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Forfar & District
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15 members attended. 12 in the Hostel, 1 camping and 2 in campervans.
Friday
Beinn A’ Chlachair
Distance- 16km, Ascent- 280m
Conditions- Rare showers, Cold N wind increasing, 70% cloud increasing, low cloud rising to summit level.
1 member chose to take this hill in en route to the Glen Nevis weekend. A late escape and a slow journey meant a 1pm start
from the layby at the SW end of Loch Laggan. The landrover track was followed, taking the SW fork at the 3km mark. Shortly after
that he left the track and bogtrotted SE, making a beeline for the summit. Halfway up and the going had gone from soft to slippery scree.
At least the low cloud was rising ahead of him. He reached the top at 3pm and managed to get glimpses of the views but only to the North.
The wind had strengthened and it was cold enough to still any thoughts of hanging around for a better look around. He followed the ridge SW
for a few hundred yards before starting my descent, in an attempt to avoid the worst of the screes. His height also allowed me to pick out
an improved route back across the bog at the foot of the hill. Back at the car by 5pm.
Geal Charn (North of Laggan)
Distance- 10km, Ascent- 635m
Conditions- Dry, cloudy, occasional sun.
1 member decided to take in this hill en route to the club weekend in Glen Nevis. The departure point was Garva Bridge
and the route followed the path up Fiath Tiaigain before following the ridge NE to the top. Great views were enjoyed from the corrie rim
before descending by the same route. The bogginess of the ground had this hill declared a “Once-Only Hill”!
Gulvain
Distance- 21km, Ascent-1228m
Conditions- Windy, cloudy, frequent showers
1 member went the extra mile (!) to climb this hill on the ‘travel day’ of a club weekend. He parked at Drumsallie and had a 6km walk N gaining
little height until he reached Na Socachan. From there its a long, steady climb (still N) up the ridge to the summit. He returned by the same route.
Pap of Glencoe
Distance- 7km, Ascent- 716m
4 members ascended the Pap of Glencoe from the Bridge of Coe. They were rewarded with magnificent views from the top. However, the steep ascent/descent
took its toll on at least one pair of knees.
Sgorr Dearg, Sgorr Dhonuill via Schoolhouse Ridge
16/10/26- Sgorr Dearg, Sgorr Dhonuill via Schoolhouse Ridge
Distance- 16km, Ascent- 1387m
Conditions- Mostly clear, occasional showers
2 members decided to take in Sgorr Dearg and Sgorr Dhonuill via the Schoolhouse Ridge.
Saturday
Aonach Beag and Aonach Mhor from Glen Nevis
Distance- 17km, Ascent- 1430m
Conditions- Clear, calm, sunny
6 members left the hostel at 7am and drove to the car park at the top of Glen Nevis. Sunrise was just touching the tops of the hills and
there was still a hard frost as we set off. We, and the group heading for the Ring of Steall, walked out to the Falls of Steall before going
our separate ways. Our group continued out the flats to the ruins before the long pull NE up and over Sgurr A Bhuic. (Enjoying a wee break
for morning coffee en route.) From there we dropped to the bealach before climbing NW over Stob Coire Bhealaich and up to the top of Aonach Beag. A
n easy km later and we were on top of Aonach Mor. It was a stunning day and the views were breathtaking in every direction. We retraced our
route for 0.5km before dropping down the gravelly, steep descent to the head of the Allt Coire Guibhsachan. On the way down this descent a
couple of members stopped to help a member of a Stirling walking club who’d taken a tumble. Once off the steep we followed the watercourse
back to the ruins, checking behind us that the walking wounded were, in fact, still walking. We then retraced the picturesque path through
the gorge and back to the cars, getting there at last light. An absolute gem of a day!
The Ring of Steall. (An Gearanach, Stob Coire A Chairn, Am Bodach, Sgurr A Mhaim)
Distance- 16km, Ascent- 1676m
Conditions- Clear, calm, sunny
5 members took on the iconic Ring of Steall on this gorgeous autumn day. They did the circuit clockwise so shared the walk out to the Falls
of Steall with the group heading to Aonach Beag and Aonach Mor. All were buzzing on their return.
Streap
Distance- 20km
Conditions- Clear, calm, sunny
2 members. No details.
Sunday
Bidean Nam Bam, Stob Coire Sgreamhach
Distance- 11km, Ascent- 1316m
Conditions- Clear, calm, sunny. Distant banks of cloud S, W and N.>br/>
3 members and a guest set off from Glen Coe at 8am. The climb up Coire Nan Lochan was uneventful but once past the lochans the frost made
the boulderfields really treacherous. (And it was here we met a couple gingerly making their way down. They asked how long it had taken us
to get there and grimaced at the reply- it was already past 12pm and they had a flight to catch at 5pm!)
It was only once we gained the top of Stob Coire Nan Lochan that we could relax. We were on ground that the sun had reached and defrosted.
The ridge to Bidean Nam Bam was spectacular but posed no problems. We were at the top at 1.15pm and treated to outstanding views (and a cool wind.)
We took shelter a little way along the ridge to the SE and had a quick lunch. From there we continued on up to the top of Stob Coire Sgreamhach,
leaving our packs at the bealach before that. Again, the views were breathtaking. Returning to our bags we dropped into the Lost Valley.
Initially, the going was steep and loose and took time to negotiate, after that it was a long, gentle descent down the glen, finishing with a
tricky, steep little finish in the half light down to the floor of Glencoe. Another full-on day but an absolute stunner.
Buchaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg, Stob Na Brioge)
Distance- 16km, Ascent- 1236m
Conditions- Clear, calm, sunny
2 members took advantage of the glorious conditions and climbed Buchaille Etive Mor.Two of us headed to Buachaille Etive Mor.
Conditions were very cold when we set out with freezing fog, but we soon climbed above that. As we ascended the gully the rocks
became icy which slowed our progress and it was a relief to reach the bealach. It wasn’t long before we reached the summit of Stob Dearg. Low cloud rising up from below gave an atmospheric feel and we even had a Brocken spectre. We stopped there for a bite to eat while enjoying the spectacle of paragliders jumping off and floating down to the car park.
From there it was around 2.5 hours to reach the second Munro, Stob na Broige, with spectacular views for miles in all directions
en route, accompanied by the sound of roaring stags in the glen below. After a stop for lunch it was time to make our way back
down and we were back at the car park at about 4.15pm.
Total time 8 hours.
Distance-10km, Ascent-314m
Conditions- clear, calm, sunny
One member did this shorter but interesting walk above Glen Nevis before heading for home.
The Sow of Atholl
Distance- 7km, Ascent- 393m
Conditions- Clear and dry
3 members elected to take on this Corbett on the way home. They had great weather and good views from the top.
Loch Garry
One member enjoyed the autumn colours with an 8km walk along Loch Garry en route home.
Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean
Distance- 13km, Ascent- 1155m
Conditions- ‘Glorious sunshine’
One member. Glorious sunshine once on the tops
6 members attended.
Distance: 21km, Ascent: 836m.
Conditions- calm, cool, high cloud, occasional sun.
3 members travelled from Forfar, picked up a 4th member from the walk finish point (where a car was left) and met with the last
2 members at Achallater car park. We were suited and booted and walking by 8.30am.
We walked to Loch Callater then climbed the landrover track to the S. The views improved as we climbed and the distant roaring
of stags added to a stunning autumns day. After pausing for morning coffee at 800m then continued to the top of Carn an Tuirc,
arriving at the cairn at 11.30am.
It being too early for lunch, we continued on to the top of Cairn of Claise where we enjoyed terrific views in every direction- including
seeing the first snow of the 26/27 season dusting the tops of Braereach and Ben Macdui.
We sat at the top and had a quick piece before setting off once more. We then followed the watershed SW and descended back to the A93
via the Sron na Gaoithe. Done and dusted by 2.30pm!
All agreed it was a cracking day to have been out in the hills.
Speaker Bob Railton on Davie Glenn's Bourach. Awaiting report.
14 members attended the weekend overall.
Friday
Moruisg
Distance: 8km, Ascent:- 720m
Conditions- overcast, strong winds, occasional showers
4 members elected to take on Moruisg on the way up to the Achmelvich weekend. It was 1pm before we arrived at the layby just W of Loch Sgamhain in
Glen Carron so we ate a quick piece before setting off. The late start coupled with the poor weather meant we decided on a there-and-back walk
rather than the usual circular. Recent rain had made the flats and lower slopes quite boggy and the remaining ascent followed the path up the
rather featureless slope. It was with relief we reached the top and took in the views, although they were limited by low cloud on nearby ranges.
The wind and threat of rain had us beat a hasty retreat. Time taken: 4.5 hours.
Ben Hope
Distance: 8km, Ascent- 924m
Conditions- cloudy, windy, showers
One member drove the extra distance to climb Ben Hope from Strathmore. He declared it a straightforward ascent and it took him
less than 3 hours!
Saturday
Suilven
Distance- 20km, Ascent- 947m
Conditions- Strong winds, overcast, showers, mist on tops in the morning.
10 members in this group.
(Steve Wilson, Morag Sangster, Fleur Baxter, Andy Malcolm, Frank Low, Alan Ferrier, Ray Campbell, Neil Sangster, Elaine Titmuss, David Barrie)
The poor forecast had most of the attendees on this weekend opt for a nearby walk without too much exposure to the conditions. Suilven fitted the bill nicely.
We started our walk at the car park not far out the back of Lochinver. As we passed Glencanisp Lodge we could see that the top of Suilven was obscured in mist.
It remained like this on the lengthy outward walk, only starting to lift as we left the main track and headed SW to the foot of the hill. From there it
was a steep climb until we reached the bealach where we were exposed to the fierce wind for the first time.
From there it was a short, slightly scrambly walk to the highest point and lunch. We considered ourselves to be extremely lucky to be dry and
doubly lucky to be able to enjoy the awesome views.
As showers threatened, we beat a hasty retreat and were soon descending into the lea of the hill where we enjoyed almost windless conditions once again.
The long path out somehow seemed even longer than it did on the way in.
Ben More Assynt and Conival
Distance- 17km, Ascent- 1077m
Conditions- Strong winds, showers, mist on tops
2 members decided to take on these hills from Inchnadamph despite the iffy conditions.
They described wild conditions on the tops, zero visibility, and a lot of runoff from all the recent rains. Apparently the wind funnelling through
the bealach between the hills was something to behold!
Sunday
Ben Klibreck
Conditions- high winds, rain, low cloud
1 member (brave soul) ventured out and climbed the hill in very wet conditions before heading home.
Lower level
2 members walked to Lochinver and back. 4 members did a short coastal walk
Monday
Stac Pollaidh
Conditions- Bright and clear to start with. Rain showers in the afternoon.
9 members in this group.
Creag Meagaidh Circuit (Carn Liath, Stob Poite Coire Ardair, Creag Meagaidh)
Distance; 21km. Total Ascent; 1080m
Conditions; Cloudy with sunny spells. Cloud base down to surrounding hill tops increasingly
Attendance; 5 Members
4 members met at 6am at the Myre and car shared to Aberarder car park where we met with a new member who had made their own way there.
We were walking by 8.30am, choosing to do the Creag Meagaidh circuit anticlockwise.
The pace was good, helped by the fact we were keen to get out of the trees and away from the midges. We climbed steadily and were on
the first top, Carn Liath, by 10.20am. A quick cuppa was enjoyed before we set off across the rolling, open ground W to Stob Poite Coire Ardair.
By the time we were there, a cool breeze was blowing so we elected to drop down to the next bealach (’The Window’) for lunch.
After the steep pull out of the bealach it was an easy walk across the top to Creag Meagaidh itself. By now- 1.20pm- there was a lot of
low cloud to the W of us, limiting views of the far distance. After a very short time there, the cloud then threatened to blot us out to so we beat a retreat.
Descending from the window we encountered boulders and a loose, steep path which needed care but that was soon behind us. After that it was simply the
long, well maintained path that followed the Allt Coire Ardair right back to the car park. We were changed and ready to roll by 4.30pm - a long way
short of the twilight departure we’d expected.
25 members attended
Chris Townsend (renowned long distance walker and author) was our speaker for the evening. He gave a very interesting talk
on his long distance walk from Yosemite crossing the High Sierra and climbing Mount Whitney and Telescope Peak
before descending into Death Valley in September 2016. Chris showed slides of his walk and described the environments
he experienced during the walk.
Distance- 16km. Ascent- 626m
Conditions- High cloud, light northerly breeze, mild
Attendance- 13 members, 1 guest
8 members and 1 guest met at the Myre at 7.30am. We squeezed into 2 cars and made our way to Kirkton of Glen Isla where we met with a further 5 members.
From there it was a short drive to Auchavan and we were walking by 8.45am.
We followed the landrover track N then up onto the ridge of White Strone. We continued up the ridge, stopping just before the top for elevenses.
After that it was less than a km to the top where great views were enjoyed in every direction. Good air clarity meant we could see down the coast,
possibly as far as St Abbs Head.
From there we dropped S down Tom Dubh na Cabir, eking out the views with a lunch stop while we still had good height. Thereafter, it was a
leisurely 4km stroll back to the cars.
To make a most enjoyable day even better, the majority elected to have a drink at The Glen Isla Hotel on the way home.
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Distance- 22km. Total Ascent- 1239M
Conditions- Mist on tops and drizzle clearing to cloud/sunny spells. Cool Northerly wind.
Attendance- 11 members.>br/>
7 members met at the Myre and car-shared from there, meeting up with 4 others who’d made their own way to the car park by Loch Moraig.
We were walking by 8.40am.
The light drizzle that we encountered on the A9 had disappeared and the low cloud covering the top of Carn Liath lifted as we climbed.
We reached the top by 10.30am and were treated to expansive views. A cool N wind meant a layer now had to be donned. A quick cuppa was
then enjoyed before setting off again.>br/>
By this time we’d already settled into 2 groups. The rearguard reached the second top- Braigh Coire Chruinn-Bhalgain- just after noon
and had another quick cuppa before moving on.
It was just short of the third top- Carn nan Gabhar- that the 2 groups met and discussed the descent. The advanced group decided to
descend off the end of Airgiod Beinn whist the second group, after gaining the third summit and having lunch in the lea of the top,
returned to the Bealach an Fhiodha and took the path that followed the burn S from there.
Those of us who’d done this walk before remembered the long walk out. It does slightly takes the gilding off what is an otherwise spectacular day.
That said, it was a great day with great conditions for it- and great company. We were back at the car park around 6pm.
From the North. Distance : 3km. Total Ascent :165M
Conditions- Heavy cloud, cool, moderate wind
Attendance- 13 members, 3 guests
We gathered at the Fife end of the Tay Bridge, decanted into as few cars as possible and travelled in convoy to the layby just W of Pittachope Farm.
From there we enjoyed a leisurely ascent, taking the anticlockwise option for this route. The cold wind and poor visibilty were a disappointment
when we reached the top about an hour later so we didn’t dachle long. The descent was as easy and uneventful as the ascent, about the only thing
of note being the parched vegetation on the rocky knowes on the flanks of the hill. Testament to our exceptionally dry summer.
We returned to the cars about 2.5 hours after starting, having had a welcome leg-stretch, a good catch-up and having given 3 guests
a wee taster of what we are about.
Distance: 22km. Total Ascent: 1606m
Conditions: Light winds, sunny, patchy mist clearing off tops by 1pm
Attendance: 10 members, 1 guest
11 met at Spean Bridge at 8.30am (only 2 having travelled through that day). We decanted into 4 vehicles best suited to the rough track and drove
the 4km to the parking place at the foot of The Lairig. We walked SE until we cleared the trees and then SW up onto Beinn Bhan. It was evident here
that our guest (and prospective new member) was struggling. After discussing options, he elected to return to the cars.
The remainder continued up onto Stob Coire Gabhair and then Stob Choire Claurigh where, unfortunately, the mist was still lingering. Lunch was eaten
and a phone call was made to ensure our guest was safely down. We continued round the rim of the Grey Corries, with the day improving into an
absolute stunner. A quick tea break was enjoyed at the top of Stob Coire an Laoigh.
On such a glorious day it was no surprise that everyone elected to do the spur and take in Sgurr Choinnich Mor. The bouldery ridge made
for slow going but the views once we reached the top were well worth it. We were well spread out by the time we’d returned along the ridge and
descended by Beinn Na Socaich. The front runners returning to their cars at about 7.30pm and the rearguard not getting back until 45 minutes after that.
It was with great relief we made it back to Spean Bridge before the Spar closed. Ice creams and drinks from the chiller never tasted so good…and the
snacks for the long drive home were also very much appreciated.
A gem of a day.
Awaiting report.
Cancelled due to the weather.
Awaiting report.
Cancelled due to the weather.
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
This was hosted by Perth Mountaineering Club in Perth Civil Servants Social Club. 7 clubs took part. It was an difficuly quiz consisting of 3 rounds of 32 questions (1 point each) plus a sheet of 20 cryptic clues, giving a possible bonus of 1, 2 or 3 points. There was little leniecy from the judge on incomplete answers. Unfortunately the team of Colin, Linda and Fleur finished last and were awarded the notorious Boot award!
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
Awaiting report.
Cancelled due to weather.
Last year's winner, Alex Roddie, judged the 2026 Photographic Competition, which attracted 14 entrants and a total of 66 images, all digital. Alex said
it was a pleasure to judge. He really enjoyed it, and said there was some fabulous work on display.
The winner of the Brian Coull Trophy for the best individual photo was Jayne Ferguson, with her image of a frozen waterfall en route to Carn Mor Dearg
The winner of the Norrie Trophy for the best collection of 3 photos was Graham Thompson, with images of Loch Ossian, Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan and Glen Esk.
To see the winners and all entries use the links on the Photo page. To use Google Photos, start viewing the album, then use the INFO icon to see the entrant and location in the file name.
Fourteen people consisting of twelve members and two guests turned out for the January Day Meet. Traditionally, the January Meet is followed
by a meal and get-together and this year was no different, which gave an added incentive to complete the walk in the allotted time.
Seven participants met at Forfar at 8am, meeting another seven at Glen Sherup at 9.25. With dense cloud clinging to the valley floors, they set
off at 9.40 towards the forest, following a track which climbed through the forest before branching off right on to a grassy, and in places frozen,
footpath, emerging from the trees at a stile over a deer fence. Surprisingly, overhead clear skies afforded great views from here over the Forth
valley and to the Lomond Hills, with Innerdownie, the first top of the day, clearly visible in the near distance. Down below, the cloud still
clung stubbornly to the valley floors. A brief stop for elevenses followed before the final gentle climb to this top, the first of two Donalds
situated at an altitude of 611m.
With most of the hard work now done, a gently undulating path along the tops led to the top of Whitewisp Hill, complete with one of the most
insignificant little cairns on its rounded summit. The route swung west from here to the highest point of the day, namely Tarmangie Hill.
At 645m, this has the distinction of being another Donald. The path then descended to a col, where the route turned north, climbing
again gently and skirting the top of Scad Hill. The broad ridge then descended gently, giving a pleasant walk to the foot of Ben Shee,
an attractive looking conical hill at 516m which all of the group opted to climb rather than follow the bypass path. The track was
rejoined on the other side of the hill, taking the walkers gradually down, high above GlenSherup reservoir, eventually joining a vehicle
track where the group doubled back towards the reservoir, crossing to the other side of the glen.
By this time the weather, which had gamefully held out to give pleasant walking conditions, gave way to rain which became ever more heavy,
resulting in some very soggy walkers retracing the outward route for the last two kilometres back to the car park.
The 15km walk was completed by 3pm, giving them plenty of time to dry off and drive home before meeting for a meal at Sinclair’s
Kitchen at Foresterseat.
11 members attended the restuarant for a lovely meal.
Despite weather warnings for very cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls, an impressive nine members turned out for a bracing walk to banish any hangovers
after the New Year festivities.
The original plan was to meet at the top of Glen Esk and walk to Balnamoon’s Cave, but a decision was made to meet at Edzell first and assess conditions.
Conditions at Edzell were remarkably good, but with some doubting the wisdom of venturing up the glen and some taking a more adventurous point of view,
a compromise was reached. A plan was hatched to walk over the lower tops to the north-west of Millden, half-way up the glen, and so the group set off
in three vehicles, two of them being four-wheel drives which proved to be an advantage later.
Within a couple of kilometres they were driving on snow and soon thereafter emerged from the vehicles at Millden into a winter wonderland, disturbing
two red squirrels which had been busy stealing food from a bird table.
Setting off at 9.45, the walkers turned off the estate road, crossed a ford and followed a track heading west. After a couple of kilometres they reached
an interesting tower. An information notice on the door provided the history of the tower, which had been built as a shelter by the Freemasons.
The snow was now falling very heavily and at a path junction a decision was made to head downhill rather than take the track leading uphill to Craig Crane.
This took the walkers past Auchintoul Farm and down a wooded track to the main Glen Esk road which now had a covering of several inches of fresh snow.
A pleasant meander of just over two kilometres took the group back to Millden, where great heaps of snow had to be removed from the cars before driving
back down the road. A further delay ensued when the occupants of the four-wheel drive vehicles realised that the third vehicle was not following and so
one gallant carload returned to help push them out of the car park. After carefully negotiating the few miles down the glen, all arrived safe and well
at Edzell, which by this time had a good covering of snow which enabled the more mature members to indulge in some snowball fighting and snowman building.
The walk was curtailed to a distance of about five kilometres and took just under two hours at a leisurely pace.
