Members Attending

Adrian Mowat
Alyn McNaughton
Ania Borg
James Fraser
John Calder
Raymond Evenden
William Dallas

Fraz

After being picked up by Raymond at 8am we were off up the A9 in ever improving weather to Strawberry Cottage in the magnificent Glen Affric. Leaving early allowed us time to stop off for a 5 mile circular walk along the River Beauly in scenic surroundings with fishermen’s bothys, estate lodges and Beaufort castle, home to the Fraser clan for many years. A tranquil walk with many a salmon fisherman out in the water using rolling casts. Another bonus was the amount of edible fungi were easily able to forage, chanterelles and beef steak mushrooms amongst those collected. ( photos maybe added later by Raymond) Recommend this walk if you’re passing and have an hour to spare.

Arriving at the Slaters Arms A few hours early ( planned) we were hit with disappointment as it didn’t open until 5pm. Plan B was put into action and we set off for the Tomich Hotel alas this was also closed opening only when the owner wants according to one local so we finally settled for coffee and cake in a friendly cafe opposite.

At the car park we were soon joined by Joak and Alyn and after a brief confab decided to leave Alyn and the gear to be picked up in Bills van while we walked in. We were picked up towards the end of the track and with Ania and Adrian in tow the party was complete. Usual Friday night then up bright eyed and bush tailed for two Munros and a Munro top as described in Joaks earlier post. Steep ascents and descents but the toil and sweat was rewarded with the all round vistas, the clarity of the air being very good. All arrived back safely from their outings and although some were a bit fatigued by the exertions, heat and pace of their day we managed songs and tall tales into the wee small hours with the last thing active being a rather large bat flying around the attic bunk space.

Alyn and John

Just back from a brilliant weekend away in beautiful Glen Affric wae the guid folk fae the 45. Yesterday Alyn, Fraz and me had a tough auld outing on Mullach Fraoch Choire and A’ Chralaig. The closeness of these two fine mountains to the hut in which we were staying flatters to deceive. Reaching the Mullach’s NE ridge involved a long approach negotiating much boggy ground, peat hags, long tussocky grass and four deer fences. As height was gained the day developed into a fantastic ridge walk with stunning views in every direction. From A’ Chralaig we descended via the Munro top, A’ Chioch, down into Gleann na Ciche to end a fantastic mountain day. Alyn got two new Munro ticks (and a top), Fraz and me bagged a new Munro top each. I’d like to thank Bill and Adrian for ferrying us and our kit along the rough estate track to the hut and back. This saved us a 10 mile round trip on foot. Cheers boys.