Hogmanay - Rua Reidh Lighthouse

Rua Reidh Lighthouse

Located 12 miles down a singletrack road from Gairloch, the comfortable and well-equipped Rua Reidh lighthouse was the destination for the Hogmanay meet this year. A motley crew of 25 (plus wee Aoife) of us descended on this fully automated lighthouse and hostel, with most folk staying for several days.

After a few trips to the hills and around the local coast, including a rather long and wet trudge to Ben Lair by Chris and Donald, we all assembled for copious amounts of good food and perhaps a drink or two. Stuart, in full Highland dress, played in the new year on the pipes. Celebrations continued long into the night.

You're not getting a tip.

Clootie dumpling.

Loud.

All but Ed and Scuz stayed fairly local on the 1st, with those two heading off early for a scramble up Ben Eighe. A large group of us walked up 'hangover hill' (An Cuaidh) and back along the coast via Ivor's Bothy.

Nobody wanted to join Mark and Phil

Descending An Cuaidh towards Loch An Draing

Identity parade

Ivor's bothy

That night we were treated to a Mexican feast, with elaborate deserts including margarita syllabubs and what is perhaps best described as Mexican tiramisu.

This almost killed me.

The forecast was more promising for the 2nd, although the clouds unfortunately still shrouded the higher tops most of the day. Several goups headed towards Torridon, including one ascending Ben Alligin via Deep South Gulley and continuing round the horns, one on the Liathach traverse, one up Ben Eighe, and one up the neighbouring corbett of Meall a' Ghiuthais. Where still present, the névé was rock hard. Exposed rock was frosty and occasionally coated in verglas. An incredible spread of Alpine delights (including much melted cheese) awaited us at the lighthouse that evening.

Mark, ascending Liathach

Passing roped parties on the pinnacles

Approaching the western Munro, Mullach an Rathain

Ben Alligin, viewed from the west end of Liathach

The summit of Meall a' Ghiuthais

Strong winds and morning rain limited aspirations on the 3rd, although a few of us headed round the coast again on something of a nature walk. Chris's nature encounter was certainly close and rewarding, if a little smelly. I'm sure it'll look great on his mantelpiece.

After a final fine feast, this time of an Italian theme, we presented Steve with a birthday cake scuplted in the form an Icelandic volcano. Apparently it was remarkably geologically accurate.

Less explosive than most he approaches.

More pictures from Yvonne here.