Loch Ossian Youth Hostel Meet 8-9 September

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. 

Corrour station, the highest railway station in the UK

Arriving by train adds to the adventure

The hostel itself is comfortable despite its remote location with hydro and solar electricity, hot showers and wood burning stove for heat. 

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.  

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.

The group as they make their way back along the loch towards the hostel

Approaching the hostel for a well earned cup of tea

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. 

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. 

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.

Setting off for an early ascent of Beinn na Lap

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. 

The group celebrating Bob's birthday, Trainspotting style

As always, a fun weekend of mountaineering and socialising with the Aberdeen Mountaineering Club.