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Ken and Marj went off to tackle the Ardverikie Forest group of
three Munros from the far end of Loch Laggan. Having
successfully reached the track-bridge at the end of Lochan na h-Earba
- where the former was nearly submerged by the latter - Ken
persuaded Marj to try his Cunning Plan, i.e. to slog a further
two miles of track along the lochside to the glen of Coire
Mhaigh, where a couple of well-made estate paths would lead
almost effortlessly to the tops of either Creag Pitridh and Geal
Charn, according to choice. Unfortunately, the path at the glen
proved both poor and fragmentary, and difficulty was experienced
even crossing a minor burn running down from the side. Moreover,
crossing over the main burn to Geal Charn at this level was
clearly impossible. So, recourse was had to the NE ridge of
Creag Pitridh, where some useful hard snow was eventually
encountered, and led right up to the summit cone, which also
provided useful lee from the ever-increasing wind strength. A
final scramble over slippery boulders got them to the rather
miserable summit cairn, which offered negligible shelter from
the full-scale blast. Hence, with both haste and care, they
crouched down to the Geal Charn col, where at least the going
was better underfoot. At this point, with the wind was still
strong, and GC as well as Beinn a’Chlachair under perennial
scudding cloud, it was decided to abort the expedition, but a
side-trip was first taken (via a mile of good path) to overlook
scenic Lochan a’ Bhealaich Leamhain. Then it was down the newly
refurbished footpath to Lochan na h-Earba, and back along the
landrover track, to reach the car once more, despite as strong
and in-your-face wind as anything experienced so far.
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Mike, Sandy, Bill and Roger headed up Glen Feshie and off into
Coire Garbhlach from where there was an exit by Sandy from the slopes in the
northeast corner and Bill ascended a snow filled gully to exit above the south
face. This group then along with Ian and Jim walked into the glen to
Ruigh-aiteachain bothy, crossing some swollen burns on the way. Returns were
made both on the east and west sides of the River Feshie.
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Claire set off later in the day to get the benefit of the
forecasted ‘better weather’ and made a smash and grab raid on
Geal Charn from Garva Bridge, a fine effort and only the second
summit of 4 for the weekend. Alec headed from Loch an
Eilein up Gleann Einich to Loch Einich, a walk which he
thoroughly enjoyed.
After a short break at Loch Insch watersports bar to watch a
disappointing rugby match a fine evening in the Hostel followed
with many a heated debate. Some refreshments were taken and the
world was put to rights before lights out.
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Sunday
The weather was supposed to be better on
Sunday but this improvement did not really materialise as it
brought more strong winds and many returned home around
lunchtime.
Ian and Jim however headed down to Glen
Tromie and bagged the Corbett
Meallach Mhor and Gordon
summated on Ben Rinnes on his way home.
Claire headed up to Sgor Gaoith but was driven back not far from
the summit by a whiteout. Colin & Doris had a relaxing walk
around Loch an Eilein and Alec had a walk up Glen Feshie.
All in all a successful weekend, given the time of the year and
the weather being as it was. This meet whetted the appetite for
the year ahead and all present were looking at the possibility
of attending the next meet at Bridge of Orchy at the end of
March, so get booking as it could be busy.
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