Get your dancing shoes on!

After such a great turn-out last year, the MMC club ceilidh is back again for 2012 with the band Buskoe Sike to keep us on our toes! Members and their guests welcome!

Venue: Bishopmill Hall

Time: 8.00pm – 12.30am

Tickets: £7.00

Tickets can be bought from committee members at any club event or at the door on the night.

Please bring your own drink and snacks. There will be a raffle in the interval too.

Sunday 15th January

OS Map 36

Arrival time: 9.30am

Departure time: 5.00pm

We’re heading for Caringrom again this January and Sanday Murray has very kindly offered to do some winter skills with those who wish to take part -  A number of topics will be covered including the use of ice axe and crampons.  Ice axe, crampons and helmet will be required (as well as your usual winter walking gear) and a limited number of these are available for free loan if required.  The Ptarmigan restaurant may be visited so bring along some money for tea and cake.

If you’d like to take part in the session, please email Sandy Murray stating  if you need to borrow any equipment.

 

Also names to Dave to book your seat on the bus!

Rucksacks Bunkhouse has been standard winter fare for a few years now, and so it was that 12 fully paid up members, 2 skulking satellites and the usual Clampit arrived in Braemar for a weekend of short chilly days and long evenings spent huddled around the warming stove/shite storage heater.

The winter solstice is often a time of reflective meditation – or as is more often the case with some – of doing very little.

And so it was on that Saturday that a venerable gang of four struck out for an early lunch and an easy day up Glen Callater. However, the pleasant stroll predicted, never materialised as Fiona, Alan, Dave and Jake unwittingly stumbled across the Terror of Lochallater. As the incident is presently in production as a Channel 4 documentary, no more can be said than that which is penned by Dave Maclean. Dave is now unfortunately being held in safe place of restraint for the gin-soaked unstable, but his words live on:

 

Four souls took the met office weather advice

And thought “yes”  stroll up the glen, that would be nice

An hour and a half took us up to the bothy

A fine shelter for nosh and some coffee

On the way back , though , we all had to stop

A big bloody footprint gave us all a big  shock

And more ! Fiona’s Paramo now covered in blood and puke

Ah no ! that was splatters from last night’s soup.

No sign of a body or a severed foot

How can that be with no-one aboot

Maybe a raptor had plunged from the sky

And taken our poor sod somewhere to die

Nerves now in tatters it’s back to the car

We’ll be needing that pint back in Breamar

 

The photo does not lie !

 Dave

More foolhardy and less wise members admirably ignored the weather warning (the MET is becoming as reliable as Drummond’s alarm clock) and struck out for  An Sgarsoch and Carn Ealar. Dan, Natacha,Ray,Lydia, Penny TWD and her ever-complaining appendage – Graeme, were off in the wintery gloom for the Linn of Dee. After about 6 miles of cycling the broad and very cold looking river demanded a detour of bog, peat hag and tussocky nightmare. Carn Ealar was greeted with horizontal blizzard and exhaustion and so on – to An Sgarsoch. More thrutching across broken ground saw the river once again. Graeme deciding that wading the icy depths was far more fun than tripping across the shallows, enjoyed the pleasure of a good soaking. The cycle back was in the dark and all agreed, it had been a challenging day.

Evelyne, not having the advantage of a velocopide, and eshewing motorised aid, struck out for Morrone of Morven. The wind blew with such ferocity that the sanctuary of coffee and cake in Braemar was sought.

There was doubt if the sanctuary of Braemar was ever to be left for Ella, as Drummond buttered his umpteenth piece of toast. However, the day proved long enough for a fine circuit of SgurMor.

Judith, very sensibly struck alone, for An Socah from Baddoch

As is often the case, and as is much to the relief of your dear author, little was written of the weekend then and so little will be recorded now.

Sunday saw Dave, Fiona and Alan ascend a pimple in 20 minutes. Dan, Graeme and Jake perservering a little more to make a fabulous trip in mainly great weather to Morven Lodge and around. Others either fled home directly,  were forced back by inclement weather, or decided not to tell anyone what they did (commendable).

Those leaving the southern Cairngorms late that day had an interesting journey home.

It was a tremendous weekend. Great to see new folk coming out for a first time – Lydia, and the return of ancient stalwarts – that’s you Dave, even though you left us too early. (not too early to share the summer fruits of your golden vintage. If that’s 7% Dave…)

And if any of you were able to endure the ramblings of Our Great Leader and actually listened to Heavy’s speech at the dinner last month, it put me in mind of ‘easy’ days out. Doing very little, and taking time doing it, remind us why we love to be out in the truly majestic Scottish hills. Lazy days make hard days worthwhile, and without stopping to smell the flowers, we may as well go to the bloody gym!

 Orlando

The last time we had a Xmas meet in this area was 2008, when the Bus continued to Newtonmore.  This time it was felt there were more walking options in the Cairngorms, if the weather was not kind, so the Bus terminated at the ski car park.   The turn out of 36 people was one of the lowest in living memory and may be a reflection of the current economic climate?  With a membership of 116, it is still slightly strange that two thirds are not interested or unable to attend the Xmas meet!  Perhaps it should be a New Year resolution of the Club to design a function which would attract every member – or is that unattainable?  Has it ever happened?  On that note, it was nice to see Peter and Fleur Goodwin travel up fromGloucesterfor this meet!  In 2008, we paid £13 for the meal at the Cairngorm Hotel, and this time it was £19.  Bus fares have been held at £12 since 2007. 

 

The Cairngorms are an ideal location for any walking, providing top end mountaineering in the Northern Corries or easier levels strolls around Glenmore and Loch Morlich.  With this in mind, those at the sharp end, decided to tackle the scrambly Fiacaill ridge, taking the opportunity to don full winter kit.  Others headed up to the Cairngorm summit, via the Ptarmigan restaurant, in generally very good weather conditions, for most of the day.  Another large group got off at Glenmore, heading for Meall a’ Bhuachaille (the Little Shepherd) via Ryvoan Bothy.  A more leisurely stroll around Loch Morlich was the option for the remaining waifs and strays.  A brief coffee stop at the Squirrel café (where we did see a squirrel!), was followed by 2 laps of the camp site – trying to find the correct path (well it was buried in snow!), preceded the stroll.  Pre dinner drinks in the Old Bridge Inn rounded off an enjoyable day out. 

 

Tackling the Faicaill Ridge

After the dinner in the Cairngorm Hotel, the Vice President, Dave Whitelock made a brief speech on Club affairs including the importance of members volunteering to serve on the committee.  The Club cannot function properly without a regular input from new members willing to help out.  He concluded by congratulating Andy Lawson on completing his Corbetts, and presented him with an engraved Quaich.  For those members who missed this meet, there is an opportunity to visit this area again in January, where winter skills training will be provided.  Details on the website.

 

Party Time!

Best wishes for 2012 and remember:  Hill walking is true mountaineering, however the hard-bitten rock climber may regard it.  Walking is the head and corner stone of all mountain climbing, whether we are dealing with the little 1000ft hill near our homes or taking part in an assault on an unclimbed 20,000ft giant in theHimalaya.  In certain kinds of weather and atmospheric lighting the one can look almost as beautiful and impressive as the other. 

John Henderson

 

Cairngorm weather station

 

Sunday 18th December

O.S. Map 36

Est. time of arrival: 9.30am

Time of departure: 3.30pm

Leave Elgin: 7.00am

This years Christmas meal (well-deserved after an arduous day in the wintery Cairngorms!) will be at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. The price is £19.00 per person for the meal (bus fair is additional to this) and includes a tip. We are to be seated at 5.00, but will aim to get there earlier so people can get drinks etc.

There are plenty of high level and low level options for a fun day out. Do check the MWIS and SAIS websites for weather and avalanche risk and plan accordingly.

Contact Dave Whitelock by Email to book a place on this very popular meet. Please make cheques payable to MMC.

The menu is as follows:

 

Starters:

Fan of Melon with Seasonal Berries and a Raspberry Coulis

Chef’s Chicken Liver Pate served with Warm Toast

Soup of the Day with Crusty Bread & Butter

 

Mains:

Roast Breast of Turkey with All the Trimmings

Roast Rib of Beef served with a Pan Gravy

Hot Poached Salmon served with a Hollandaise Sauce

Choice  of Vegetarian Dish – Please ask for our Vegetarian Options 

 

Desserts: 

Traditional Plum Pudding with a Brandy sauce

Hot Apple Pie with Whipped Cream

Duo of Ice Cream

 

Freshly Brewed Coffee & Mince Pies

 

Ascending Leitir Fhearna

The pre Christmas sales started early, with forty-six would-be mountaineers queuing behind the coach doors, waiting for the Fannichs PLC to open.

First out of the lift and heading for the boot department was Graham Milton, making Beinn Liath Mhor Ghiubhais his destination: it has taken longer to write this than for him to climb it. He had a nice easy day with good views (wasn’t he the lucky one). Graham did a sterling job with his entry for the diary, placing it in the November 2010 to Drumochter section – this took a wee while to find. (Nice one Graham).

On the second floor and heading for the rucksack department at Lochdrum, Ray Harron, Lisa Taylor, Bob Laughton, Corinne Ferguson, Stephen Linturn, Malcolm Campbell, Paul Chappell and John Henderson.  They walked over the dam, and then followed the path in towards Loch a Mhadaidh before going up the scrambly northern ridge of Sgurr Mor.  After a damp, claggy clamber to the summit, they met Tish, Jenny Graham and Katie Griffiths, who arrived via Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich.  Malcolm and Paul then went in pursuit of this Munro, whilst the rest of the group headed over to Meall a Chrasgaidh.  They had some welcome refreshment in a small shelter, to avoid the worst of the wind – and then thankfully the clouds parted to give a clear view of the bus!  

Leitir Fhearna

The lift stopped on the third floor, fleeces and waterproofs, at Loch a Bhraoin. No pepper spray was deployed during the final stampede for the hills.

Tom Summerscales bagged himself the bargain of the day, taking in all five of the Munros – Meall a’ Chrasgaidh, Sgurr nan Clach Geala, Sgurr nan Each, Sgurr Breac and A’ Chailleach.

Also looking for bargains and heading over Leitir Fhearna were Dan Moysey, Chris Harding, Andy Taylor, Bill Lindsay, Donnie Maclennan, Graeme Morrison and Kenneth Bews. They contoured around the ridge to Loch Toll an Lochan, then climbing to the bealach and up onto A’ Chailleach and Sgurr Breac. Low cloud and high winds led to some interesting navigation problems whilst on the ridge.

Following up Leitir Fhearna Dave & Kate Whitelock, Fiona Cuninghame and Illona Morrice continued up the ridge Druim Reidh and on to Toman Coinnich.  From the top they broke southeast and up onto Sgurr Breac. Fiona and Illona headed down the ridge to Allt Breabeag, whilst Dave & Kate retraced their steps back to Toman Coinnich before forging west in the strong wind to A’ Chailleach. Following on over Sorn na Goibhre, with the cloud now breaking, they descended east to Loch Toll an Lochan and finally down to Loch a Bhraoin.

Claire Procter and Duncan May followed Allt Breabeag up onto Sgurr Breac, continuing on to Toman Coinnich where they met Kate and Dave. Claire & Duncan decided to follow down the ridge, Druim Reidh, over Leitir Fhearna and back to the bus.

Sandy Murray, Dagmar, Elliott Harbottle and Nick & Pip Molnar romped up Allt Breabeag, turning east onto Meall a Chrasgaidh and up onto Carn na Criche. They continued over Sgurr nan Clach Geala, then south to Sgurr nan Each before descending west to the bealach and down Allt Breabeag. They arrived back at 16.28, pretty good timing.

Also on the same route, but not up Carn na Criche, were Stephen Linturn, Donna Nash, Barry Clarke, Dave Jones, Graeme Gillespie and Hillary Ford.

Don Asher and Alistair & Gosia Meikle toiled up Allt Breabeag to the bealach, travelling east onto the saddle before scaling Sgurr nan Clach Geala and returning the same route.  (No mention in the book if they all walked together though?)

Bob MacDonald and Sheena Forsyth followed the same route but, instead of retracing their steps, continued over Meall a Chrasgaidh before dropping down off the hill.

Graeme Bartlett and Greg Muir walked up Allt Breabeag to the bealach before parting company. Graeme went up the ridge to Sgurr Breac and A’ Chailleach, then dropped down to Loch a Bhraoin and round to Lochivraon Bothy. He then followed the loch side path back.

Greg went up onto Sgurr nan Each where the cloud descended, making an about turn north to Sgurr nan Clach Geala and finally back to the bus, arriving at 14.55.

Joanne Chappell and bump had a troll along Loch a Bhraoin and Ken Ross got off the bus at Lochdrum and wandered north.

A long and enjoyable Pub stop at the Aultguish Inn rounded the day off nicely.

Dave Whitelock

Suilven in the far distance

 

Assynt, beginning of November? Barely recall it now, and if no-one else does, this fictitious rambling based on half remembered truths may just get away with it. Inchnadamph Lodge in November is a wonderful place, but hardly a secret amongst the Moray Mountaineers as 25 of the blighters descended mob-like to shatter the idyllic calm. With so many people out and about and your gentle author being so lazy, there can be little more illumination as to the deeds of that weekend than the production of the  barest list. However, Natacha, unlike most of us has taken the time and trouble to produce a splendid report and it is included here in all its glory.

 Here is a brief account of what Ray, Mark Richford and myself did at the weekend.[Soft Break] Saturday: Ray Harron and Natacha left the hostel at 7.30am and drove north, intending to bag corbetts Meall Horn and Arkle. They started their walk in beautiful and warm sunshine from the car park at Earachd. Fantastic light 3kms in allowed for a prolongued photographic session by Loch Stack. From Lone, a good track leads to the bealach Horn, 5kms away, but they decided to go up Meall Horn shortly before reaching the col by traversing the hillside in an easterly fashion. Colder and windier conditions greeted them on the summit ridge which was reached in 3 hours. Lunch followed and they soon retraced their steps back down to tackle Arkle. More broken and stony terrain however awaited them and slowed down their upwards progress. Increasingly spectacular views of Arkle’s corries and Fionaven led to more photograph taking. Arkle’s summit was reached following the narrow semi circular ridge and all of the daylight available was taken advantage of as they returned to their starting point by 5.00pm. A very good day. Sunday: Ray Harron, Mark Richford and Natacha were first to leave the hostel, making their way to the car park by Loch Awe. From there, they headed off in a north-westerly manner to reach the firm, stony and intermittently slabby ridge of Canisp. The views were maybe not as blessed by sunshine or quite as excellent as the MWIS forecast suggested nevertheless, a clear panorama of the Coigach hills could be seen all around. The wind picked up drastically by the time they got to about 700m but abated again at the top, where they stopped for lunch. Suilven stood there in all its majesty.They went back down the same way, thus completing a short but satisfying 4 hour day in improving weather.

Fortunately, literacy rates amongst the rest of the club are at about the level of a 14th Century Uzbeki village, and so dredging up some tales from the barely legible scrawls that are apparently ‘weekend meet reports’ shouldn’t take too long.

Andy Lawson (who obviously never works) was up early on the Friday wandering the hills with Beinn and then dragged the poor beast up Maovally on the Saturday. Haven’t seen them, but there are sure to be some stunning photographs taken by Andy.

Fiona, Alan, Dave, Ella and Drummond felt it would be sporting to go the completely wrong way up Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir via Beinn Tarsuinn, eschewing good paths for a heathery bog-trot.

The view Westwards en-route to Sgurr an Fhidhleir

Claire, Jenny, Judith, Andy B, Simon and Illona made the glorious traverse from Cam Loch to Lochinver in fine weather. Any B and Simon putting the youngsters to shame (yes Illona, in this company you are indeed a youngster) and ascended fabulous Suilven. The comment from the low level wanderers that their day had “included a trip to the pie shop” may explain why they ran out of time for the peak.

Sue was not for heading to the hills this weekend and so took advantage of the wonderful coastline here with a ramble from Achiltibuie. (I once saw The Ramones play at the pub in Altandhu just up the coast. There really is everything in this part of the world)

Mark had a full day ascending Conival twice (to get the views) and Ben More Assynt. His report mentioned ‘company’, but not who. There is nothing wrong with the Voices Mark. The Voices are good.

Graeme M and Donnie, ever the athletes scampered over Ben More Assynt and Conival. Graeme, ascending with grace and ease up the ridge, leaving Donnie to grovel about in a slippery wet gulley (so he says Donnie). One casualty of the day was Graeme’s boot. It has seen its last hill and surely a case of athlete’s foot.

Bob and Colin, who are still under investigation from the Committee for ‘non-mountaineering activities’ once again took to the water and circumnavigated (possibly not completely) Oldany Island. Much wildlife and a little too much swell were encountered as the boys enjoyed a fine paddle.

Far worse though, than these oceanic pursuits was the wreckless behaviour of our esteemed President and three foolish lackeys who took it upon themselves, on a lovely day it must be added, to descend into the bowels of the earth and grub about down Rana Hole and the appropriately named ANUS. Dan, Graeme H, Imke and Jake should be ashamed of themselves. To see how unashamed they are, Graeme Henderson has posted – somewhere beyond the reaches of all Luddites – a very good video of the escapade.

It had been a generally lovely day on the Saturday and as can be seen from the variety of activities, well used.

As ever, nightfall just meant another kind of pursuit being followed; the usual nocturnal shenanigins benefitting from a seasonal twist. The MMC ever being willing to celebrate anti-Papal sentiments with a destructive display of mindless pyrotechnics held a superb fireworks display. Thanks to Graeme and Imke for the fireworks and Fiona for the amazingly successful lanterns that are now littering this pristine wilderness. Jake’s ‘mobile rocket-launcher’ had some health and safety issues, but apart from Graeme’s temporary deafness, we got away with that one.

Sunday was another fine day in the North West. Fiona and Alan took in Ben Stack on their way home and Ella, Bob, Dave Colin, Drummond and Jake took various routes scrambling over Stac Pollaidh.

There were sure to many more fine days had on that lovely Sunday, but thankfully no-one recorded them. (Hopefully the 25 that went all made it back. Ah well, bit late to alert montain rescue now).

I could describe the tee-shirted ascent of Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir in perfect conditions on the Monday, but that would be seem churlish to my fellow wage slaves who had returned eastwards.

Magnificent place, lovely lovely people. See you all soon.

Jake