Monday, November 26, 2018

Inverardran Meet (Crianlarich) 17-18 November

On the way from Beinn Dubhchraig to Ben Oss, with Ben Lui beyond. Photo: Bob.

A promising forecast turned out to be a weekend of cracking weather over the western highlands. A dozen club members headed over to Inverardran Cottage near Crianlarich, which provided a spacious and very well-equipped base for exploring the surrounding hills.

Both Saturday and Sunday were mild, with patches of low cloud blowing in and out on the Saturday making for atmospheric conditions, the odd  Brocken Spectre, and great views when it cleared.

Bob enjoying a Brocken Spectre on Beinn Dubhchraig. Photo: Alex.

An east-west traverse of Ben Lui, taking in the three adjacent munros of Ben Dubhchraig, Ben Oss, and Beinn a'Chleibh, made for a cracking day out for Bob, Rob, Emma, Razzak, Emma and Alex. That party crossed paths with Calum and Andy who, from a different angle, also took in Ben Lui and some neighbours.

The gang, minus Bob, trudging through boggy woodland on the approach (which is also how we ended the day!). Photo: Bob.
At the second summit. Photo: Bob.
Traversing towards the impressive bulk of Ben Lui. Photo: Alex.
Andy & Calum approaching from the other side. Photo: Calum.
3rd lunch (or was it 4th?) just before the last push up Ben Lui. Photo: Alex.
Razzak & Emma starting the long descent off Beinn a'Chleibh. Photo: Alex.

Donald and Jane also stayed fairly local on the Saturday, walking up Beinn Odhar and Beinn Chaorach, while Roddy and Mark headed up to Glen Etive to venture over Meall nan Eun and Stob Coire 'an Albannaich.

Donald on his way up Beinn Odhar, the first of two steep Corbetts climbed on Saturday. Photo: Jane.

Roddy and Mark enjoying the sun up the road in Glen Etive. Photos: Roddy.

A monster communal meal recharged batteries on Saturday night (thanks chefs!), fuelling people to take advantage of even clearer conditions on the Sunday. It was views as far as the eye can see from nearby Beinn Dubhchraig and the Corbett Fiarach (Donald and Jane), and Ben Challum (Bob, Emma & Rob). Razzak, Emma and Mark opted for a spot of late season trad climbing on the way home at Polney Crag (Dunkeld), while Roddy was back up towards Glen Etive to tick off Beinn Fhionnlaidh.

Spectacular views from Fiarach. Photo: Jane.
Rob & Emma at the summit of Ben Challum. Photo: Bob.

The views were equally spectacular from The Cobbler; Calum, Andy and Alex headed there for a scramble over the south and central peaks before bagging the munro of Beinn Narnain on the way back. A great day out!

Andy takes in the view on the approach to the Cobbler. Photo: Alex.
Looking across to the central peak (left) from the top of the south peak. Photo: Alex.
Looking back across the craggy south peak. Photo: Alex.
Clear views across to Ben Lomond and far beyond from the summit of Beinn Narnain. Photo: Alex.

A fine weekend before things turned colder and more unsettled.

No comments:

Post a Comment