Edinburgh Mountaineering Club

Meet Reports for May - September 2005

Meet Reports

As we walked along the pier, to board the Sheerwater with all our gear, some with more than others (Fiona!), it is fair to say it was absolutely pissing down. Eigg, we were assured, was somewhere through the rain and mist as we left Arisaig. Not long after leaving dry land (it’s all relative) the boat started to roll up and down in the swell, those members who had decided to sit inside at the front of the boat very quickly appeared on deck, the motion not apparently to their liking. Despite the stormy conditions, the club members showed they were all of stern stuff with no casualties to the sea, which is more than can be said for quite a few others on the boat, with one poor chap looking particularly haunted by the experience. It was with some relief that we stepped on to dry land (again its all relative), with the bunkhouse owner meeting us to transport our stuff, for which Fiona was very grateful. After being given directions to the bunkhouse, which is one mile from the pier, we all trotted off until we came to the first junction at which point no one could remember which way we should be going. More by luck, than judgement, we chose the right way and this was confirmed when our bags went past us in the same direction.

The bunkhouse was excellent and when it cleared briefly that afternoon the views promised to be good. A welcoming party was launched to meet Hywel and Cathy who, quite sensibly, had chosen to arrive by Cal Mac on the basis it wouldn’t be as rough on a bigger boat, a wise choice. The next day was cloudy but dry and everyone set off towards the Sgurr, which looked fantastic from the path on the south side of the island, the views to Muck, Coll and the mainland were almost worth the rain from the day before. Anne and I arrived at the top where we caught up with Alison who, in a case of the ‘wrong trousers’ had picked up my over trousers as she left the bunkhouse in the morning, leaving me with her size10 trousers which actually fitted me quite well, I’m so slim! Just as well I’m not John Hartson. On the way down we passed Albert, Judith and Owen but when we got to the tearooms we discovered them already there, how could that be? I think they have a special tracking device for tearooms stored in Albert’s GPS. In the afternoon it continued to clear and various forays were made to the other end of the island to see the beaches at Laig and the singing sands, which did not sing for anybody. A pleasant evening was had and birthday cake was shared round to celebrate yours truly reaching 25.

The Sgurr (AH)

The Sgurr again (FC)

On Monday morning it was again absolutely pissing down, but this time coupled with a howling gale so, jigsaws were started, cups of tea were drunk with only one brave soul venturing out first thing. Hywel left at 9am to go and see if the sands would sing for him but again they kept quiet, he did say however that it was “f…..g pissing down” and that he was a wee bit damp. Despite initial worries, the weather did ease and both Cal Mac and the Sheerwater turned up on time to take us back, by this time it was a glorious day with blue skies and light winds. The journey back was superb and showed off the west coast at its very best, maybe even the sands were singing……….

Some of the EMC (AH)

Sunshine at last (AH)

The forecast for Tuesday was good so both Owen and myself opted to stay on for an extra night. My spare food came in very handy and coupled with the usual leftovers starvation seemed unlikely. It was a day of blue skies, sunshine and excellent views so we meandered slowly along the ridge at the North of the island with frequent stops to sunbathe and admire the view. By the time the boat arrived in Arisaig on Tuesday evening it was raining again....

Rum (FC)

After early arrivals had fought their way through the waist high grass and cleaned up all the mouse droppings in the kitchen we settled in for a cosy night. Actually, exceedingly cosy as Albert had the fire on which cranked the temperature up to tropical levels. Perusal of the hut book revealed that club had last been here in November 2000.

Saturday was a day of sunshine & showers with a strong and fairly cold wind. Keith, Nicola, Albert, Claire and myself did Stob Poite Coire Adair and Carn Liath. Rather foolishly, they put me in charge of the tea stops and so I took full advantage. We spent so long drinking tea that Claire went on without us…. Meanwhile, Steph did the circuit of Creag Pitridh, Geal Carn and Beinn a Chlachair, Hywel biked in to Geal Carn and Meall na h-Aisre and Alison & Kenny went cycling around Ardverikie.

The whole of Saturday evening was spent eating the four course communal meal.

Sunday looked okay weather-wise but a few folk headed straight home anyway. Hywel went Corbett bagging and Kenny & Alison were still undecided as they climbed into the car. Claire and I had an excellent day on Gairbeinn and Corrieyairack Hill. We were rewarded with fantastic views westward to Loch Garry, Glen Shiel and Knoydart and after lunch the sun came out…..

Looking west from Corrieyairach Hill

As usual this proved a popular meet, which has more to do with the dinner than the location. The Friday night was calm and clear outside, so much so that Gillian decided it was too nice to sleep in the hostel and promptly pitched her tent in the garden, to come back a few moments later complaining about the midges, no surprise there then.

After everyone had got their porridge oats on the Saturday morning, people disappeared in various directions, most getting an unusually early start with yours truly being last to leave the hostel with Anne, Val and Cath. We headed on to the Feshie ridge which was initially clear but on gaining the first top we soon headed into cloud and for the rest of the day followed the needle of the compass. When we reached Mullach Clach a Blair we bumped into Margaret, Fiona and Gillian, which at first made me wonder if my navigation had gone horribly wrong as when they had left the hostel I’m sure they mentioned doing Angels Peak and Cairn Toul. A few steps further and we came across Tim and Pat who had just been on Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain. Albert, Judith and mountain dog Sam had also been on Mullach Clach a Blair, which meant that out of 14 people on the meet, 11 had been on this rather dull but seemingly popular hill. On reaching the floor of the Glen we saw Anne Craig who had completed an impressive round of the three corbetts at the head of the glen and took great delight in the fact that she had been out of the cloud virtually all day.

Back at the hostel we waited impatiently for the gourmet feast while listening to Bill Brown talk about his roadkill exploits which ranged from pheasant to hare and deer, how he came to be an expert at skinning such animals was a little less clear but if you’re a deer & crossing the road in the vicinity of Bill take extra care! During this time we still awaited Bill and Eileen who had set off on an epic of a day to bag the remote Corbett Beinn Bhreac, with impeccable timing they walked into the hostel just as Jean was serving the soup. As always the food from Jean was fantastic, although despite our best efforts and in particular Pat, we couldn’t quite finish off the pudding. We all slumped into chairs with full but contented stomachs and it didn’t take long for bed to come calling.

The next day was showery but in the main, the Cairngorm tops remained clear. Anne and I took the mountain bikes from Loch Morlich to Nethybridge and back past Ryvoan Bothy while others stuck to the hills with A`Bhuidneach Beag, Carn na Caim and Binnein Shaus being on the list of hills ascended.

No doubt we will back next year for another feast. See below for the soup recipe.

Tomato, Orange & Basil Soup

• 1lb tomatoes, seeded & quartered
• 1 stick celery
• 2 onions
• 1 potato
• 1.25 pt veg stock
• 0.25 pt orange juice
• 2oz butter
• pinch sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil

Saute celery, onion & potato for 10 mins. Add chopped tomatoes, orange juice, stock & simmer for 30 mins. Add basil. Liquidise & sieve. Serve.

As there were only 3 people and 1 dog on this meet, a report seems a little over the top. The weather was fantastic and here are some photos of our walk over Braeriach, Angel's Peak, Cairn Toul, and the Devil's point returning via the Lairig Ghru. And yes it is a long way - it took us 11 hours for the round trip.

Iain looking 'rugged' on Braeriach!

Richard turns Sophie's best profile to the camera

The quick way down Angel's Peak

The Lairig Ghru (our route back) from Devil's Point

The next day, Richard and I literally had to drag Sophie up Meall a' Bhuachaille (or was it the other way round?)

Richard at the summit of Meall a' Bhuachaille

Photos by Alison W

It was a beautiful evening as I drove up to Braemar and the forecast was pretty good for Saturday. As a consequence of this various ambitious plans were hatched on Friday night by assorted club members. Braemar appeared to be full, as the advance party reported that all the restaurants were fully booked for Saturday night (leading to the chip shop being much frequented) so it seemed like we weren't the only ones with big plans for the weekend.

The following morning, Tim, Victoria and I pitched up at the Linn of Dee car park to find it absolutely heaving with walkers and bikers. Closer inspection revealed that it was due to the Water Aid charity event and therefore I don't think anyone had an empty summit to sit on between 12.00 and 14.00. More power to their respective elbows. We set off for a tour of Carn a' Mhaim, Ben Macdui and Derry Cairngorm in one direction 'sans bicyclette' whereas Bill Brown favoured the opposite direction with his bike and our paths crossed three times during the day, once on the summit of Ben Macdui.

Tim, Victoria and Bill on Ben Macdui

Here we were also entertained by a snow bunting making off with the remnants of numerous sandwiches.

Snow Bunting

The route back, though rather long, was enlivened by meeting a Viking and a tennis player. Alarming rumours also reached us of a couple of cavemen behind us somewhere. People certainly do strange things for a good cause. Meanwhile, Kenny and Alison were having a long day too, involving some scrambling and taking in Derry Cairngorm and Ben MacDui en route. Not to be outdone, Hywel took his bike up past White Bridge somewhere and took in Ben Bhrotain, Monadh Mor, Cairn Toul and the Devil's Point (I think).

View of Coire Sputan Dearg - on the way up Derry Cairngorm

Richard Hartland decided for the long hike along the Geldie Burn then climbing An Sgarsoch and Carn an Fhidhleir and was back in time for tea (fairly impressive!). Richard Alldread went for a hike on the hills around Glen Callater including Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, Cairn Bannoch, Tolmount and Carn an Tuirc. Dennis took a team including Jenny, Albert, Owen, Judith and Sam around the base of Ben Avon that he said was about 15 miles long but certain members of the party disputed this hotly and were convinced it was quite a bit more. Lesley tackled a nearby Graham (and encountered a herd of about 200 deer) and Anne Craig who showed up during the evening had climbed two Corbetts near Ben Avon (apologies I can't remember which ones).

So one way or another there were some fairly tired people sitting around the bunkhouse on Saturday night. However this did not deter certain stalwarts from walking the 100 metres to the Fife Arms for an evening of entertainment. Whereas some folk were content with drinking ale, Victoria and I hit the dance floor. I think the scariest moment was when the entire pub got up to dance to 'Is this the way to Amarillo'. Enough said.

The following day everyone split up in different directions and if I have it right then some of the selections were - a couple of Lochnagar hills for Tim, Sgur Mor for Anne Craig, Carn An Drochaide for Hywel, osprey watching for Lesley and Glas Tulaichean for Richard H. Victoria and I climbed An Socach with pretty good views but highly unpredictable weather including freezing cold winds and sleet on the summit, brilliant sunshine for our lunch stop and a very heavy shower on the dash back to the car.

Between all of us we seemed to have inadvertently done our own small scale version of the Water Aid challenge over the weekend.

Meet report and photos by Alison W

We arrived at Scourie campsite on Friday night to find far fewer people than expected – many had been put off by the very poor weather forecast. Fortunately everyone’s timing was spot on ‘cause there was just time for me to pitch my tent before we headed off to the hotel for a wee drink. Although there was only a few of us there was much hilarity with Bill B regaling us with tales of the gravel pit he had slept in on Thursday night and Owen extolling the virtues of the TV prog Pingu.

Saturday morning was windy and dry but didn’t look promising. Alison W and friends turned up briefly on their way home from Orkney but declined to stay ‘cause the weather looked so awful. The numbers then depleted rapidly as Owen, Dennis and Jenny (who had all been up for the week) headed home leaving only myself, Bill B and Gillian. The three of us drove round to Ben Hee and contemplated for a while. The weather was truly awful with strong winds and heavy rain so Bill suggested we returned to the coast where the weather might be better. No such luck – we ate our lunch in the car at Oldshoremor whilst the car rocked from side to side in the wind and the rain lashed against the windows. We decided to abandon for the day and drove back to the campsite – by this time it had dried up so I drove Bill and Gillian round to Tarbet to do the walk back over the hill to Scourie. I returned to the campsite to sort my tent – I’d pitched it beautifully but left the ground sheet sticking out and so what seemed like gallons of water had funnelled under and into the tent. In the evening, Anne C arrived just in time to join us at a local seafood restaurant (Shorehouse in Tarbet) where we had a first class meal followed by a nightcap at the hotel.

View from Scourie campsite

Sunday looked a bit better and so Bill, Gillian and Anne headed North to Carnstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh. They had a good day with only a few snow showers and some views. I opted for a very nice low level walk along Loch Glendhu. After a few drinks sitting out at the campsite we all wandered along to the hotel for an excellent bar meal.

Monday dawned brighter so Anne, Bill & I went to climb Ben Hee (and Beinn Direach and Carn an Tionail) whilst Gillian did Beinn Leoid. It was a cold day but with good views and turned warm and sunny in the late afternoon. It was such a beautiful evening at the campsite that only one of Bill’s hareem would accompany him to the hotel for dinner. We sat outside after dinner until the sun set before returning to the hotel for a nightcap.

We awoke to blue skies and sunshine on Tuesday (and still no midges!). Bill had to return to Edinburgh and was going to do Ben Loyal on the way. Gillian did Arkle whilst Anne & I did Ben More Assynt and Conival. It was an excellent day – warmish, sunny and only a few light showers. After dinner at the campsite we sat in the sun until late eating cheese and chatting before heading to the hotel to warm up again. Of course, we could have sat out longer if we had more effective wind break. Gillian had brought a windbreak but for reasons best known to herself she had removed the poles, cut it in half and was using it to sit on!

Connival from Ben More Assynt

Loch Assynt and Quinag

Wednesday was grim – Anne headed South whilst Gillian and I drove up to Durness. It was so wet that full waterproofs were needed to get out of the car. Thursday didn’t look much better so I abandoned leaving only Gillian who packed her tent away and then decided she was going to stay another night after all.

Anyway, the four of us had an excellent meet. Good food, good company, lovely campsite, beautiful views and not a midge in sight (they must have got hypothermia!).

This was a new campsite for the club, set peacefully on the south shores of Loch Leven, and about equidistant from Glencoe village and Kinlochleven. A hastily arranged change from the scheduled camping meet, (Loch Morlich was closed for refurbishment) it proved to be a good replacement choice, with more than adequate facilities, and very reasonably priced. Nine club members attended the weekend, with those who arrived early providing an aperitif for the first midges of the summer season. Midge nets and insect repellent worked OK but we decided to visit the pub in Glencoe anyway, with Anne C kindly offering to drive us in her new 4*4. On our return the others were enjoying a beer or three 'al fresco' in the evening shadows of the Mamore hills and Kenny and Alison C's new dome tent, named Binnein Mor.

A cool Friday night heralded in a cracker of a day on Saturday with more or less continuous warm sunshine and very light winds, It was clearly a day for ambitious plans to come to fruition. Alison W and Anne C had a big day in the Mamores, starting at the western end, taking in 5 Munros + other tops before time ran out. Lesley headed off for Loch Eil and a long walk in for a remote Corbett in beautiful Cona glen from Calop, returning late in the evening, whereas Owen opted for nearby Garbh Bheinn. With two weeks holiday ahead of him he was in no hurry to burn out on the first day. The rest, Alan and Anne R, Kenny, Alison C and Martin opted for a classic scramble on Ben Nevis, namely Castle ridge. This proved to be a demanding scramble, with fabulous exposure on the crux of the climb near the top and truly awesome views over adjacent buttresses and into still snow filled gullies. All difficulties on the climb were overcome without many problems and we were soon on the plateau and heading for the summit. The highest mountain in Scotland is not a place to be alone, especially on such a fantastic Spring day, and there must have been up to a hundred folk up there, soaking in the sunshine and 360 degree views to near and far distant hills and Islands. Sadly the rescue helicopter spotted from the Carn Mor Dearg Arete to the nearby Aonachs was on a real mission, and a fatality was later reported following a fall from one of the ridges.

The camp site at Caolnasconan

The Ben...apparently crowded

Anne C..taking in the view

Stob Ban

There was no desire to go to the pub on Saturday night after eating, instead we gathered in Binnein Mor with our camping chairs, beer and wine, and still had room to tuck in to Alison's cheese selection.

The BBC forecast for Sunday was for low cloud and drizzle affecting all coasts and hills, so a long lie then, listening to the gentle rain patter on the tents. Well no. Another perfect morning actually with azure skies, but somewhat cooler and breezier. Anne and Alison W got a relatively early start, heading off for Stob Gabhar and Stob a' Choire Odhar in the Blackmount. The rest of us were more leisurely in our departures, enjoying the sunshine. Alan planned a trip across Am Bodach and other Mamores to be met in Glen Nevis by Anne. Kenny and Alison were heading for the Coe and a climb there. Lesley headed for the Graham Beinn na Sroine from Glen Lochy. Owen had various hills in the Fort William area on his tick list. Martin finished the weekend off on the wee Buachaille Munros.

The Black Mount from Stob a' Choire Odhar (AW)

A final comment with regard to this campsite find. The pricing system related to tent units rather than per person, so those sharing tents had an excellent value weekend. The quietness of the site compared to other ones in the vicinity suits us well, and I am sure that we will return some time

Meet report by Martin and photos by Alison W

Alison on Caisteal Abhail (FC)

Spring has sprung! (AW)

Ridge on Ben Bharrain (AW)

View from Mullach Buidhe (AW)

Photos by Alison W and Fiona C