Raeburn Mountaineering Hut Meet (near Laggan) 18-19 Jan 19

13 AMC club members headed to the SMC Raeburn Mountaineering Hut south of Laggan, a very comfortable abode with views across Strath Spey to the Monadh Liath hills.  With a superb central location and easy access to the Cairngorms to the east and Creag Meagaidh to the south-west, members enjoyed a variety of routes and activities across the weekend.    The forecast was fair with the prospect of the odd snow shower on Saturday, slightly worsening on Sunday. 

Greg was up before the birds to take his bike down Loch Ericht towards Ben Alder finishing the ascent on foot.  Some clag meant for tricky navigation to avoid some steep craggy ground before Greg retrieved his bike for the return journey along the track. 

Greg on Ben Alder

Razzak and Emma set off early from the hut to reach the Northern Corries before sun rise.  Twin Ribs and Riacaill Ridge were the objectives of the day, very cold with the occasional snow flurry and windy on the top out. 

Across the Cairgorm plateau

Roddy and Charles were next out of the door to catch the 8.15am train to Corrour on the West Highland line.  They arrived soon after 8.30 and set off along the track heading for Beinn na Lap, shrouded in cloud.  Passing a group of hardy overnight campers having a brew they climbed up the slope to the broad ridge.  

Roddy & Charles on their ascent up Beinn na Lap

Roddy on the summit of Beinn na Lap, shrouded in cloud

There were reasonable views of the surrounding hills but all were unfortunately cloud capped.  They reached the summit in just under 2 hours, enjoyed a quick snack and a brew before heading back via the Ossian Youth Hostel for a chat and cuppa with the weekend residents before heading back by train/car to the Raeburn Hut. 

Hazel, Derek, Bob and Jane headed for the Ardverikie estate, Jane to tackle twin Grahams Binnein Shios and Binnein Shuas while the rest of the party set off for the three Munros (Beinn a Chlachair, Geal Charn & Creag Pitridh).  

Fine views from Binnein Shioss (Jane)

Hazel, Derek and Bob enjoyed a cloud inversion with stunning views across Creag Meagaidh and further afield. 

Hazel & Derek on the summit of Geal Charn

A beautiful cloud inversion

Bob & Hazel

At the summit of the last Munro, Creag Pitridh, a rare Brocken Spectre was observed.  What a beautiful way to reward the 26km of stiff walking!  

A Brocken Spectre on the summit of Creag Pitridh

Bruce had a pleasant day on Meall Chuaich, east of Dalwhinnie.  

The usual Saturday evening communal meal was feast indeed, thanks to the volunteer chefs Bruce, Ann, Greg, Hazel, Jane and Charles, and to Roddy for the wine. 

  

Sunday’s forecast had little confidence, anything could happen but generally colder, wetter and windier.  The reality was low cloud, drizzle and colder temperatures meaning some members abandoned plans of venturing out into the hills.

   

Razzak, Emma and Mark set off early again, targeting Pygmy ridge in Coire an t-Sneachda, in much colder conditions, some snow showers and a very windy top out.  Emma confirmed it was too cold for photos.

Jane and Bob headed east in search of better weather and climbed Geallaig Hill from Gairnshiel near Ballater on the way home.  

Another fun and productive AMC meet!