Coruisk Hut – 16th/17th June 2025

Ten years ago, the club visited the lonely Coruisk hut tucked below the southeastern edge of the great Cuillin ridge in Skye. Although we hadn’t had the greatest of weather, it was an unforgettable trip for different reasons – unplanned swims, submerged breeks and a gritty walk out over the Bad Step.

This time would be equally unforgettable, and for the right reasons –  sunshine and perfect conditions for scrambling on Skye’s great gabbro ridges.

Ten members attended:

Jim Aire, John Calder, Raymond Evenden, James Fraser, George Henderson, Susan Henderson, Craig O’Connor, Norrie Shand, Lorn Smith, Graeme Wilmott

George and Susan had been climbing earlier that day on the Glen Brittle side and drove round to meet the team at Elgol on the southern end of the Strathaird peninsula.  The others had enjoyed an extremely convivial  pit-stop in Broadford where the “local” cockney barmaid displayed some excellent and generous hospitality.

At Elgol they all enjoyed a stroll in sunshine, displaying their new club t-shirts before the Bella Jane arrived to speed them across, like a bird on the wing, passing by the notorious Bad Step and a colony of basking seals. There was some competition to see who would get THE photo –

The hut has basic amenities but the location more than makes up for the lack of luxury. Although it sleeps 10, John Calder elected to take his tent and camp outside well away from the nocturnal snores, grunts and gases present indoors. He was so delighted with his campsite that he elected to do a couple of forward rolls before diving under the canvas on Saturday night.

There had been little or no rain for a considerable period and the hut’s water supply is piped from the nearby (but not that nearby!) Mad Burn. Unsurprisingly, no water was coming out the taps, so the best minds and skilled hands attempted to figure out how to restore running water. They had no success, so instead James, Craig and Graeme were despatched to the Mad Burn to see if there was a repairable blockage or leak. They were equally unsuccessful, so water had to be fetched and carried from the Scavaig river close by.

It was a gorgeous evening, so Jim and Lorn, a pair of the club’s speed merchants elected to reprise the 2015 Friday evening ascent of Sgurr n Stri. No breeks were soaked or submerged, and they were rewarded this time with great views from a point many regard as the finest viewpoint in the country.

A quiet evening’s contemplation was enjoyed in the hut with a couple of Cuillin virgins (Graeme and Craig) doing some last-minute revision before sitting the next day’s examination.

As Saturday dawned, again in glorious sunshine, the eight fully fit (up to a point) members prepared to tackle the mighty Dubh ridge. After they set off, the remaining pair, Norrie and Raymond, both recovering (they hope!) from injuries settled for the Sgurr na Stri ascent.

Breaking no speed records, they advanced up the hill, passing on the way a small group of inquisitive but apparently fearless deer. They also diverted to the cairn erected by a friend in memory of Captain  A.J. Maryon, who perished there en route from Sligachan in July 1946 and who’s skeleton was discovered two years later.

From time to time they glance over to the Dubh ridge and minute figures could be seen making sure but steady progress up the slabs.

With the summit duly attained, the pair enjoyed a relaxing half hour enjoying the scene and taking photos . Raymond ensured a suitable baptism for the new 45 Degrees whisky glasses having taken his up with him together with a wee miniature of Jura.

A fairly leisurely stroll back in the heatwave conditions prepared them nicely for a refreshing dook in Loch Coruisk – fortunately just before the Bella Jane unloaded its latest batch of sightseers. A few minutes earlier and their Instagram posts would have been even more interesting.

The main battalion had marched along the shores of Loch Coruisk to reach the start point of the magnificent Dubh slabs which rise for around 900 metres – the grippy gabbro ranging in gradient between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. Well within the capability of the 45 degrees! It is truly one of the most, if not the most, iconic mountain scrambles in the country and the adrenaline coursed through the bodies of the group – particularly those popping their Cuillin cherry.

Sensibly the group were all hard-hatted up – there having been a close shave or two with falling rock on the previous trip. Lorn’s hat was clearly the sweetest smelling as it attracted the attention of a bee – cue the bee in his bonnet puns.

There was no great rush and there were plenty opportunities for photos – candid and posed. Grinning from ear to ear the group emerged to the top of Sgurr Dubh Beag. The direct route from there involves a tricky abseil but an easier bypass route exists which was taken to avoid this. From the bypass route there is some very tricky scrambling before the actual Munro – Sgurr Dubh Mor was reached, with some relief despite the enjoyment of the climb.

At this point John and James had used up all their adrenalin and escaped back towards the hut via the An Garbh Coire, the rough corrie. The corrie certainly lives up to its name but a careful descent saw them arrive back at basecamp proud but puggled.

The hardy half-dozen proceeded along the ridge southwards to the Munro of Sgurr nan Eag and on further to the Cuillin’s southernmost summit, Gars-bheinn. Their enjoyment was enhanced by the presence on the summit of Sgurr nan Eag of a bagpiper, who’s tunes skirled along the ridge and into the corries.

From Gars-bheinn they managed to pick their way down the rough terrain back towards the hut crossing the Mad Burn en route – although in these conditions it was barely slightly annoyed.

They preferred their dooking in the  salt water of Loch na Cuilce rather than the fresh water of Loch Coruisk but the end result was the same – extremely refreshing and invigorating.

There was no heavy partying in the hut during the evening. The atmosphere was one of smug satisfaction and several drained bodies succumbed to nodding off (some quicker than others), with the usual exception of the Club President who engaged the group with some pharmaceutically-induced story-telling.

The next morning the group all jumped on the first boat and picked up their vehicles before departing on their long journeys south. It is doubtful whether the Coruisk hut has seen the last of the club though!!