Sat 12th – Sun 13th December 2009

Brocken Spectre, Photo: Natacha Mihajlovic

The last time the club went to the Glen Coe area it rained continuously, but this time our luck was in and sixteen lucky folk experienced clear skies for the whole weekend. A few drinks on Friday night did nothing to deter an early start for most.  Members headed off in all directions…

Alan Duncan and Dave McLean went up Beinn na h-uamba  (sp?).  A multinational team comprising Illona Morrice, Joe Glennie, Ali Erginsoy and Daniel Moysey scrambled up Curved Ridge.  They prepared for full-on winter conditions, but these only really set in towards the top.  Bob MacDonald demonstrated his commitment to Munro bagging by turning his back on the mountaineering paradise of Glen Coe and heading into the glare of the sun to the “Peak of the White Tracksuit” (aka Ben Lomond). Evelyn Droege, Chrissy McKay, Fiona Duncan, Dave Galloway and Drummond Beattie had a long day on Meall nan Eun in Glen Etive. They managed to find one of the few patches of mist in the area, which caused a few navigational difficulties (not to mention almost losing Drummond).  They returned to the car in pitch dark.  Natacha Mihajlovic and Ella Grant went up Garbh Bheinn, which lurks at the rear of the Aonach Eagach.  Simon Willatts went up Bidean nam Bian via the lost valley and the long ridge of Beinn Fhada.

Dave on Dorsal Arete (II), Stob Coire nan Lochan

Spurred on by the thought of another sunny day, everyone had ambitious plans for Sunday.  I’m sure that most of these were realised, but as there are few write-ups we can only guess.  However, the main story of day was the mountain rescue incident on Stob Corie nan Lochan.  Ali Erginsoy, Daniel Moysey, Dave Galloway and Illona Morrice all successfully ascended some great winter routes.  On the way down, Ali tripped and slid (very fast) down a steep snow slope into some rocks.  He was airlifted off the mountain and spent the night in Fort William A&E.  As if this wasn’t enough, there were actually two further similar incidents in the same location within about half an hour.  Fortunately, all three casualties seem to have escaped with only minor injuries.  Ali was very battered and bruised but is now recovering.

Accidents do happen, but there are things that we can all do to minimise the risk.  There is not much that could have been done differently on Sunday, but the incident does serve as a reminder to all of us to carry the right gear and know how to use it.  If you have any doubts, or just want a reminder, then book yourself onto a winter skills course…Don’t just rely on someone else!

Dan Moysey

Ali adds: It had all the classic ingredients of a climbing accident: On the descent, slightly tired, on easier ground where you let your guard down. We’d finished the climb and downclimbed Broad Gully. I was in the process of turning from left to right when I slipped on rock hard snow-ice on the approach apron to the gully – probably still a 20 degree slope at that point.  The minute my crampons lost contact with the surface I was away. I did try to arrest, but was hampered by the fact that I still had two ice axes strapped to my wrists. In retrospect, I should have put one away earlier, which might have given me a better chance of holding on to the other one.

The other thing I would say is that I was surprised how quickly you pick up speed. After a few seconds, I doubt if an ice axe arrest would have been successful anyway. On this occasion, I think I was lucky that the outcome wasn’t a lot worse. The accident has also made me think twice about soloing so-called “easy gullies”. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if I’d slipped in the gully. It depends on the conditions of course, but on that day it was like an ice chute. Finally, I probably owe my life to having my helmet on.

Glencoe MRT and the chopper crew were incredible, as were the doctors and nurses at Belford Hospital in Fort William. I think it’ll be a few weeks yet before I’m fully recovered as I seem to have a bad groin strain, but making progress every day.

For more photos from this meet click here

Sunday, 22nd November 2009

The trip to Laggan turned out to be a popular meet with a total of 34 members and guests.

After a bit of debating Corinne Ferguson and Flora Hunt decided to join Jo and Paul Chappell for a walk up Beinn a’ Chaorainn.  They set off from the Laggan Dam where Paul decided to take the opportunity to photograph the water falling from the Dam.  They tried persuade the accompanying tourist to join them on the hills but without success!!  The compass and GPS were put to use as the weather closed in half way to the summit.  Strong wind combined itself with heavy sleet and snow and a covering of snow greeted them on the summit ridge.  They descended from the summit to the Allt a’ Choarainn path, which turned out to be a bog trot back to the woods.  The light of the bus were a welcome sight at the end of the day.

Drummond Beattie, Ella Grant, Ros Wright, David Whitelock, Malcolm Campbell, Ali Erginsoy, Daniel Moysey, George Sim, George Herraghty, Illona Morrice and guests Douglas Black, Ed Moore and Kathleen McGrath all headed off to Creag Meagaidh.  They departed the bus at the Creag Meagaidh Car Park and headed off towards the ridge of Puist Corie Ardair via Sron a’ Ghoire.  The weather varied throughout the day with a mild start as they headed through the corrie to real winter conditions on the plateau.  They all enjoyed a great day out and even had some snow on the tops.  Kathleen McGarth enjoyed her first trip out with the club and found it invigorating facing all the elements and hopes this was the first of many walks.  George Sim also completed his first Munro of the winter.

Seeking shelter on Creag Meagaidh

Bob Weeks, Graham Morrison, Bob MacDonald, John Henderson, Ray Harron and Dave Galloway left the bus first at Kinloch Laggan for a walk up the two Grahams of Binnein Shios and Binnein Shuas.  The weather was much better than the forecast, but they still found it hard going in the sodden ground and tufted grass.  The day was uneventful until Graham decided to launch a boulder the size of ‘half a fridge’ down the gully on the approach to ‘Binnein Shuas so everyone decided to duck!!  It was a shame about the constant drizzle at the end of the day as they returned to the Luiblea Car Park.

Allan McConnachie and Annette Turnidge also set off from Kinloch Laggan for a walk up Binnein Shios.  From the summit they decided to head down to the track by the loch and walked out to Luiblea Car Park.  Both enjoyed a good day out.

Paul Geraghty, Greg Muir, Rob Reed and Alastair Wren set off from Aberarder with a long ascent to their first Munro of the day Cairn Liath.  The weather was very cold on the summit as they proceed to the second Munro Stob Poite Coire Ardair via Meall an t-snaim and Min Choire in gale force winds and horizontal snow.  The third Munro of the day was snow covered Creag Meagaidgh.  The group decided to descend back to the A86 via Creag na Cailliche where they had a 3km walk down the road to Laggan Dam.  They all enjoyed the first taste of winter.

Rachel Higgins, Sandy Murray, Don Asher, Elliott Harbottle and David Douglas Brown crossed the Laggan Dam and headed off through the forest to Fersit.  They then climbed to the summit of Stob Coire Sgriodain where they were met with wind and snow.  The good navigation of Sandy and Don got them to the summit of the second Munro, Chno Dearg in poor visibility and snow showers.  They arrived back to Fersit at 3.15pm, but the last 45 minutes back to the bus went wrong when they missed the turning in the forest.  The poor conditions and being late back for the bus did not distract them from a good day out.

Jo Chappell

Achnashellach – Sunday, 20 December 2009
O.S.Map(s): 25
Bus Stop: Coulags [OS 25, GR962452]
Est. time of arrival: 9.00am
Time of departure: 4.30pm
Leave Elgin: 7.00am

Achnashellach, Photo: Ray Newell

The Xmas bus will go past the Achnasheen junction (and the Ledgowan Hotel) and travel down the A896 to park up for the day at the Coulags (OS 25, GR962452).  On the way it will pass Craig/Achnashellach Rail Station to drop off those heading for the Munros Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh or the Corbett Fuar Tholl. The Coulags pass gives access to the Munro Maol Chean-dearg and the Corbett An Ruadh-stac.  There is a handy bothy 3kms from the road at GR950480, on the left hand side of the path.  What makes me think many people will get no further than the Bothy – especially if the weather is not too kind?  However, best to do at least some walking to build up an appetite for the Xmas dinner!!

The bus will leave at 4.30 pm sharp to take us to the Ledgowan Hotel in Achnasheen for the Club Xmas Dinner, where we will aim to be sitting down for 5.00pm. Not to be missed!

Christmas Dinner: Ledgowan Hotel, Achnasheen
Sunday 20th December 2009, 17.00 pm
£18

MENU

Soup

Traditional Turkey or Vegetarian Option

Xmas Pudding

Freshly brewed coffee or tea with Mince Pies

There is also a vegetarian option, so please specify if this is required when booking. Jo has already taken names from some people on the Laggan bus meet. These obviously do not need to book again.

Contact Jo Chappell by email to book for both the bus meet and the dinner.

Sunday, 18 October 2009

A total of 25 members and guests turned out for the bus trip to Torridon despite the weather forecast.

Malcolm Campbell, James Hamilton, Stephen Linturn, Alastair Wren and Don Asher set off from the Beinn Alligin car park for an enjoyable walk up Beinn Alligin.  Their ascent became all the more rewarding when the cloud cleared to reveal the dramatic landscape.  They took in the two peaks of Tom Na Gruagaich and Sgurr Mor before James headed off over two of the horns.  The rest of the group decided to stay to the path.  They all enjoyed an excellent day out, even finishing in the sunshine.

George Sim set off from the Ling Hut car park and followed the Coire Mhic Nobuil track and up onto the summit of Beinn Dearg.  He enjoyed clear views from the summit before descending to the Beinn Alligin car park via Allt a Bhealaich.

John Henderson, Jo Chappell, Paul Chappell, Angela Waugh and Debby Waldron continued up the road before heading up to the summit of An Ruagh Mheallan.  They enjoyed spectacular views of the surrounding hills and plenty of coffee breaks.

Bob Weeks set off through the Coulin Estate and up onto the summit of Sgurr Dubh.  He then took a detour to Beinn Liath Bheag and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine before returning to the Ling Hut car park.  He even managed to spot 3 eagles and some deer on his travels.  Despite the long hard day he enjoyed the spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

Ken Ross set off from the Ling Hut car park for an enjoyable day taking in Meall Dearg.

Bob MacDonald, Dave Mclean, Natacha Mihajlovic, Graham Milton, Ros Wright, Corinne Ferguson, Janet Adamson and Andy Treweeke all alighted the bus at Kinlochewe and headed along the road to the Visitor Centre before making their ascent onto Meall A Ghiuthais.  They were all hoping to enjoy some sun, which came out from behind the clouds for about ten minutes.  They then headed up the rugged hill of Ruadh Stac Beag before returning to the Kinlochewe Hotel for a well-earned drink.

Greg Muir and Lydia Davis set off for their usual long trek starting from the Beinn Alligin car park. They had an excellent walk up Beinn Alligin, including the horns, before proceeding to the summit of Beinn Dearg.  They enjoyed the fantastic view and good weather.  Due to lack of time they decided to run back along the Coire Dubh Mor track to the bus.

Chris Muir and Andrew McGhee set off to tackle the imposing massif of Liathach.   All was going well on the walk until Chris decided to lose his rucksack just west of Spidean a Chore Leith.  After getting over the loss of the rucksack they continued to the summit of Mullach An Rathain before descending into Glen Torridon.  Unfortunately they were unable to retrieve the rucksack.

Jo Chappell

For more photos of this meet click here

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.  Although pre-booking is not necessary, could those members planning to attend please email me to let me know, as the distillery would like a rough idea of numbers?

Graham Milton

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: £8 pppn

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

The New Year Meet to Kintail, which was earlier cancelled due to frozen piopes at the bunkhous is BACK ON. Bring a sleeping bag as there may not be time to do the usual laundry.

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.

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.