February’s meet was at one of the three national huts, Mill cottage near Feshiebridge. It is owned by an independent trust set up by Mountaineering Scotland. The hut is kept in immaculate condition and has everything required for a comfortable stay, it even has the added luxury of under floor heating in the shower and toilet area.

Members Attending

Alyn McNaughton
George Henderson
Gerry Weir
Ian Dale
James Fraser
John Calder
Louise Mcculloch
Michael Partington
Norrie Shand
Pete Smith
Raymond Evenden
Susan Henderson
Wallace Booth

First on the scene was James shortly followed by Gerry. They quickly ignited the fire to take the chill out of the rooms and to make it more homely for the others arriving. Luckily there is 4G service in the hut as a few had to phone for directions into and through the forest tracks to the hut, the fork to the right to the main tourist car park catching a few out.

George and Susan had been on a blustery ascent of Bac an Eich, a Corbett rising above the upper reaches of Strathconon which lies in central Ross-Shire west of Inverness. Thankfully James managed to contact George with 4G, who was off the hill and was getting provisions in the highland capital, now added to his list was refreshment for James who had left his at home.

Louise was the only other to venture out into the wet and windy hills on Friday heading to Garva Bridge for Geal Charn, her first Munro this year and bringing her total to 147 and one less for her target of 50 set for this year but we’re sure she’ll exceed that.

Louise stopped off in Newtonmore to regain her cheer and re-fuel after this miserable day and who wouldn’t have felt better after three buttered scones loaded with strawberry jam.

A handy placed pulley above the stove soon had all the Friday adventurers’ clothes drying off, a drying room is available but wasn’t necessary as stoker Henderson kept a fine fire going.

Meals were cooked and consumed along with light refreshments then the conversation turned to arthritis and the merits of copper bracelets to alleviate the pain. It was generally agreed that at best they were a clever marketing gimmick with perhaps a placebo effect, that was until Mike returned from the kitchen sporting a decorative copper bangle on his wrist. He swore that since wearing it his discomfort had subdued and certainly hadn’t got any worse. The jury is out. (We really need younger members)

Who was going to do what mountains with whom was also discussed as our talented musicians entertained but only till just after midnight as we had all seen the forecast of strong winds with a big chill factor and opted for a reasonably early night.

Next morning Gerry, Mike and Ian boarded “Ivan” Gerry’s camper for quite a journey to Ben Wyvis. Wet, windy, bitterly cold and clagged on the top they were glad to get back to the warmth and comfort of Ivan where Gerry thawed them with a hot snack. It was rumoured that the rock and roll bed was deployed to give his passengers a bit of shuteye on the return journey.

Louise travelled to Roughburn near Laggan dam to climb Beinn a Chaorain and Beinn Teallach , another day in the clag found Louise having to push herself to continue to the second Munro but she managed to complete number 149 in her stride.

Pete Smith headed to the Cairngorm area of Coire an t-Sneachda with his climbing gear for a day of fun on several climbing routes of differing grades. Pete noted that there was an excess amount of water flowing from the coire basin for this time of year.

Alyn and James headed down Glen Feshie and took the Foxhunters path almost to the top before deciding on a detour to the summit of demoted Munro Carn Ban Mor then onto Sgor Gaoith. Clagged in and a bitter wind so only a few snaps were taken before retracing their steps for a bit then opting for Alyn’s suggestion of cutting a corner on the lee of the hill by crossing a snowfield this proved to be good walking, the soles just biting into the crunchy surface. An easy walk continued over a snow bridge and some icy sections and soon they were on the summit of Mullach Clach a’Bhlair where they met a group of Spanish students that had spent the night in Ruigh Aiteachain, an excellent estate bothy recently fully renovated. Beating a retreat from the overcrowded summit the pair chose a route over the summit of Meal Nan Sleac, crossing Allt Garbhlach higher up where a path took them back to their starting point.

Norrie opted for a low – level hike. got dropped off in Newtonmore and walked the scenic 15-mile section of The Speyside Way passing Ruthven Barracks then back to The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre. Being the only one not in the clag he took the opportunity to improve his wildlife photography skill, capturing birds large and small but not sure if the light plane towing a glider counts. Among his shots was a fine example of old man’s beard, amazing as it wasn’t a selfie. After reviving himself in the centre with a chilled pint of Innis and Gunn (other beers were available) he walked the short distance back to the hut.

George and Susan were off to the Grantown area for a tussocky bog trot up the sub 2000 Carn na Loine. A lump with no redeeming features I’m informed. Its only claim to fame being that It’s the highest summit on the Eastern side of the Dava Way. Many might wonder why George didn’t make a bigger day of it by going to the Knockando and Tamdhu distilleries, both were well within his trekking capabilities.

Oh, what an evening/night of entertainment we had. It started with George performing his version of “man versus meat” first scoffing the dinner Susan had prepared for him then then devouring a full plate of chicken fried rice that Fraz had made too much of. He washed all this down with the finest of liquids. Next up was Ian Dale who sang an unaccompanied folkish/ballad song. This was Ian’s debut into the 45’s entertainment scene and his performance was worth merit; in fact, it was said to be far better than anything our secretary Bill Dallas has sang.

The evening then swung into action with our trio of Gerry who performed to perfection, Norrie who initially spent more time tuning up than Gerry but it paid dividends as he played some of George’s favourite tunes then together forming a duet belting out songs at the top of their voices. Let’s not forget Alyn whose recent guitar tuition has made a marked improvement, no finger bridging and a change of key to better suit some of his songs, what a treat as he took us through his repertoire of alternative songs. “Best night ever” George declared as he clattered his way around the table and off upstairs to his bunk shortly followed by everyone else.

There was a hub of activity around 3am as the old guy’s club met in the underfloor heated loos. A worrying trend for all of that age. We really must get some younger members.

Sunday morning’s weather had improved, large areas of blue sky, no wind or rain. Folk got up in dribs and drabs, had their caffeine fix, did their tidying up and set off home.  Pete who all weekend had been encouraging everyone to join him for a swim decided against it, much to the disappointment of those who were contemplating it.

Louise eager to add another tick to reduce her yearly target was rewarded with a cracker of a day on Bynack More, walking in from Glenmore Lodge past Lochan Uaine – the Green Lochan before ascending on a welcome distinct path and onwards to the summit. Four for the weekend, well done.