Meet Report

15th to 17th September 2006 - Sail Mhor Croft, Dundonnell

Only 4 members attended this superb bunkhouse location for the Edinburgh September holiday weekend. The sunny late summer weather prevailed, which meant that midges were still about. On Saturday, Richard and myself had an excellent 10 hour day going in from Corriehallie for A'Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mor via Shenevall bothy. We decided on an approach due south after the river crossings bounding the Strath na Sealga, tracing the Abhainn na Gleann Muice towards Beinn Tarsuinn, with a delightful ascent beside tumbling burns and into wild hanging corries until the summit slopes were reached. Unusually, a couple of curious hinds standing on a rocky outcrop watched us pass by without running off. The views from the summit of A'Mhaighdean were of course spectacular and ample compensation for the 5 hours it took to reach the cairn. Meanwhile dedicated Graham baggers Bill B and Eleanor both had rewarding days, with bicycle Bill reaching the remote Fisherfield tops of Meall Mheinnidh and Beinn a'Chaisgain Bheag, and Eleanor enjoying the climb to Beinn an Eoin in Coigach.

On Sunday a weak front had come in, so the An Teallach traverse was a bit disappointing for Richard and me. Bill spoke of the frustrations of Graham bagging as he cycled and walked in along Loch a Bhraoin for distant Groban and Beinn Bheag. Apparently it was clear all the way on approach, then the clag descended for the ascents. Eleanor wisely chose nearby Corbett Sail Mhor before spending the afternoon at Inverewe Gardens. A bar meal in the nearby Dundonnell hotel rounded the day off well.

On Monday the weather had changed back to summer and I enjoyed a gentle running jaunt over Am Faochagach, with clear visibility to the peaks of the far north and the magnificent nearby Beinn Dearg Munros.