What better place to have the first ‘Hut’ Meet since lock down than magnificent Torridon. We were
fortunate enough to enjoy the National Trust Bunkhouse, Mol Mor, a converted farm steading at the
head of Loch Torridon. The views from the Bunkhouse itself, befit this wonderful area.

Members Attending

Ania Borg, John Calder, Raymond Evenden, James Fraser, George Henderson, Susan
Henderson, Adrian Mowat, Norrie Shand, Lorn Smith, Gerry Weir
Day guests

Paddy Marrs, Ewan Stewart, Gordon Chesney, Del and Lyndsay.

Report

First out of the traps was Fraz, who on the Thursday, took son Blair for moral support for a round of the Fisherfield munros which saw him compleat his second round. Not for Fraz to bask in the glory of a triumphal march to the summit in front of his adoring friends, not for Fraz to seek the adulation and photo opportunities of the last summit pic, and certainly not for Fraz to have to stand his hand in the Pub! Unfortunately, the round was achieved in hellish weather which saw his and Blairs phones give up the ghost with the result of the least photos ever taken on a munro compleation. Head torches, river crossings, bog fests, but a warm fire in the bothy on their return! A fitting end to a hard round of munros, by one of the hard men of the ’45 – well done Fraz, a great effort in difficult circumstances.

Lorn was also heading further North with friends Paddy and Ewan on the Friday, with a night camp on the slopes of An Teallach in store. They made short work of the Glascarnoch corbett, Beinn Liath Mhor a’Ghiubhais Li, on Friday evening before settling down on hallowed ground atop the Ghiubhsachain Slabs. An early start on Saturday in mixed conditions soon saw them scrambling over the rocks and pinnacles of this superb mountain completing the munros and tops in record time. Lorn reports ‘a longish yomp across the corrie in poor vis’ to return to their camp. Looking at the map, he certainly is the king of understatement!

Travelling up on Friday, Raymond stopped off to run up Ben Wyvis and was rewarded with a fine day.

George & Susan had taken the camper up to Torridon on Thursday night and had a fine day on the corbett of Beinn Dearg followed by the 2 munros on Beinn Alligin. A tough ascent and descent but enjoyable nonetheless.

Arriving in Torridon, Gerry and Norrie joined Fraz for an afternoon walk out to Craig Bothy. A fine stroll with a few laughs on the way!

Friday evening was a quiet affair with everyone saving themselves for adventures on the Saturday.

Norrie had his second last munro on his second round in his sights – Maoile Lunndaidh by Shanks Pony was going to be a big ask, particularly with an ankle that had curtailed his dancing for the last 18 months! Throw in Gerry, not quite recovered from a hernia, and even Slioch wasn’t looking forward to it! Paddy Power were offering evens at best! Unperturbed, the hairy trio ground out a victory for the walking wounded with a 10 hour tour de force round the 3 summits on this challenging mountain. Another great effort from Norrie who would go on to compleat in September 2021.

John preferring an early start and some ‘me time’ set off on an enjoyable traverse of Beinn Alligin. His plan C gave some atmospheric views of these wonderful mountains.

Never the earliest risers, Adrian and Ania took a leisurely breakfast before also heading for Alligin following our solo star at a discreet distance. They were rewarded with a good soaking from rain that started on the initial climb and never really let up for the rest of the day. Having recently moved from Glasgow to the West Highlands, we think they might have to get used to this!

Raymond had arranged to meet a good friend Gordon Chesney and his pals Del and Lyndsay for an ascent of Mullach an Rathain on Liathach. Gordon isn’t the best on a scramble and had done the other munro on Liathach previously, deciding to avoid the pinnacles. Fraz, Susan and George thought that sounded a decent day out and joined them for the ascent. For some inexplicable reason, it was decided to do the scramble up the South ridge and although Gordon was game, he eventually accepted that he hadn’t quite conquered his fear of heights. Raymond kindly retraced for a safer way up whilst the others carried on regardless, enjoying the airy route. They all met up on the summit which unfortunately was enveloped in a pea souper. This was Gordons second last munro first time round and he rightly was well chuffed with his day. ( He later went on to compleat the munros the following month. Well done Gordon!)

Saturday night was a bit livelier, but it had been a hard day for everyone so no late night! What had been lively was Raymond cooking his chilli with some Scotch Bonnets inadvertently bought by Susan. Never have so many tears been shed on a ’45 outing!

Sunday saw everyone pack up and head for home, but some members indulged in their water sports. Raymond and Lorn headed for a swim in a serene Loch Clair, whilst Adrian and Ania headed to Elgol for some successful fishing. Who needs mountains!