Milehouse cottage, hut for the weekend

Tucked away in Kincraig near Loch Insh, with the Cairngorms practically on the doorstep, Milehouse Cottage, owned by the Ladies Scottish Climbing Club, once again proved it’s a belter of a base for a club meet. It’s long been a favourite with outdoor folk and it’s not hard to see why, easy access to everything from big plateau days to more gentle spins along trails and lochs. That said, this time round it was a slightly quieter affair, with the hut far from full and plenty of empty bunks dotted about, something of a luxury for those who made the trip, not so much for balancing the books! Whatever you’ve a mind for, and no matter how many turn up, the Cairngorms National Park always has plenty choice.

Members attending: George Henderson, Susan Henderson, Alyn McNaughton, Lorn Smith, Craig O’Connor, Mike Partington, Graeme Wilmott,

Friday

Members rolled in as they do, bit by bit, bags getting dumped, stoves fired up, and folk immediately getting stuck into the important business of planning (and debating) the weekend’s adventures over a dram or two.

Milehouse lounge

Breaking up the drive north in proper style, Alyn kicked things off with Càrn na Caim and A’ Bhuidheanach Bheag from the A9. Conditions were… character-building to say the least, lashing rain, strong winds, and not exactly heaving with company (one walker already retreating sums it up nicely). Things eased a touch on the plateau, with plenty of paths the low visibility didn’t seem much of a problem, however a quick navigation correction before reaching the summit was still required, a reminder how easy it can be to veer off route when surrounded by clag. A brief lull in the weather came and went before it clamped back in near Càrn na Caim. A handy shieling provided a bit of shelter before the descent, with only a few hardy winter-coated hares for company. Just over four hours round trip, not bad at all in those conditions.

Alyn enjoying the weather at the summit

One standout story from Friday night was all about the ‘whippet’, a legendary tale involving a rapid-fire club member and a Munro-bagger who’d clearly learned the hard way about trying to keep up. Names? Aye, we’ll keep those under wraps… but safe to say, lessons were well and truly learned.

Why is everyone else so far behind?

Saturday

A proper Cairngorms mixed bag, better than forecast (low bar, admittedly), and something for everyone.

Alyn was back out for a Drumochter round from Balsporran, ticking off Beinn Udlamain, Geal-chàrn, A’ Mharconaich, and Sgàirneach Mhòr. What it lacked in views (low cloud and crosswinds did their usual trick), it made up for in solitude bar one lone skier squeezing the last out of the snow. The descent was, by all accounts, boggy enough to test the patience before a less than glorious return along the A9 cycle track. Six and a half hours well spent.

Drumocther West Munros plateau

Susan, with a newly recovered foot back in action and George, headed up Cairngorm after kindly playing taxi for Graeme and Craig. Susan and George’s route option was via Coire na Ciste, where the old lift lines fade into the hillside, there’s still a wilder feel about it, quieter, steeper, and holding onto the last of winter that bit longer. It was their first hill together in a while, and rounded off nicely with a chance encounter with Mike in Aviemore. As ever, proof that no matter the plan, all roads eventually lead to the pub.

Susan crossing a large snow patch on route to the summit of Cairngorm

Susan atop the summit of Cairngorm

Graeme and Craig decided to link Cairngorm, Cnap Coire na Spreidhe, A’ Choinneach, Bynack More, and Bynack Beg. After a bit of deliberating over route choices (and some wise input from George), they settled into a cracking day. Highlights included views down Loch A’an to the Shelter Stone, a top-notch lunch spot at the Barns of Bynack, and a swift but essential summit dram to keep things civilised. The forecast threatened the usual misery, but in a rare turn of events, it behaved itself resulting in a superb day out.

The Barns of Bynack

Essential last summit dram

Mike opted for a solo effort on Sgòr Gaoith. The cloud stubbornly clung to around 1000m, robbing the classic Loch Einich views, but otherwise not a bad day, just a brief shower to keep things honest. Sensible use of clearer lower ground meant a few extra tops were bagged along the way. Post hill relaxation in the Cairngorm Hotgel followed, naturally, where he bumped into George and Susan, before heading back to the hut.

Moody atmosphere part 1, Sgòr Gaoith

Moody atmosphere part 2, Sgòr Gaoith

Lorn took a different tack altogether, giving the hills a miss but by no means taking it easy. A 7km run to Feshiebridge via the Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail and back to the hut. The sculptures were returning to the earth from where they came, exactly how Frank intended. Back at the hut, Lorn’s injured calf was holding up well, however to be on the safe side squeezing a second breakfast of the morning was essential prior to jumping on the gravel bike for a spin round Lochs Gamhna, An Eilean and Morlich. A crucial stop at the Pine Marten kept morale high. Proof, if needed, that you don’t need a summit to have a cracking day in the Cairngorms.

‘The Man’s Gowd’ by Frank Bruce (possibly inspired by our national bard for a’ that)

On Lorn’s cycle route near Loch an Eilein

Saturday Night

Back at the hut, it was time for the main event, the long awaited whisky tasting.

Delivered with just the right mix of knowledge and chaos (professional amateurs at their finest), six excellent whiskies were sampled with proper tasting notes and distillery chat. A clear winner emerged ‘Mortlach 16’, after that point things were starting to get… less scientific, as a few bonus drams mysteriously appeared. Lorn, unfortunately struck down by a dodgy stomach, had to sit this one out, but admirably took on observational duties.

Musical entertainment came courtesy of Alyn, guitar in hand, getting a few tunes going and keeping the atmosphere lively.

At some ungodly hour, the alpine bunks claimed a minor casualty, resulting in a gashed head. Pure coincidence, obviously, and absolutely nothing to do with the whisky.

The whisky tasters, noddin’ like sages, trying to pick out ‘hints o’ raisins’ or a sniff of vanilla and aye, definitely some smoke!

After the whisky tasting Alyn got the night swinging with some great singalongs supported by his backing singer

Sunday

Sunday followed the usual script: tidy up, pack down, say goodbyes, and for some, squeeze in one last outing on the way home.

Graeme and Craig weren’t done yet, heading up Meall Chuaich with bikes to speed up the approach. Efficient, effective, and a nice tidy finish to the weekend. Lorn’s plans for Newtyle Hill took a turn when his car keys decided to lock themselves inside the car, resulting in an unexpected endurance test waiting for the AA. Taken in good spirits, as always.

Meall Chuaich summit

The Cuaich Aqueduct

All in, a cracking meet. A mix of hill days, alternative adventures, solid banter, and a memorable night at the hut. Milehouse delivered yet again, next stop the Smiddy, Dundonnell.