Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Mill Cottage Meet (Feshiebridge) 8-9 December

A dismal but improving forecast allowed 15 club members to enjoy a wide range of activities in the Northern Cairngorms across the 2 day meet held at the comfortably equipped and cosy Mill Cottage in Feshiebride near Kincraig.
Saturday was reasonably mild for the time of year with the westerly winds blowing lighter than forecast with occasional sunny spells and mostly good visibility. On Sunday the northerlies brought colder temperatures and reduced visibility on the tops.
Ed, Scuz and Ewan decided to opt for a lower level cycle covering a mere (and very muddy) 65km on Saturday!
Ed looking very muddy indeed
Derek, Hazel, Morna and Luke took in circular route of A’Chailleach, Geal Charn and Creag an h-Iolaire in the Monadliaths. An interesting river crossing at the start of the walk due to the heavy rains the previous night meant soggy feet all round. It didn’t dampen spirits though and an enjoyable walk was had by all. Morna even had her sunglasses on, but only briefly.
Luke, Morna and Hazel on the ascent towards A’Chailleach

Luke, Morna and Hazel on the summit of Geal Charn

Ann and John ascended the Graham of Meall nan Eagan by the East ridge before descending to look at the impressive meltwater channels off the north side of the Fara.
Meall nan Eagan, Ann pictured
Judith, Mark, Bruce and Robert wandered along to visit the beautifully refurbished Ruigh Aiteachain bothy in the Glenfeshie Estate.
Mark, Bruce & Robert in Glenfeshie

Meanwhile, Eric bagged Munro Geal Charn in the western Monadliaths.

With the meet being so close to Christmas it seemed fitting that late afternoon mince pies and mulled wine were enjoyed before a delicious and filling meal was served in the evening (thanks to the volunteer chefs Ann, Morna, Bruce, Hazel, Scuz & Mark and to Judith for the wine).

Sunday brought a drizzly start but it didn’t put off the majority of the members from heading out again to enjoy the wintery conditions.  Hazel and Derek, later joined by Ed and Scuz, enjoyed a traditional ascent of Bynack More. Snow was lying from around 700m adding interest to the scramble up the final steep ridge. A short lunch was enjoyed together before Ed and Scuz continued south to take on a couple of additional tops before their return to Glenmore Lodge.
Hazel, Ed & Scuz on the approach to Bynack More
A brief lunch stop at the top of Bynack More
Ewan and Stuart enjoyed a spot of early winter climbing in Coire an t-Sneachda, setting off early and bleary-eyed from the hut to make the most of the short daylight hours.
Mark, Judith, Robert, Luke & Morna ascended Corbett Geal-Charn Mor from Lynwilg near Aviemore before everyone headed back to Aberdeen, tired and hungry but happy.
Morna, Robert, Mark & Luke at the summit of Geal-Charn Mor