Friday 11th to Sunday 13th of August, 2017.
Despite the weathers attempts to foil us we had a very successful and entertaining weekend in Skye. Glen Brittle Memorial Hut once again provided a most comfortable and well located venue though access past the Fairy Pools has now become problematic since they have gone viral with overflowing tourists causing traffic conjestion! Yes! In Skye!
Thursday 27th of July 2017.
We ploughed up to the summit of Montcrieffe Hill on a sunny evening, led by the intrepid Tommy (Gary’s dog). Then a circuit of the track around the base of the hill, taking Rob’s sneaky (and much nicer) short cut back up to the summit.
Wednesday 26th of July 2017.
Heavy rain earlier in the day meant that we changed the venue from Polney to Benny Beg. A couple of prospective members came along, so naturally, tea and biscuits were provided!
Other photographs from the meet:
Thursday 13th of July 2017.
A good start to the evening was quickly hit by passing showers. We pressed on over Rob’s route selection covering the woods between Jubilee Carpark and MacDuff Tower, finishing off down the jump route back to the start.
Wednesday 5th of July 2017.
A long, well attended evening meet at Hawkcraig with a variety of lines climbed. The incoming tide created extra excitement, including an emergency evacuation of equipment to higher ground and a retreat up the bottom of the crag for Keith while on belay.
Thursday 29th of June 2017.
Directions: Carpark is on the Strathmiglo Road from Abernethy, signposted Pitmedden Forest on the left just before the top.
The year’s mountain biking meets got off to an inauspicous start, with rain all day leaving the trails a healthy mix of wet roots and bog. Rob led the way and I lagged at the bag, practicing falling over.
I didn’t manage to get any photos of the really scary bits (for me) as I was too busy holding on.
Other photographs from the meet:
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th of June, 2017.
Who could resist the prospect of spending a weekend in this comfortable, well kept hut, with great views (sometimes!) of Suilven & Cul Mor and easy access to so many of the most iconic hills in Scotland? Not me! Although the weather forecast was poor, the list of attendees pointed to a sociable weekend, with some great hill time despite the weather; and so it proved.
Saturday morning dawned with evidence of the rain and strong winds that were forecast, so low level options were considered. We decided to follow a suggestion of a walk along the Postie’s Path starting at Blughassary. We took the diversion to look at Dun Canna, sitting in a peaceful spot with great views, as you would expect. By now, most of us had resorted to waterproofs.
Back to the main path, we ascended in further showers and wind viewing the wild rocky terrain through which the path lay ahead of us. We found a sheltered spot for a bite to eat before agreeing that there was little enthusiasm for walking further in the rain and wind. An afternoon in the local metropolis was called for. Once in Ullapool, navigation skills were tested as we made our way to Tesco’s car park!
With a slightly better forecast for Sunday, we were all keen to get out on the hills. Glas Bheinn was on a Corbett bagger’s agenda. A plan was hatched to descend either to Inchnadamph or eastish to a stalker’s path that joins the path from Inchnadamph eventually heading back round to Loch na Gainmhich. From the A894 we crossed the moorland and climbed steeply up a boggy path onto the NW ridge. With the cloud well down, bearings were taken to bring us to the wind shelter on the summit plateau, which was needed as much on this visit the last time a PMC party had been on that hill! Some more compass work led us to the top of the sharp E ridge, which we descended to meet the stalker’s path at the bealach. The views opened up, revealing the wonderful wild landscape to the East. Beinn Leoid and more distant hills; lochans at differing altitudes in the foreground and a long waterfall dropping into the valley opposite us. Quintessentially Sutherland This is what we came to Elphin for.
Other photographs from the meet:
Wednesday 7th of June 2017.
A miraculous weather window of blue skies in a week of rain allowed for a long evening of climbing at the Hawkcraig, Aberdour (the last climb finished close to 11). Tim, Wendy and Susan deliberately stuck to lower grades, completing Fish Head Arete and Welly Wall. Keith and Paul completed four routes, finishing on Urmi in the gathering gloom.
Other photographs from the meet:
Wednesday 31st of May 2017.
Evening climbing meet at Kirrie Hill, attended by Rob, Tim, Keith and Wendy. Tim and Keith got three lines in and Rob courteously belayed Wendy for five. The photo shows Wendy leading On the Up (I think!).