Lagangarbh Mountaineering Hut Meet (Glencoe) 16-17 March

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.