Sat 3rd - Mon 5th May 2008
O.S.Map(s): 32
Accommodation: The Sligachan campsite
Cost: £5 pppn
Facilities: Showers, toilets, shop. Pub and restaurant across the road.

Yippee, its May and we’re going to Skye again! Not, however, to Coruisk as originally advertised in the syllabus, as the hut had been booked to another club, but to the Sligachan campsite instead.

For anyone who has never been or is unfamiliar with Skye, the big draw here is the Black Cuillins, the magnificent range you can see behind the campsite. These offer some of the best scrambling, climbing and hillwalking anywhere in Scotland… no scratch that, the world. If the weather is bad, Skye still has a lot to offer, from low level walks along sea cliffs to the strange rock formations of the Trotternish peninsula.

Totally unmissable.

Bookings to Dave Galloway please.

For information about the Skye Munros, click here

Fifteen MMC members took advantage of some windy wintry weather conditions on the Knoydart peninsula, using the Whitehouse at Barisdale as their base. Making two trips from Arnisdale, Billy Mackenzie, the local ferryman took twelve people in his powerboat across the four mile stretch in fifteen minutes to the Barisdale boathouse to start their two and a half km walk in to the bunkhouse.

On arrival it was unlocked, but no electricity, so Dave Galloway and David Brown Douglas returned to the caretaker’s house to get their brief. The lady showed them how to start the generator and provided keys; she also informed them that the club was to vacate by 10am on Sunday.

Before arriving, David BD had taken in Sgurr a’ Mhaoraich (peak of the shellfish) and then walked in from Kinloch Hourn. He stayed in the bothy with a party of Dutchmen. Bob Macdonald and

Graeme Gunn came kayaking in from Corran to complete our party. This they did arriving in the dark and ended up paddling up the wrong stream and having to abandon their kayaks until daylight.

With a late start planned for Saturday, alcohol flowed and out came the fiddle; Bob and Chrissy danced to the small hours. The following morning after breakfast, an excursion to the Forge Inn at Inverie was planned for Jake Lee, Janice Taylor, Margaret Patterson, Fiona Duncan, Graeme G and Bob. A four hour trek for a pint and a bowl of soup, but blessed with the sight of an eagle soaring high above the Mam Barrisdale Bealach. In the pub, Janice tried to organise transport back by asking everyone in the bar for a lift, but no offers, so home after dark to complete an eight hour trek.

Paul Chapel, Jo Cross, David BD, Caroline Chapman and Ray Harron set off by 9 am to do Luinne Bheinn via the Mam Barisdale. Having spotted a raven from the summit, they traversed along the ridge, where they had to wear goggles against spindrift. Ray cut steps down to the bealach below Meall Coire na Gaoithe n-Ear (means “peak above the coire of the east wind”-only 90 degrees out). Kicking steps as required along to Meall Buidhe, they managed to avoid the use of crampons. They completed their horseshoe route down to the Barisdale-Inverie footpath. A long slog up over the Bealach, past the grazing stags by the roadside and home to complete a nine hour day.

Graeme Morrison, who is close to completing his Munros for the second time, was away for 8 am to complete Meall Buidhe, Luinne Bheinn and Ladhar Bheinn. Losing height to 235m from 946m, before ascending Ladhar Bheinn at 1020m was his low point, but the three Knoydart Munros in 8.40 hrs in bad weather made the evening drams taste sweeter.

Chrissy McKay, Evylene Doege and Dave G did Ladhar Bheinn coming in over the Druim a’Choire Odhair. Finding the ridge in good winter conditions above five hundred meters and with the wind ibehind them, they enjoyed the scramble up Stob a Choire Odhair and then the pyramid-shaped summit of Ladhar Bheinn. From there, in strong crosswinds, they turned east along the ridge to the bealach below Stob Choire a’ Chearcaill, then down to the Mam Barisdale before home to end a successful nine hour day.

Saturday evening saw the celebration of the day’s events in traditional style, with Mr Jameson and Mr Guinness as principal guests. About 10pm two Landrovers pulled up outside. Dave G answered the door to find a group of of soldiers enquiring after David BD, as the Dutchmen he’d shared the bothy with had not seen him return from the hill and reported him missing. The Army lads, who were bivvying in an outhouse behind the farm, where alerted by the lady caretaker and immediately started to help. Taking into account the inclement weather, it was a very considerate gesture. Dave thanked them very much for their reaction and response.

Sunday dawned to high winds, rain, and snow showers. Plans for the day were postponed for another day. However, come 8.30am the weather cleared up, so Dave G, Graeme M, and Chrissy set of to Sgurr a’ Choire Bheithe. They made the summit just as the weather turned, but were able to drop below the bad weather and made the ferry landing by 1.30pm. Meantime David B.D set off up the Druim a’ Choire Odhair to do Ladhar Bheinn, returning by the same route. David then collected his gear and walked out to his car while six caught a 1pm ferry. Bob and Graeme G paddled out, while the final six had to wait until 4pm to catch the last ferry.

In conclusion, there is something for everyone in Knoydart, even in bad weather.

Dave Galloway

For photos from this meet click here

Sunday, 16 March 2008

A perfect winter day rewarded all 24 members and guests who attended this bus meet.

Ken Ross headed off for the east end of Glen Quoich via Mam na Selig and enjoyed a great day spotting lots of wildlife.

Alan and Fiona Duncan ascended Corbett Geal Carn from Loch Garry. The plentiful amount of deep, soft snow was deemed a nuisance but they still had a fantastic day with excellent views. Alan recommends climbing the hill from Loch Arkaig rather than from the north, as it took over four hours to reach the summit!  Graeme Morrison went up the same Corbett and continued to Meall na h-eilde. Fiona thought she would spice up the day by “misplacing” her crampons: It is still unclear whether she has lost them or if they are still hiding at the bottom of her rucksack.

Further west, John Henderson and Graham Milton set off at breakneck speed via the track on the south side of Gairich to do the Corbett Sgurr an Fhuarain. After a long pull up to the top in soft snow, they were also greeted with spectacular views of the rugged hills of Knoydart, which inspired our club bards to pen the following “rhyme”:

“I must go down to the sea again
To the lonely sea and sky
I left my towel and trunks there
And I wonder if they are dry”

Simon Willatts also set off from the dam and reached the summit of Gairich in good time. He continued west to descend and returned via the south side of the hill along a decent track through the glen. He encountered a lot of frogs.

Drummond Beattie and Val Kemp also enjoyed an excellent day on Gairich with amazing views in all directions.

Graeme Bartlett completed a traverse from the east ridge of Spidean Mialach over to Gleouraich and descended via the hill’s south shoulder. David Brown Douglas, Graeme Gunn, Ray Harron, Bob Macdonald, Lee Madden, Natacha Mihajlovic, Rob Murray and guest David Strathdee followed the same route taking in some amazing winter views and unnecessary risks for the best cornice picture.

Sgurr na Mhaoracih was the hill Corinne Ferguson, Simon Fildes, Illona Morrice and Maggie Paterson chose to climb. They enjoyed fantastic views of Knoydart, Rum, Eigg and Skye on their way up. They headed down over the Am Bathaich ridge and had to put their crampons on as it was quite icy. Back at the loch side, they headed south and were back at the bus in a timely fashion.

Moira Baptie and Morven Bridges also had a good day out around the west end of Loch Quoich.

Natacha Mihajlovic

See more pictures from this meet on the Flickr page

Sunday, 20 April 2008
O.S.Map(s): 24, 25
Est. time of arrival: 8.15 am
Time of departure: 18.00 pm
Leave Elgin: 6.00 am*

Photo: Ray Newell

It has been some time since the Club has undertaken this classic traverse, one of the most spectacular anywhere in the Highlands.

There are myriad routes that can be done. One option starts at the layby on the A890 opposite the private road to Achnashellach train station and continues on into Coire Lair. From here, there are several options: For a high level traverse, you can either climb FuarTholl (Corbett) and Sgorr Ruadh (Munro) (also possible to miss out Fuar Tholl if desired) to the left of the coire, or Beinn Liath Mhor (Munro) to the right. Both funnel into a bealach into Coire Grannda. A low level option is to follow the path up Coire Lair directly to Coire Grannda.

From here, there are again a number of options. One is to head due north, ending up at the car park on the A896 main Torridon road just north of the Ling Hut. Another possibility is to head northeast from Coire Grannda to Coulin Lodge and Loch Clair, ending at a small layby on the A896 at NH002581. Another low-level alternative would be to bear east at the foot of Beinn Liath Mhor, and passing some superb waterfalls, follow the path to Coulin, Loch Coulin and Loch Clair to the same layby.

A different traverse altogether can be started further west along the A890 at Coulags, taking in Maol Chean Dearg (Munro) along the route if desired, and ending at the Countryside Centre on the A896 at NH 905557.

Whatever you decide to do, an excellent day is guaranteed!

Bookings to Natacha Mihajlovic

The President

* Note earlier start time!

8-9 March 2008

Friday night’s trip to Glen Etive and the Grampian Club’s Inbhirfhaolain hut was full of trepidation, with some seriously bad weather forecast.

However after locating the hut and filling the water containers from the stream, we lit the log fire and allowed alcohol to convert pessimism to optimism. Seventeen people turned out, including two guests, creating the atmosphere for a good weekend.

On Saturday morning Simon Willats, guest Richard Collins and Chrissy McKay amended their planned route, to do Ben Starav and Bheinn Glas Mhor in an anti-clockwise direction to beat the wind. With only one minutes sunshine all day, there was no risk of sunburn or melanoma, but they where in severe danger of wind chill, struggling at times to stay on their feet. On reaching the bealach below Stob Coir an Albannaich they returned via the Alt Mheuran to the road, where they picked up by Graeme Morrison to complete a 10 ½ hr day. After a long lie in and a fireside snooze, Graeme had ecided to face the elements, making his way to the summit of Beinn Moal Chaluim in 2 ¼ hrs. The highlight of his day was seeing a white hare, making at least two souls on the hill that day without the sense to keep out of the rain.

Strong winds and driving rain meant that for those who brought their stickies along, the choice of the climbing wall at the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven was a “no brainer” for Illona Morrice, Natacha Mihajlovic and Dan Moysey, who topped off the excursion by taking advantage of the shower facilities and some retail therapy at the Fort. The remainder of the Ice Factor party, Bob Macdonald and Graeme Gunn, took the traditional (and dare I say more manly) approach and returned to the hut for a beer.

Ray Harron, Lee Madden, Dave Galloway and Evelyne Deorge checked out the climbing shops in Fortbill before doing the tourist sights at the Clachaig and the Kingshouse (someone had to keep tabs on the rugby matches).

Dave Mclean, Joe Glennie, Jake & Ruby Lee, Amanda Strang and guest Judith Kendle set out to find the robbers’ waterfall below Bheinn Glas Mhor. The deterioting weather and boggy path made it an easy decision to turn back just before they reached the falls.

Come 7am on Sunday morning and no change in the weather except no wind. Simon, Ray, Lee, Natacha, Graeme M and Dave G set off to complete Stob Dubh. A steep, soft snow-covered Corbett taking 4 ½ hrs to do the round trip.

Chrissy had a leisurely stroll up Meall a Bhuirdh in the sunshine. However as she traversed onto the S/E ridge of Sgor na h-Ulaidh, dark snow clouds came in and in her solitude she got a spooky feeling about the avalanche conditions, so returned to her car.

Jake, Joe & Ruby walked from the hut to Buachaille Etive Beag and did the south top, Stob Dubh before descending via the bealach.

Illona and Dan came onto the Small Shephard of Glen Etive from the Glen Coe side, ascending to the Bealach and taking in both tops under snow and ice conditions.

Graeme G & Bob went to the icewall at the Ice Factor, while Dave McLean who had spent Saturday pondering his Grahams bowed out when the weather turned grim, as did Amanda, Judith and Evelyne.

In conclusion, a good weekend, shame about the weather.

Dave Galloway

Click here for more photos from this meet

Sat 5th - Sun 6th April 2008
O.S.Map(s): 33, 40
Accommodation: The Whitehouse (max 12 places) + Bothy/campsite for overflow
Cost: Whitehouse: £10 pppn, Bothy (not MBA): £3 pppn , Campsite: £1 pppn
Facilities: Whitehouse: Shower, kitchen, utensils supplied, bunks with mattresses, but bring sleeping bag; Bothy/Campsite: toilets, electricity, but bring stove, utensils, mat and sleeping bag (and tent)

Travel: Walk in or Ferry from Arnisdale (see below)

 

Situated in a mountainous and largely undisturbed wilderness, Barisdale provides an excellent base for climbing munros in the area as well as having an abundance of wildlife and precious examples of rare flora and fauna for vigilant visitors to see.Barisdale lies along the south shores of Loch Hourn on the Knoydart peninsula, with spectacular views of Beinn Sgritheall (974 m) towering above Arnisdale to the north, the majestic Ladhar Bheinn (1020 m) to the west and out towards Skye, as well as Luinne Bheinn (939 m), with Meall Buidhe (946 m) tucked in behind, standing proudly to the south.

Accommodation is at the Whitehouse, a privately-owned self-catering cottage (max 12), or at the more basic bothy and campsite 700m away. The Whitehouse has been booked by the Club, but the bothy (also max 12) cannot be pre-booked, and operates on a first come first served basis. If you cannot get into the Whitehouse, it may therefore be prudent to pack a tent in case the bothy is also full!

The Arnisdale ferry has provisionally been booked for an 8.00 pm pickup. The ferry drops off at the Barisdale boathouse (NG 875 073 OS map 33), approx 1 mile from the cottage, bothy and campsite. Please contact Dave Galloway to let him know if you will be able to make the ferry.

Alternatively, you can walk in from Kinloch-Hourn (7 miles approx) or from Inverie (10 miles approx).

All bookings to Dave Galloway

For further information about Barisdale: http://www.barisdale.com/index.htm

For more information about the Munros in the area, click on the hill names above.

Glen Moray Visitor Centre, Bruceland Rd, Elgin IV30 1YE

Thursday, 20th March 2008

8.00 pm

Agenda

1. Apologies for absence.

2. Minutes of the 70th Annual General Meeting held on 22 March 2007. (Click to download: AGM 2007 Minutes)

3. Matters arising.

4. The President’s report for 2007-2008.

5. The Treasurer’s audited accounts for 2007-2008.

6. Subscriptions for 2008-2009.

The committee propose to leave the annual subscriptions unchanged.

7. Election of office bearers and committee members:

• President
• Vice Presidents (2)
• Honorary Treasurer
• Honorary Secretary
• Committee Members (4)

8. Appointment of Auditor.

9. Suggestions for the Bus Meet & Weekend Meet Syllabus’ for 2008-2009.

10. Suggestions for Indoor Meets for the year 2008-2009.

11. Proposals from the committee and the floor.

10. Any other business.