Elphin Caving Club Hut – 10th/11th October 2025

Guest Blogger: Graeme “The Shopkeeper” Wilmott

It was almost a year to the day the club last visited the well sited Grampian Caving Hut in the spectacular landscape of Assynt, boasting superb views of Canisp, Suilven, and Cul Mor from the conservatory.

In attendance: Angus Campbell, George Henderson, Susan Henderson, Stephen Hogarth, Alyn McNaughton, Craig O’Connor, Mike Partington, Lorn Smith, Ewan Stewart, Graeme Wilmott.

Thursday & Friday – The Early Starters

Angus and Stephen made the most of an early getaway, tackling Geal Charn and A’ Mharconaich in the Drumochter hills on Thursday, followed by Fionn Bheinn at Achnasheen on Friday before heading to the hut.

For those arriving later, the journey north had its own kind of drama. The road from Ullapool to Elphin was lined with deer – if they are coming off the hills in search of safety on the tarmac, perhaps not the best logic, but undeniably magical to see them in the headlights, ghostly and still against the dark. Lorn and Ewan were the last to arrive, completing the weekend crew.

Saturday – Drams, Dreichness and Determination

Plans for Saturday were made over a few drams – as all the best laid 45⁰ plans are.

A slightly later start than planned revealed a sky of solid grey, and spirits were braced for a wet one. Those who stayed west and nearer the coast certainly got the full Scottish rain experience. Those who headed south to the hills east of Ullapool found slightly better weather, though the views were still stubbornly absent.

Unusually, George and Susan decided to keep things low-key and skip the hills entirely. Angus and Stephen did likewise, though they made a successful summit attempt on the Lochinver Larder, returning with fine pastry rewards.

Alyn and Mike, perhaps channelling Andrew Greig, set out in search of Lochan a’ Choire Ghuirm. Heavy rain had rivers in spate, and an uncrossable torrent at Loch Fleodach Coire put paid to their ambitions. Hoping to salvage something from the day, they turned up the track towards Conival and Ben More Assynt to explore the Bone Caves. The water roaring through those caverns was enough to make even the hardiest mountaineer question caving as a pastime.

Meanwhile, Graeme and Craig aimed for a round of four Munros; Beinn Dearg, Cona Mheall, Meall nan Ceapraichean, Eididh nan Clach Geala and the top Ceann Garbh. On route they were treated to the majestic sight of a sea eagle in flight, a magnificent moment. Expecting a soaking, they’d set off in full waterproofs, only to find themselves overheating as the rain largely held off. The clag lingered above 600m, obscuring the views, but the echoing roar of stags over the hills made for a stirring soundtrack. A dram on the final summit was a welcome reward.

The highlight of the weekend belonged to Lorn, who completed his penultimate Munro Seana Bhraigh. Parking up at the Schoolhouse Bothy and having a quick look around prior to starting the cycle for the long approach. Ewan’s bike soon derailed those plans, having suffered a blowout. Despite two inner tubes, help from estate staff and much determined effort, an effective repair proved impossible. The bikes were duly abandoned in favour of “hoofin’ it” the old-fashioned way. The incident also prevented a visit to Magoo’s Bothy on the shore of Loch a’ Choire Mhóir.

Opting for the direct route, they ascended the steep sides of Creag nan Gobhar and onto their target Seana Bhraigh. Managing to stay dry but, like Graeme and Craig, were enveloped by clag at higher altitude, above 700m. With the odds against them, another tick for Ewan and the last but one for Lorn, successfully summited, the finish line now well and truly within touching distance!

Saturday Night – Songs, Spirits & New Appointments

Saturday night was the usual cheerful affair. Angus produced the Sri Lankan specialty spirit; Old Arrack, and everyone shared a shot while thanking him for assuming the newly created post of official 45° Tick Remover; a title bestowed with both gratitude and mischief.

Alyn provided the entertainment with his guitar and vocals, leading a few hearty singalongs that carried well into the night. Sadly, VAR was unavailable to confirm who did and didn’t sample the Johnnie Walker, we may never know!

Sunday – Clearing Out and Heading Home

The obligatory hut clean-up took place on Sunday morning and, as always, it’s fair to say, in usual 45⁰ style, we left the place in better condition than we found it. On the way home, Lorn and Ewan considered a quick dash up Stac Pollaidh, but the summit was clagged in, so turned for home instead, via the Moulin Inn!

George and Susan, determined not to let the weekend slip by hill-free, bushwhacked through trees, brambles, and general undergrowth to add Tor Achilty to their ever-growing list. With Angus unavailable, George deputised to remove a few unwanted passengers that had taken a liking to Susan.

Reflections

Not the biggest hill tally we’ve ever had, but still a brilliant weekend. A special shout-out to Lorn for bagging his penultimate Munro, and to Stephen for getting back on the hill after some time sidelined.

Everyone’s now looking forward to November’s meet at the Glencoe Ski Lodge for a particularly special event!