Loch Ossian Youth Hotel, located
on the edge of Rannoch Moor and the southern shores of Loch Ossian, is an
idyllic location surrounded by wild moorland and mountains. 12 AMC members made the journey by car, train
and foot to reach the hostel, which is owned by Hostelling Scotland, for a
weekend of hill walking and socialising.
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| Corrour station, the highest railway station in the UK |
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| Arriving by train adds to the adventure |
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| The hostel with Loch Ossian reflecting the morning light |
On Saturday morning a group of 5
(Mark C, Hazel, Bob, Elliot & Roddy) set off from the hostel early with the
munros of Sgor Gaibhre and Carn Dearg in their sights. They were later joined by Ed, Scuz and Bruce
and the 8 continued the walk together from the summit of Sgor Gaighre.
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| Some of the group on the summit of Carn Dearg |
Temperatures were bitterly cold with
windchill but skies were generally bright with the odd flurry of tiny snow flakes.
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| The group as they make their way back along the loch towards the hostel |
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| Approaching the hostel for a well earned cup of tea |
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| Elliot, Ed, Mark C & Bruce resting after a great day on the hill |
Mark & Judith climbed Corbett
Leum Uilleim in an anti-clockwise direction.
Mark continued afterwards and also climbed Beinn Na Lap before
sunset.
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| Judith looking very cold at the summit of Leum Uilleim |
Rae & Gar opted for a hike up
Beinn Na Lap followed by a cycle towards Loch Treig.
Once the party were safely back
at the hostel, the socials began with a glass of Prosecco to celebrate Bob’s
birthday.
**Happy Birthday Bob!**
This was followed by a delicious and filling
feast (thanks to the chefs Mark C, Bob, Mark M, Hazel, Elliot and Bruce). Special mention goes to the bringers of the
wine as it had to be carried in from Corrour station, at least the distance
isn’t too far and its downhill on the approach.
The following morning a group
decided to tackle Beinn Na Lap before the 1230 train from Corrour.
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| Morning reflections across Loch Ossian |
Mark C, Mark M, Hazel & Bob
set off at an energetic pace to ensure the summit was reached before
turnaround time though there was nothing to worry about; the team were back at
the hostel before 10.30am leaving a couple of hours to spare before the train.
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| Setting off for an early ascent of Beinn na Lap |
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| Mark C, Mark M & Hazel at the summit of Beinn na Lap |
Rae & Gar set off for a cycle
round Loch Ossian, Ed & Scuz for Leum Uilleim, while others opted for short walks in the vicinity, reading
or simply drinking tea in the comfort of the hostel before the short walk back
to Corrour station and the return trains to Rannoch or Tulloch stations.
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| The group celebrating Bob's birthday, Trainspotting style |
As always, a fun weekend of
mountaineering and socialising with the Aberdeen Mountaineering Club.
