AMC - The Glenbeg Gathering: Munros, Mixed Routes, and Costly Tacos
We recently headed to the cozy Glenbeg Bothy, nestled just outside Grantown-on-Spey, for a weekend of classic Cairngorm lines and some questionable culinary accounting.
Saturday:
High Peaks and Cold Iron
The club split across the park to make the most of the frozen turf and clear skies.
The Monadhliath Trio:
Robert put a serious dent in his Munro tally, tackling A' Chailleach, Càrn Sgulain, and Càrn Dearg from Glen Banchor. Despite a boggy start and a long shift on the hill, he made it back just in time for tea.
The Coire an t-Sneachda Classics:
Ed & Scuz found fantastic conditions for axes and crampons. They headed up Aladdin’s Couloir, dropped into Loch Avon, and topped out via Castlegate Gully. They reported massive cornices and plenty of skiers enjoying the sun.
Charlie & Neil stayed on the Mess of Pottage, climbing Melting Pot. It was a cold, technical day of climbing on frozen turf with solid protection.
Tobias, Fergal & Dom aimed for The Message. Despite an early start to beat the crowds (though they still lost the race to Ed and Scuz), they found the route vacant. They spotted significant avalanche debris on the approach, but the route itself was in fine condition and cornice free. Tobias led the first pitch, with Fergal taking the final two.
Note of Interest: Dom reportedly attempted a mid-belay wardrobe change, though he eventually abandoned the idea of thermal leggings in favor of... well, just getting on with it.
The Dinner:
A Culinary Rollercoaster
The evening meal was a three-course affair that started with high hopes and ended in financial exile for the chef.
Starters: Vegetable & Minestrone soup.
Mains: Vegan Tacos.
Dessert: A shop-bought selection of Lemon Drizzle and Red Velvet cake. (oh dear)
The Vintage: A wine selection that was, frankly, "nothing to write home about."
While the food was well-received, the atmosphere soured slightly (like the cream) when the bill for the tacos was revealed. Tobias was promptly ostracized for the remainder of the evening due to his "premium" ingredient sourcing. He was mercilessly heckled as 'posh' for the sheer amount of fancy (but necessary) accompaniments he brought to the table!
Sunday: Dry Tooling and Local Loops
With the legs a bit heavier, the group split between technical practice and a local circuit.
Dry Tooling at Glenbeg: Fergal, Charlie, and Neil explored a new bolted venue just 15 minutes from the bothy. They found a great selection of varied routes—mostly easy-going but featuring one challenging line with delicate footwork and positive hooks. A solid recommendation for a damp day.
Beinn Mhor Circuit:
Ed, Scuz, Tobias, and Dom opted for a more relaxed departure from the bothy front door. They explored local farm buildings before making a gradual ascent of Beinn Mhor. They managed to time their tea and cake break perfectly while the weather held, enjoying clear views back toward the Northern Corries.
Until the next time - Happy climbing!
