Last month’s walks; Meall Ghaordaidh, Beinn Dubhcraig and Ben Oss (nearly).
Attendees: Alan, David, Myra, Harry, Dawn, Bob, Duncan and Annie
Putting the walk back to the last Sunday last month worked out quite well as it meant that another walk was organised for the 3rd Sunday to suit the ones who couldn’t make the last Sunday, so 8 BEMAC members on the hill in one month (must be some kind of a modern day record) with 5 managing to add at least 1 tick to their Munro list.
Alan, David, Bob and Annie sped up to Killin on the 21st and met Harry before scaling Meall Ghaordaidh. The weather wasn’t great with very few views but it wasn’t too wet (as in we didn’t get soaked) and it wasn’t too difficult as most of the snow had gone on the south facing slope. There were just a few patches at the top which were firm enough for a very good ‘bum slide’ on the way down. This was Annie’s first BEMAC outing. She seemed to have fun and we all hope that she joins us on a regular basis as she fitted in very well.
One week later and Alan, David, Myra, Dawn and Duncan headed in a similar direction and went for Beinn Dubhcraig and Ben Oss. This turned into a mini epic as we got caught in a blizzard in between the two Munros and decided to bail out as all of the rocks and boulders were quite slippery with a few inches of fresh snow on them, the navigation got a wee bit tricky in visibility of only a few metres and we were running out of time as the snow slowed us down a bit. The annoying thing was that it was quite clear as we sat at the summit of Beinn Dubhcraig, we could see Ben Oss when we set of towards it but the snow started before we were halfway there and knocked it on the head. As the escape route down into Glen Cononish was deemed to be too steep and dangerous, again due to the fresh snow, we headed back up almost to the top of Beinn Dubhcraig and retraced our steps back down. There were a few ‘Bum slide’ slopes on the way down and other than failing to bag Ben Oss we had another enjoyable day.
Sunday 18st April
After my suggestion of a weekend away in April there were enough takers for me to book us into the Corran Bunkhouse, between Glencoe and Fort William, for Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. Those going are Me and Sheena, Kev and Di, David and Margaret and Myra and Jimmy, and I’ve managed to secure 4 double/twin en suite rooms – woohoo!. Not everybody will be doing the same thing so the hills that will be climbed will be decided at the time depending on the weather and snow conditions. If Munros are out there are plenty Corbetts, Grahams and West Highland way sections to visit.
If anybody else wants to go there should still be some dormitory accommodation left. The phone number is 01855 821000 so give them a ring. Cars, food etc will be organised neared the time.
May 7th to 16th
Myra has once again organised ‘the Rollercoaster’ for the second week in May this year. Full details are to follow but the ‘jist’ of it is as follows:
Friday 7th the bunkhouse at the Kinnloch Hotel at Sheil Bridge. Saturday backpack into Glen Affrick and camp for 2 nights, Sunday bag some remote Glen Affrick Munros, Monday walk out and stay in the bunkhouse again. Tuesday drive to Skye and camp at Camasunary (There will be a boat trip involved but not a RIB like last year and possibly the ‘bad step’). Wednesday backpack through to Sligachan then drive to the Croft bunkhouse at Portnalong where we should have a variety of rooms, cabins and wigwams at our disposal. That will leave 3 full days to tackle the Cullins, take a trip to Rassay, visit Portree or whatever else you fancy. Sunday 16th drive home. Come for all of it or pick and mix the bits you fancy. See Myra for this one. please.
Future months
Di has requested the Dalmally Horseshoe and the Lawyers Range so they will be the destination for the Sunday walks at some point over the summer.
Other stuff:
The website is now up and running www.bemac.org Anybody who wants walk photos posted please either e mail them to me or send prints and I will scan them. Perhaps different people might like to write the walk report from time to time to get a different perspective on things.
Alan