Meet Report: 1-4 February 2018.

Due to a family bereavement one of the joint leaders had to stand down and the prospect of Richard Taylor’s cooking and some last minute illness meant that only those with strong constitutions (internal and external) ventured on this meet. Others missed a treat. This was a “no wind” meet (in all senses) added to the fact that on two of the days the tops were clear, sun in abundance and with good snow.

On the Friday, Michael Smith, Peter Chadwick, Richards Smith and Taylor and Dave Turner (guest) ascended from Fersit up Stob a Choire Mheadoin, some by way of a short but steep gully, and then descended to the col to climb Stob Coire Easain

Descent was by the North Ridge where one of the party descended faster than planned but, fortunately, only suffered injuries to pride. The walk out down Coire Laire involved us in a stream crossing as Dave decided to eschew a fine looking bridge a little further downstream. All in all a full and excellent day.

Harvey Lomas, who had decided to come by train from Settle was so enamoured with this form of transport, and the fact that our lodge was actually Platform 1, that he chose a day trip to Fort William and was able to confirm all his prejudices about this metropolis.

On Saturday Dave, in his quest for Munros, ascended Gulvain and pronounced the mountain, if not the walk in, to be excellent. Chris Hilton, who had now arrived and recovered from the wedding festivities which had delayed him, and Richard S ascended The Sash on Creag Meagaidh and descended by Easy Gully. Michael and Peter were anxious to hone their cross country skills before Norway and drove over to Aviemore for a gentle ascent from the Sugarbowl carpark. They were accompanied by Harvey and Richard T, anxious for some light entertainment. In this they were not disappointed and were able to confirm that walking is faster and less susceptible to unplanned tumbles.

On the return they stopped at Ruthven Barracks, built in a stunning position in the 1700s to police the Highlands.

Sunday dawned clear and Michael, Peter and Richard T made their way to Aberarder for an ascent up Coire Ardair to Lochan a Choire thence by way of the Window to the summit plateau of Creag Meagaidh.

As the other two had previously visited the summit they sunned themselves whilst Richard went to the top, for stunning 360 degree views.

Descent was to the SE via Creag Beag. Richard S and Chris visited Aonach Mor and climbed Golden Oldie (the only ones to do it on a perfect day). Harvey did a circular walk from Loch Treig and was rewarded with the sight of a Golden Eagle.

On the return journey on Monday, Peter, Richard and Michael visited the fascinating “Parallel Roads of Glen Roy”. These are 3 shorelines from 12,000 years ago, at heights of 260m, 325m and 350m, of a freshwater lake created when the outlet was blocked at various times by a glacier.

Tulloch Lodge is in an excellent location for many mountains, has warm bedrooms and showers and a very helpful warden – Belinda, who was able to help us fathom the mysteries of the gas oven.

To enjoy Scotland in winter (or any time) requires persistence and we were rewarded with stunning weather which helped dim other previous memories of wild, wet and windy visits.

Attendees:

Michael Smith, Richard Smith, Peter Chadwick, Harvey Lomas, Chris Hilton, Dave Turner (G), Richard Taylor (Leader and scribe).