Sat 12th– Sun 13th December  2009
O.S.Map(s): 41

Lagangarbh Hut in Glen Coe, with the Buachaille Etive Mor behind

Accommodation: Lagangarbh Hut, Glen Coe, Grid Ref NN 221 560. The hut is situated at the head of Glen Coe about 300m off to the right (travelling south) of the A82.  There is a car park just off the A82, but you can carefully drive down a track to a second car park next to the river.  From here it is just a short walk to the hut.

The hut is very comfortable and has electric cooking, lighting and heating.  I don’t think it has a log fire so it’s probably not worth bringing any logs.  There are no showers.

The hut is beautifully situated at the foot of Buachaille Etive More, and there are an almost infinite variety of opportunities in the area.  There may even be some skiing!  This is likely to be a popular venue, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Cost: TBC

The Hills: For more information about the Glen Coe hills click here

To book a place on this meet, contact Dan Moysey

Sat 31 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 2009

Thirteen members made their way to Inchnadamph in the northwest highlands.  A large party comprising Alan Duncan, Dave McClean, Bob MacDonald, Jake Lee, John McGowan, Fiona Duncan, Natacha Mihajlovic, John Henderson and last, but by no means least, Graeme Morrison (and Penny!) headed up Ben Hee.  This was Graeme’s last Corbett and so the summit was duly celebrated with champagne and a wee dram of Highland Park.  Well done Graeme – time to put your feet up now(!)

Simon Jacyna went up the south ridge of Quinag and saw lots of wildlife, including ravens, flocks of migrating Fieldfares, Ptarmigan, Snow Buntings and possibly a Golden Eagle.

Illona Morrice, Graeme Henderson, Imke Mynecke, Dave Galloway and Daniel Moysey scrambled up Conival’s southeast ridge, traversed the ridge to Ben More Assynt and returned via Ben More Assynt’s south ridge…a fine day out.  All three parties had good weather in the morning, which then deteriorated to more “traditional” conditions.

The forecast for Sunday was not good (tired legs, a few drams and some late night fiddling…and something about rain), but despite this Graeme Morrison climbed Stac Pollaidh.  Dave, Alan, Bob, Fiona and Jake endured the rain and reached the summit of Glas Bheinn (if they set off at 4:30am with the group from the “up a mountain” club they would have enjoyed a dry day out).  Daniel, Imke and Graeme Henderson explored the Traligill caves – an interesting wet weather alternative; but probably the caving equivalent of being up a mountain in a pair of trainers with no map or compass!

The northwest is one of the finest areas of Scotland; this trip was made all the better by the superb hostel.  I suspect that we may be returning next year.

Dan Moysey

Well, Graeme and Penny have done it! Ben Hee was the last one, conquered on Saturday 31st October. More pictures on the Flickr page here

Thurs 31st Dec 2009 – Sun 3rd Jan 2010
O.S.Map(s): 33
Accommodation: Kintail Outdoor Centre (website)
Cost: £50 for three nights
Facilities: Up to 20 people can be accommodated in this excellent bunkhouse property. Five bedrooms with bunk beds – one two-bedded, three four-bedded and one six-bedded – fully equipped kitchen, sitting room with wood-burning stove, dining room, drying room and laundry. Oil-fired central heating and wood-burning stove.

Celebrate Hogmanay in the company of fellow Moray mountaineers!

The Kintail Outdoor Centre, operated by the National Trust for Scotland is situated below Sgurr na Moraich, the last of the famous Five Sisters of Kintail, and Ben Attow (The Long Mountain). These spectacular mountains rise steeply from the shores of Loch Duich, offering some of the best hill walking in Britain. The centre is 5 minutes from the A87.

The New Year Meet is open to all MMC members and we have secured exclusive use of the accommodation. There are a maximum of 20 spaces at the Centre. here is no official camping next to the venue, but there is a campsite very close by. However, please note that even if you choose to camp, a bed will be allocated and the full charges will still apply.

This is likely to be a very popular event, so early booking is strongly advised.

To book, contact Dan Moysey by email. Bookings will only be considered confirmed once you have paid the full amount, which is non-refundable if you cancel.

Friday, 27th November 2009, 8.00-10.00 pm, Glen Moray Distillery, Bruceland Rd, Elgin

By popular demand, a repeat of last year’s whisky tasting extravaganza from Glen Moray Distillery, our Club sponsor.

Graham Coull, Distillery Manager will provide a fascinating insight into the history of distilling, legal and illegal, while you savour the hand-picked samples.

The cost of the evening is £10.00, a steal at this price. Please support this event and come along for a great evening. Pre-booking not necessary.

Graham Milton

Laggan – Sunday, 22 November 2009 (See Note below)
O.S.Map(s): 34, 41, 42
Bus Stop: Laggan Dam
Est. time of arrival: 9.45am
Time of departure: 17.00pm
Leave Elgin: 7.00am

A happy Natacha on the last Laggan meet in Feb 08. Will be get the snow again? Here's hoping!

The bus will park at Laggan Dam for the day but can go on to Fersit if required in order to access the circuit of Stob Coire Sgriodain and Chno Dearg.

To the north of the dam lies Beinn Teallach and Beinn a’ Chaorainn. Getting off the bus at Aberarder for Creag Meagaidh is always a popular choice on this meet, it can be climbed via the path going up to the “window” or as part of a high level walk over Carn Liath and Stob Poite Coire Ardair.

From Luiblea there are a group of three munros, Creag Pitridh, Gael Charn and Beinn a’ Chlachair. For a shorter day consider the idea of doing the two fine hills, Binnein Shuas and Binnein Shios, which also lie to the south between Loch Laggan and Loch ‘n Hearba.

For a description of the Munros in this area, click here.

Contact Jo Chappell by email to book.

NB:  Yes, we know its not the third Sunday of the month!  An oversight in the proofreading of the Syllabus Card, but we’ve decided to stick to the 22nd to keep things simple.

3rd-4th October 2009