A wintery forecast didn’t put off a group of 10 club members
from heading to the iconic SMC Lagangarbh hut nestled below the northern
buttresses and corries of Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe. The hut was a cosy, comfortable and spacious
home for the weekend in serene surroundings.
Derek and Hazel started the weekend on Friday with a short
ski tour up the Eastern flank of Geal Charn, west of the A9 near
Dalwhinnie.
 |
| Hazel
walking up to the snowline |
Snow conditions were questionable but the strong winds
certainly blew the cobwebs away.
 |
| Hazel
skinning up from the snowline near to the summit of Geal Charn |
Holly, a former member, had joined us from Cardiff for the
meet to catch up with old friends and to enjoy some fresh Scottish air. On Friday with a wet and very windy forecast Holly,
Charles, Mark and Judith walked to Peanmeanach Bothy near Arisaig which had a super location right on the coast. Some views were had during the walk.
 |
| The 'red' team on the walk (Judith, Charles & Holly) |
On Saturday members woke to heavy snow forecast to fall all
day, convincing Holly, Judith and Bruce to explore Oban rather than hit the hills. A fun day was had exploring the town,
waterfront, McCaig’s tower, local museum and cafes.
Mark and Stephen Miles went for a circular walk around the
wee Buachaille (Buachaille Etive Beag) from the hut.
Derek, Hazel, Aaron and Simon (a prospective member) headed
for Aonach Mòr to tackle Golden Oldy, a grade II/III winter climb on the
Western face. It was a hard approach
through deep, fresh snow.
 |
| Derek
and Simon on the approach towards Golden Oldy on Aonach Mòr |
Conditions weren’t perfect but Derek and Hazel decided to
continue with the climb while Aaron and Simon decided to retreat, retracing
their steps in poor visibility back to the car park.
An enjoyable AMC supper was had by most (more on that
later), thanks to volunteer chefs Judith, Mark, Hazel (cooked in absentia),
Holly, Charles and Stephen, and to Simon for the wine.
Due to a late arrival at the foot of the climb, Derek and
Hazel quickly realised that attendance at dinner would be unlikely but, already
committed to the climb the only way was up, so they continued on, arriving at
the summit of Aonach Mòr after dark.
 |
| A frosty (and dark) finish for Hazel & Derek at the summit of Aonach Mòr |
A message was sent to the rest of the club members to
continue with dinner, along with the cooking instructions for Hazel’s main
course (thankfully already prepared)!
Derek and Hazel finally arrived back at the hut just before bed time
having refuelled in Fort William with pizza on the way.
Sunday’s forecast was certainly better with scattered shows,
sunny spells and slightly stronger winds.
After tidying up the hut, Judith, Mark and Holly set off for
the Lost Valley in Glencoe.
 |
| Holly & Judith in the Lost Valley |
 |
| Mark & Judith in the Lost Valley |
Simon, Stephen and Aaron hiked up Stob a Ghrianain via the
Druim Fada ridge, West of Fort William on the North side of Loch Eil.
 |
| Aaron,
Stephen & Simon at the summit of Stob a Ghrianain |
 |
| Aaron
near the summit of Stob a Ghrianain |
Hazel & Derek went for a half day downhill skiing at
Nevis Range and watched the second Skimo race and last of the season. Club member Bob was participating so Hazel
& Derek took time to watch him progress through the course and to cheer him
on.
 |
| The
starting line of the Skimo race |
 |
| Bob
on his ascent up Aonach Mòr |
As always, a fun weekend of mountaineering and socialising
with the Aberdeen Mountaineering Club.
