3 Jan 2010.
A cold start at Westburn followed by a pleasantly short drive to Luss, although the temperature hadn't increased by much by the time we got there! Luss was the starting point for todays walk which included a change of plan due to the wintry conditions. Ironically enough the most treacherous part of the walk was crossing the iced over bridge over the A82! After this we started straight into the steep climb which included a wonderful false summit. We soon reached the summit of Beinn Dubh where we had fantastic views of the Loch Lomond islands and the mountains to the north, and the flat landscape looking over to the Port. After a quick lunch we pressed round the horseshoe to the next summit. And with much hilarity we got out our survival aka marks and spencers bags and sledged down the hill on our backsides. When we reached the bottom of the hill we had a 2 mile walk along the road back to the car. All participants of the walk were fully refreshed in the Colquhoun Arms!
Submitted by Graeme "Rusty" Russell
Beinn Bheula 17/01/2010.
Twelve members made the short ferry crossing to Cowal and travelled to Glen Branter where we met up with Paul & Skye. The first part of the walk was easy going up forestry trails until eventually we came out on to the open hillside. As we climbed uphill the weather slowly went downhill and as we reached the summit the views had disappeared. We then dropped down of the top, found some shelter and had lunch. The younger members were having fun sledging and suchlike while we elders preserved our dignity. The pub of choice was the Whistlefield Inn and very nice it was too. Submitted by Donald Brown
Ben Vane 31/01/2010
A good turn out on a cold and frosty day. We travelled to Inveruglas car park and walked up Coiregrogain towards Loch Sloy. As we proceeded up Ben Vane conditions underfoot became icier and out came the crampons. Many pictures were taken of the views in the snowy conditions.The party split at the last stage and those with axes and crampons, plus Skye, ventured onto the summit. The descent was fun for some and daunting for those without crampons but eventually we all got back on firmer ground safely. We just made it to the coffee shop before it closed for a welcome hot drink.
Stob Coire Creagach 14/02/2010
Eight members plus one Guest met at Butterbridge car park. The weather was overcast as we set of up the hill,which became steeper and slippier as we neared the ridge. While we gathered on the ridge the sledging started. We set of for Binnein an Fhidhleir which always seems further away than the map shows.Although the cloud mostly stayed with us there was some blue sky to cheer us as we travesed back along the ridge to the double summit of Stob Coire Creagach. After the usual photo call we carried on along the ridge dropping down into upper Glen Kinglas and making our way back to the cars. We stopped in Arrochar for a small refreshment and to help the rural economy, aint we wonderful? Submitted by Donald Brown
Meall an Fhudair 28-2-2010
The walk to Cruach Ardrain had been cancelled and we decided to climb Meall an Fhudair instead which was probably a wise decision in view of the weather conditions. The weather was overcast but dry as Katy, Graham, Graeme, Jim, Dave & Donald set of up the road and we soon reached the start of the ridge for Troisgeach. Fortunately for us there had been a party of climbers on this route on Saturday and they had ploughed a way through the deeper snow for us and we soon found ourselves at Troisgeach. The way across to Meall an Fhudair was soon acomplished and as the storm clouds were gathering we had a quick photo call and dropped down to more sheltered surroundings and had lunch. After what seemed a long walk out we arrived back at the cars and then proceeded to the Drover's for a well earned refreshment.
Donald.
Skye Weekend 7-9th May 2010
Departing early Friday morning Hugh, Neil & Steve met with Paul at the Skyewalker Accommodation around 1 o'clock and started to climb Sgurr nan Eag and Sgurr Dubh Mor on the south of the ridge from Glenbrittle camp site around 2 pm. The slog up to the lochan was compensated by the stunning views towards Soay, Rhum and Eigg and further beyond to the mainland on a clear sunny day. Leaving rucksacks at the lochan we climbed to the ridge to the east of the lochan and found ourselves quite close to the summit of Sgurr nan Eag enjoying the scramble without the weight of the rucksacks. Traversing back along the ridge the climb up to the other side of the col to Sgurr Dubh Mor was more challenging but a fun scramble.
The second day Hugh and Neil climbed Bla Bheinn whilst Steve joined Graeme, Callum, Jim and Rusty along with a guide (Mike) and a non member Phil from Cornwall to climb the Inaccessilbe Pinnacle(Sgurr Dearg) and enjoy a fun abseil back down to the ridge before a daunting traverse along the ridge to Sgurr Mhic Chonnich and back to ski down the scree to a welcome few pints at the Old Inn in Carbost to relive the days drama.
Saturday night was a sing along from all the members as Ian cajoled the members to participate by leading off with tunes and encouraged by the vocal landlords Brian and Lisa. Paul performed a stunning rendition about a Rooster which dominated the talk the next day along with a few ballads by Rusty and Stacy.
Sunday the brave ones went for more heart stopping ridge walks whilst Graeme, Callum, Jim and Steve took the leisurely Bla Bheinn with the stunning views of the entire Cuillin Ridge.
Departing Monday feeling proud of what was achieved Hugh, Neill and Steve headed straight home via the Ben Nevis Cafe for breakfast as others climbed even more Munros on the way home. Departing Skye we could see fresh snow and realised how fortunate we had been with the weather for what was undoubtedly the best place for bagging a Munro. Can't wait to return.
Steve Heggie
Skye Weekend
May 7th found 19 members of Lylecraigs heading west to Skye for the first club weekend of the year. Some of us stopped off at Ballachuilish for a bacon roll and coffee for lunch, at the outstanding local coffee shop. Others, more dedicated, caught a few Munros in Glen Shiel on the way, and gained a few more "ticks".
We all eventually arrived at the Skye Walker Hostel at Portnalong. Some of us had previously stayed there and recommended it. We were not disappointed.
Friday night was a quiet affair with the group splitting into smaller groups to dine at the various local hostelries.
Saturday saw us assault The Cuillin. Four groups set off to tackle various Munros from Bla Bheinn to Bruach na Frithe. Having done them all I merely did the later. Everyone else did more.
Saturday night again found us in a variety of eating places. I was very pleased to meet Tony, a local guide whom I had previously encountered two years earlier. It was great to see him and to be remembered. I wonder why?
When we all returned to the Skye Walker hostel the famous hospitality cut in. Brian and Lisa are famed for their entertainment. A ceilidh ensued. Three young German girls added to the event by playing great tunes on whistles and borham. Our own dark horse, Paul, gave an outstanding rendering of " We had some chickens" made famous by the Furies. Who was that old white haired whistle and mandolin player? We had, I believe, a great night. A night to be remembered. Brian later told me that his weekly glass recycling target was met on Saturday night.
Sunday was a more sedate affair. Some of us visited the north of Skye and went to walk on The Quiraing. The pictures of this area do not do it justice. It was outstanding. We returned via The Old man of Storr. What can you say about it? Words fail me. It was fabulous. How anyone could climb it or even want to climb it is beyond me.
Monday brought a severe shock. Overnight it has snowed. The Black Cuillin was white, right down to sea level. Fortunately I was driving home. An uneventful journey with the obligatory stop at a supermarket in Fort William for lunch. Some super heroes in the group stopped off to grab a few extra "ticks". Not me!!
A great weekend in a great hostel with great weather. Life does not get much better.
A big thank you to Lisa and Brian at Skye Walker. The new thunder dome was good. I was expecting Mel Gibson and Tina Turner to turn up at any minute. See the pictures. You contributed to a memorable club outing. No doubt we will return.
Iain Craig
Glen Lyon 23/5/2010
After a spell of good weather we were looking forward to a pleasant day on the hills. Imagine our disappointment as it got wetter the nearer we got to our destination. Waterproofs were looked out but were not needed as we set off to do the four Munros from Invervar. Bill left us to do Stuchd an Lochain and Meall Buidhe further up the glen. A dark cloud followed us up the first hill and thunder looked likely but we were lucky and escaped. Bill got the shower. It got warmer as we reached the ridge and stopped for lunch on Meall Garbh.
A brisk walk round took us to Carn Mairg and then Meall nan Aighean. The views were great and Schiehallion looked quite different from a side view, not pointy. We met up with Bill at the car park and stopped for a quick refreshment at Kilmahog.
Jean
