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2003 Archive Stories and pics from |
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2003 Archive Stories and pics from |
June Day Trip to Glencoe
A total of 29, including a few visitors, headed for Glencoe on the bus, after picking up Iona, Mark and Jane at the Green Welly, who were camping at Tyndrum for whatever reason. Maybe it’s to prevent getting up in the middle of the night to catch the bus for 8 o’clock at Cathcart … could be that we’ll all start doing that! The day started with a few showers, gradually improving as the day went on, and turning out to be a good day for walking.
The first group of 13, lead by the youngish Justin, was dropped off at Bridge of Orchy and made their way over the Rannoch Moor to the Kingshouse Hotel by The West Highland Way, which included a quick stop at the Inveroran Hotel for a cup of tea (wish I had been there). It was noted that all the ‘don’t do this and don’t do that’ notices had been removed and you were actually allowed to do something, making it a more pleasant place to visit. There seemed to be a competition among this group to see who could be the furthest behind. This was easily won by Kate with the help of Iris, Clare, Irene and Rosemary.
At the ski road end the bus slowed down enough for Ian and Bob to bale out, and they headed off to tackle Creise and Meall a’Bhuiridh, making their way back to the Kingshouse just ahead of the arrival of the West Highland Wayers .. except Kate. Bob was a bit upset that the ski tow wasn’t working to uplift and whisk him down the mountain to the White Corries … however he soon recovered when Ian produced a pint for him.
At Altnafeadh, Buachaille Etive Mor was the target for another 7 comprising Willie, Elena, Hamish, Diane, Paul, Vicky and last but not least Ruth, doing her last Munro as a thirtysomething … or is it twentysomething … must be the second surely? Willie was particularly keen to ‘knock off’ Stob na Broige at the far end of the of the ridge. This was accomplished by both Willie and Elena while the remainder chose to descend into Lairig Gartain having climbed Stob Dearg.
The remaining 7, Mark, Linda, Andrew (new member), Chris and the happy campers, started off in heavy rain to scale the 2 Munros on Buachaille Etive Beag, Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh. This was accomplished with some splendid views once the rain had cleared off. For both the Buachaille walkers, the ‘plod’ out along Lairig Gartain was a bit on the boggy side … in fact it was grim and got my boots all mucky.
We all eventually met up in the ‘Dirty Bar’ between 5 and 6 o’clock in the Kingshouse for a few beers or whatever after a good day on the hills combined with fine views. The only blip was that the bus was waiting in the wrong layby for those coming out from the Lairig Gartain, which meant a rather long wait for some until it was sorted out. Handy things these mobile phones when you can get a signal.
Chris Robertson, Foul Weather Organiser
June Evening Walk in the Campsies
There was an excellent turn out for the second evening walk of the season with SIXTEEN people travelling up to Kilsyth .. undoubtedly due to the excellent weather. From the centre of Kilsyth we set off up past the golf course and on to the open ground. The footpath shown on the map was not very clear on the ground, but we made steady progress. On the flanks of Garrel Hill we decided to give Lairds Hill a miss and headed directly to the top of Garrel Hill. The views from the top were excellent and you could see for miles. After a short break we followed the forest edge to Tomtain, followed by a couple of photos and then a very steep climb off the south face of the hill. A steady walk absorbing the scenery took us back to the golf course and the cars. A drink in the local ended a pleasant walk.
Mark Setford
Friday
I picked up James at his house early and headed towards Fort William. The traffic wasn’t too bad and we made good time, arriving at Spean Bridge at 10am. We duly had a breakfast and departed before anyone else arrived. We headed west but the weather at Shiel Bridge was not promising so we continued towards Skye. The weather continued to tempt us – looking good until we got to start points – so we ended up in Glen Brittle. We set off to climb Sgurr na Banachdich from Coire a’ Ghreadaidh. It was a fairly straightforward route but there was the usual low cloud and when we reached the summit a very strong wind. A straight return descent was on the cards and before long we were out of the wind and clouds and heading back to the car.
At our arrival at the hostel, we discovered that Richard had already arrived and settled in. Willie, Mark and Miriam arrived having climbed a Corbett at Shiel Bridge. Scott, Ian and Iris duly arrived, having travelled from work and Raymond completed the party having climbed 2 Munros on the way up.
The evening was spent with a mixture of eating in and out, but most made it to the pub for a beer.
Saturday
The weather was still not great when we got up, but at least the wind had dropped. The group split up to do various walks. Ian and Iris set off to do a coastal walk. James and Scott decided to walk to Loch Coruisk (Richard also did part of this walk) while the rest decided to tackle Sgurr nan Gillean by the tourist route.
This was fairly easy until we hit the ridge in the mist. At one point the route was not easily identified. However we all managed to get to the summit. At this point, I kept my promise and phoned Ruth McLeod to wish her Happy Birthday as she was having a party to celebrate “life beginning”. If you are “over the hill” then the consolation is that you can freewheel!
Some photos were taken in the mist and then it was time for the descent. This turned out to need a bit of rope work due to the conditions. However we all managed to get over the tricky bit and were soon heading quickly back on the track. A pint at the Sligachan was not to be missed before we headed back to the hostel.
We had booked dinner at the café before leaving in the morning, so when we got back we got quickly changed and all headed in for the meal. It was as usual good fare and good value. After the meal we headed for the pub for a pint or two to round off the evening.
Sunday
We awoke to find that it was raining. As I had not been feeling 100% for most of the weekend, I suggested to James that we travel back home. He didn’t take much persuading. As it turned out most of the others did the same. Raymond was the only one making plans for a climb.
As usual, our stay on Skye was a mixture of frustration and enjoyment. What we managed to climb was satisfying but for the third year running the weather stopped us doing what had originally been planned. Still ... it gives us another excuse to visit this wonderful island!
Bob MacDonald
