A small group (7) of AMC members headed to the Steall Hut in Glen Nevis, owned and maintained by Lochaber Mountaineering Club, for a weekend of walking, climbing and wild weather.
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| The Steall Hut (photo credit - Hazel) |
The hut is a short walk from the car park at the end of the road in Glen Nevis along a well-maintained path. Arriving in darkness, you hear the thundering water as you head through the spectacular Nevis Gorge. At the head of the gorge the glen opens out into the tranquil Steall meadow, and in daylight a view of the famous An Steall Waterfall dominates.
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| An Steall Waterfall (photo credit - Ewan) |
In darkness, however, the welcoming lights (unless you are first to arrive of course) of the hut beckon you over the famous wire bridge! Try not to fall in, with bags laden with provisions for the weekend ahead.
The weekend’s forecast was dismal, but with the objective of climbing Sgurr Choinnich Mor, a short distance further up the glen, 5 members headed off from the hut with waterproofs already donned (Hazel, Morna, Linda, Mark M & Duncan). Charlie and Ewan instead decided to opt for a day at the (warm and dry) climbing wall in Kinlochleven.
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| Linda crossing the famous wire bridge (photo credit - Hazel) |
The wind was strong, gusting
50mph at times. The group were sheltered for the majority of the walk until arriving
near the col between Sgurr Choinnich Beag and Mor where the strong gusts made
for hard walking. A quick summit stop
and return to the sheltered lee was made, with no time for a picnic!
Arriving back at the hut, preparations were made for the usual evening feast prepared by Morna, Linda, Ewan and Hazel, with wine (gratefully carried) by Duncan.
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| The evening meal (photo credit - Hazel) |
Sunday’s forecast was for dry but even stronger winds. Having felt the blasts the previous day, only Morna and Linda were brave enough to head out to tackle An Gearanach, immediately behind the hut, crossing the An Steall water to make their attempt. Reaching 800-odd metres, they retreated finding the wind simply too strong. Some of the rest of the group set off on expedition to the nearest coffee shop in Fort William, followed by a stroll at the Pattack Falls, to the east of Loch Laggan on the way home.
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| The walk back to the carpark (photo credit - Hazel) |
A fantastic time was had by all, on one of the first few meets to go ahead since the relaxing of covid rules. We hope a full programme is ahead of us for the rest of 2021 and in to 2022.
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