilometre walk back to the car.

On the day, the forecast was good, so off I set. About ten minutes into the walk, I met a couple of estate workers on the track. They had a couple of dogs with them, but I have two dogs myself so I was not worried. The collie ran up to me and I put my hand out to it to sniff, which it did. I thought "that's fine--he's smelled my dogs". But it then snapped at my hand. The guy called it off and told me that it was a"bad dog"! Fortunately, the only damage was two small punctures and a bruise. But not a good start!

Anyway, I carried on. Going up the Allt Dhoirrean, it was very hot with the sun at my back, but the clouds were drifting across the tops ahead. Easy scrambling took me on to Meall Cogagach, and the clouds cleared, but the sun disappeared too. The views were good, over Glen Kinglass towards Ben Starav, and in the opposite direction to Ben Lui.

The climb up to the Munro summit was steep, and I could see two people on the top ahead of me.When I got there, they had disappeared, so I just headed off down to the col. Looking across to the east ridge of Beinn a'Chochuill I could see a couple of walkers, then a few more, then even more. We crossed paths and it turned out that they were 24 members of the Glasgow Hillwalking Club. There were a few more walkers on the way to the second summit, and then it was down the ridge to the Hydro Board road and a welcome break beside the burn. The descent on the Hydro road was hard on my feet, but the walk along the road back to the car seemed to take forever!

However, it was a successful walk done in reasonable time and good weather, and at 18km and 1390m of ascent a good preparation for Braeriach (I hope!)

John Burton

Mount Keen

I think I made the right decision last weekend, west was going to be wet... Jack and I headed off after lunch on Sunday to Edzell. The camp site was closed so we ate at Edzell hotel and headed up the glen (which took a surprisingly long time). It was dark when we arrived and the stars were magnificent. We played a quick game of scrabble, and pulled out all the bedding we had to try to stay warm. We woke at 7.30am to find frost on the grass.

Just before 9am Douglas and I headed off up Glen Mark toward Queen’s Well where we stopped for an early cup of tea. Then past the last house in the glen and started our ascent. The cloud was still hanging on the summits, but the sun was beginning to break through to the east. It is a very good path all the way, which makes for a very pleasant walk. We stopped at the fork to the summit and had another cup of tea. From here on up the grouse were rising from the heather, a white mountain hare bobbed up the path ahead of us, and, nearer the summit rocks, there were many ptarmigan in their white winter feathers.

Not a patch of snow on the ground though, strange for early March. By the time we reached the summit (just less than 3 hours from the start) the sun had broken through and the clouds had lifted. I sat for some time at the trig point enjoying the warmth and chatting to another walker before strolling back down. Jack and Fern met us at the Queen’s Well and we hunted for toads and frogs on the way back down the glen. A perfect end to a wonderful day.

A Journey in Tibet

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

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

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

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??

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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" .......