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Forfar & District
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11 attended (10 members and an ex-member).
We met at Dykehead at 09:00 and drove up Clova Hotel. Walking started at 9:35 as a large group of pheasant shooters were gathering. More later.
We set off up the Loch Brandy track, but quickly realised we should be on the new hydro road - some grumbling to start with. Quick progress was made up to the
foot of Ben Reid, which offers a steep climb to the summit. A quick bite here, then we took the high ground to Boustie Ley (876m). Fantastic views of Mount Keen
and Lochnagar, and spotted a huge herd of deer climbing out of the Corrie of Clova. From there we contoured round to the Snub (835m), where we saw Loch Brandy and the
aftermath of the recent landslide (visible from the high ground as far away as Crombie). Ravens spotted over Loch Brandy.
We all carried onto Green Hill (870m), where we stopped for lunch, admiring the views and basking in sunshine in fairly balmy weather. One decided to descend
from here (10.5km, 770m ascent).
The remaining 10 carried on and descended the Shank of Catstae, where we had great views of Loch Wharral, and spotted a few white hares. We dropped to near Rough Craig then headed for
the zig-zags above Inchdowrie House. These were totally overgrown, so no use as a descent. We headed down to the trees and onto the road near the new fishing loch, then
walked 1km back along the road through a pheasant shoot to reach Clova Hotel at 14:50! (12.5km, 770m ascent).
6 of the group took refreshments in the bar of the hotel,
having to clear the tables of debris in order to get a seat! They were joined by 2 other members who had done a low-level walk up Jock's Road.
A group of 4 (3 members and a guest) did a similar walk a day earlier, because they were not available on 27th.
They left from the Clova Hotel and climbed directly up to the Snub, walked round to Green Hill and descended by the Shank of Catsae, then traversed towards the hotel.
Conditions were not as clear as for the Thursday group,
with mist coming and going but it was beautiful just as they finished lunch at Loch Wharral. Wildlife seen were a few ravens, a buzzard and a white mountain hare.
6 members attended. 5 left Forfar at 07:00 in 2 cars picking up another at Dunkeld. Parked at picnic spot just to east of Kinloch Rannoch. Started the walk at 08:50 and took footpath east which gradually contoured upwards. Headed over to south ridge and reached summit (892m) at 10:40. Light snow showers at this stage. Had a break then headed west along ridge to climb to Carn Fiaclach, which is a interesting sharp ridge with a dyke along the top, reminding some of Hadrian's Wall. We took another break here, then followed the dyke round the side of Meal Dubh, before dropping to a track that zigzags down through woods into Kinloch Rannoch, reaching cars at 14:10. Weather was cloudy with occasional snow showers or flurries, with considerable windchill at times. Good views of Schiehallion. Only wildlife spotted were 4 red deer hinds. Distance 12.8km, Ascent 840m. Back in Forfar at 16:00. A good short winter's day.
Open Meeting held at Forfar Fire Station at 19:30. The meeting was followed by an indoor games night, thoroghly enjoyed by all attendees.
11 members attended, based at Àite Cruinnichidh hostel (Cost £34 per head). Shared with the Kirkintilloch HW Club - last shared with them at Skyewalkers Hostel some years back.
Frid
A couple went to Bruar Falls, then shopped at Bruar. One left work at 14:30, then climbed a Graham near Aberfeldy called Meall Dearg (690m), reaching the top by headtorch at 17:40!
Saturday
Sunny day. Snow on tops. Cloud rolled into some hills in the afternoon.
1 had to return home, feeling ill
2 climbed Stob Coire Sgriodain (979m) and Chno Dearg (1046m), from Fersit
2 cycled in then climbed Gulvain with both reaching the south top (961m) and one reaching the north top (987m)
1 went mountain biking from the hostel and reached the Nevis Range ski area base station.
1 climbed Meal na Teanga (917m) and Sron a Choire Ghairbh (935m) from the Kilfinnan road end.
2 ventured in to Lairig Leacach bothy from Coirechoille, then climbed to 700m on Stob Ban before retreating.
2 climbed the Corbett, Sgurr Mhurlagain (880m). Cloud rolled in just as they reached the top. They had a good look at Fraoch Bheinn but decided there wasn't enough time before darkness fell.
Sunday
3 returned home
2 went mountain biking on the Witch's Trail at the Nevis Range
2 attempted Beinn Teallach, but abandoned the walk due to bogs and tired legs
1 climbed Cruach Innse (857m) in a flurry of snow and saw some ptarmigan on top
2 walked up the Nevis gorge and the Water of Nevis for 5km. One returned from there. The other headed for Sgurr Choinnich Mor (1094m) and returned over Sgurr Choinnich Beag (963m), and
was awarded with some clear spells on top. See photos.
3 members attended. The weather in the Crianlarich area was for blanket low cloud, frequent showers and high winds. Because of this, Colin has decided to move the meet to the east side of the country, to An Socach from Glen Clunie. This hill was scheduled for the February 2018 meet, but changed because of deep snow at that time. 2 members left from the Myre car park at 07:10, meeting up with another from Deeside at the track end. Walking started at 08:30 and we headed up the landrover track to its end. From there we climbed towards the bealach, and stopped just below it at 11:00 for a 2 minute silence for Remembrance Day. After a snack, it was up onto the ridge and the walk out to the main west top, reached at 11:45. We headed back to the east top (12:30), then headed south east down the ridge stopping for another snack. Reached the cars at 14:45 and back in Forfar at 16:00. Distance 16.5km, ascent 700m. Blanket cloud down to 600m. Strong southerly wind (cold on ridge). Cleared for a couple of minutes on the summit, but rained most of the way out after the 2nd snack, very heavy at the cars. Saw a snow bunting, 3 ptarmigan, 2 ravens, 2 white hares, some red deer, 4 other folk and a dog!
3 members attended. The group obtained permission to drive to the end of the forestry road. They then carried sacks and straw up to the bourach, where they patched various gaps. They also placed a notice, warning that it was unsafe to enter. No further work is required at present.
33 folk (members and guests) attended this Open Meeting held at Forfar Fire Station at 19:30. The meeting was followed by an illustrated talk, “New Zealand” by Willie Mather, an excellent account of Willie's trip to New Zealand in early 2018.
Congratulations to Ian Shand and Steve Wilson
22 members attended the event which was held in the Carn Dearg Hut. The rain fell in sheets and the wind roared, but 16 folk competed in the
annual Boules Championship. Members were drawn randomly into pairs and then played in 2 pools of 4 pairs each. The winners of each pool contested the final, where
Ian & Steve defeated Mel & Rita by a score of 3-2, to become champions for 2018.
As the meal was being prepared, a game of "Guess who I am" was started (post-its placed on each person's back with a name), set by Willie. Two main courses were provided for the meal
- vegetable curry and chilli,
followed by some excellent desserts. Penny held a logo quiz, before the judging of the best neep, won by John N, and the fancy dress - 3 categories - won by Neil M (best costume),
Nicola H (scariest) and Briar (cutest). Three teams then contested a "pass the sausage balloon" game - firstly passing the balloon down a line by the knees then by the neck.
Then it was outside into the rain for the fireworks lit by the president - very impressive, 2 big Lidl blocks. Then it was time to tidy up and head for home. No one stayed overnight this year.
7 members attended. Left from Myre car park at 07:00 by 3 shared cars. Walking from the Loch Moraig road end at 08:30. Although there is a new track further up, the low section after the hut was incredibly wet after Saturday's rain. One turned back, feeling unwell, on the climb to Carn Liath and spent the day exploring the new tracks around the south side. The remaining six climbed Carn Liath (976m) and went on to Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain (1070m). A group of 3 backed tracked to the bealach then dropped south into the central corrie. They used the old path rather than heading for the new one, reaching the cars at 15:45. (17.5km, 1050m ascent). Another group of 3 carried onto Carn nan Gabhar (1121m), descending by the steep sides of Airgiod Bheinn (1061m), then followed the new path for the long walk out at 16:25 (21km, 1400m ascent). Weather was dry with clear tops. Overcast in the morning, but cleared up to be a lovely day. 5 of the group stopped at Dunkeld for a fish supper. Back in Forfar at 18:30.
24 members attended. After the meeting, there was a talk by the Glen Ogil head gamekeeper, Danny Lawson. Danny talked at length (without illustration) about his work and the estate's work on shooting grouse, and wild life preservation and diversity. He reported there were over 200 species recorded on the estate (which includes rented parts of Glen Moy and Nathro). e.g. it has one of the largest golden plover populations in the UK. A German team of scientists are helping map wildlife in the area. Danny described the work of the grouse moor, including using sheep as tick baits and culling mountain hares to keep tick numbers down, but not eradicating then as reported on social media. Deer have now almost been excluded from the estate by surrounding fence. He explained how modern recording methods of keeping statistics on grouse breeding and shooting are used in the estate logistics. e.g. how many days to shoot for? He also said that free butchered game is available from the estate! See our secretary for details. A very interesting talk.
20 members were booked, but only 14 attended. Based at Gairloch YH. Weather was not great - high winds and low cloud with frequent showers. On Friday, 2 climbed Beinn Alligin, 1 ascended Carn na h'Easgainn (a Graham). Saturday saw one brave soul climb Slioch and reached the top, almost crawling. 2 ventured into the base of Slioch and the rest had a day on the beach (1 paddling), saw a sea-eagle, played in a lifeboat, went for coffee & scones, and saw a waterfall. 11 of the group headed to the Old Inn for an excellent meal at night. Sunday was much of the same weather. 2 climbed Moruisk, 1 climbed both Munros of Beinn Eighe, 3 went for a short walk in Flowerdale and the rest headed off. One moved to Torridon YH and stayed on until Monday to climb Beinn Alligin. A good weekend, in excellent accomodation, despite the poor weather.
6 members attended. Left from Myre car park at 07:00 by 2 shared cars, picking up up others in Dunkeld. Started from Aberarder car park. All walked up to the Window. 4 climbed Stob Poite Coire Ardair, then all 6 climbed Creag Meagaidh. The group back-tracted to the Window and returned to the cars. Weather was blustery with some very heavy showers and occasional sunny spells.
At Forfar Fire Station at 19:30. 12 members attended. The photo quiz was organised by John Dawson. It consisted of 30 photos of the hills (Munros, Corbetts, Grahams and others), as well as waterfalls, lochs, some flora and some fauna. 4 teams contested the quiz, with team Penny & Colin winning the traditional chocolate oranges, and the quiz trophy.
Bus cancelled due to low numbers. Meet changed to Glenshee. This was cancelled due to weather and only 2 names.
16 members, 1 guest and two dogs attended a fine balmy evening in Edzell. The walk went up stream along the river North Esk, gaining the path from the back of the Panmure Hotel. The group followed the track on the west bank upto the Gannochy bridge, then crossed the road and walked along the path on the other side until a steep descent and rough walking along the river itself, over the shaky bridge, up Gassy Brae to the High Street and back to the cars. 1.5 hours. Everyone enjoyed their walk.
11 attended (10 members and a guest). The group set off from Linn of Quoich at 09:00 and all walked to the North top of Beinn a' Bhuird (1197m). reaching the top around 12:30. From there 6 set off to climb Ben Avon (1179m) while the other 5 walked over the high ground to the South top of Beinn a' Bhuird (1171m). From there 3 went down to the Quoich water and 2 crossed over to the Corbett Carn na Drochaide (818m) and back to Linn of Quoich. The 5 being back at the cars around 18:00. The Ben Avon group reached the cars at 19:00. Wild life spotted included several ant nests, a covey of Ptarmigan chicks, and a few red grouse. Distances for all walks were big. 30-36km. Ascents 1200-1400m.
25 attended (23 members and 2 guests), staying at the Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse at £59 for 3 nights.
Frid
Good weather. 4 crossed on the 10:30 boat, the others on the 14:00 boat
Saturday
Weather started fair, but low cloud and drizzle came in at midday covering the tops
5 went to Beinn a Chailleach (785m) - 22km, 1010m ascent
4 did circular lower-level walk to Inverguseran and Airor and the Road-End Cafe, back by the tarmac road - 25km, 640m ascent
2 climbed Sgurr Coire Choinnichean (796m) - 13km, 940m ascent
2 walked to Sandaig - 14km, 450m ascent
6 walked to Mam Barrisdale - 20km, 800m ascent
6 climbed Luinne Bheinn (939m) and Meall Buidhe (946m) - 25km, 1800m ascent
Sunday
Hot sunny day with a cool breeze on the tops.
5 climbed Ladhar Bheinn (1020m) - 23km, 1800m ascent
9 climbed Beinn Bhuide (855m) in 2 separate groups - 21km 1440m ascent
1 climbed to Mam Meadail with one of the Ben Bhuide groups (18km 800m ascent)
1 climbed Luinne Bheinn (939m) and Meall Buidhe (946m) - 25km, 1800m ascent
7 did the circular lower-level walk to Inverguseran and Airor (and Cafe) - 25km 640m ascent with 2 returning from Airor by car.
1 climbed some of the Ladhar Beinn route before returning to base
1 with sore feet strolled locally in sandals
Monday
Good weather continues. All caught the 11:00 ferry to Mallaig. Most headed home, or to Torridon, but a group of 6 headed for Arisaig for an 8km walk
to find Carlotta's Eyrie.
6 members attended. The group climbed the Cateran Trail to the bealach of An Lairg and followed the undulating ridge over Ben Earb along
to the high point of Meall a' Choire Bhuidhe (868m) then dropped down into Glen Lochsie and walked back to the Spittal along the road from the hotel.
Left cars at 10:30 and returned returned at 17:05 with a couple of long stops to admire the views and chat.
Weather improved as the day went on, a hint of a shower in the morning but didn't come to anything, good views east, not so good west.
Got back to the cars just as the rain came on, good timing! Everyone enjoyed their day out and they had sit-down fish & chips in Blairgowrie on the way home.
14.5km, 790m ascent.
Two of our members, Mel Henderson and Ian Shand were married last week. Many congratulations from all members.
19 members attended. 18:30 start. Carlingheugh Bay sausage sizzle, walking from Victoria Park along Arbroath cliffs. Carolyn had precooked the food. The group made their way to a big log on the beach, used as a bench, and started a fire and used portable BBQs. It was dry, but got chilly about 21:00 when a few folk departed. Last left the beach at 21:30. A very sociable evening with lots of chat.
Meet was cancelled due to bad weather and lack of interest.
5 members attended. This meet was scheduled for Victoria Bridge but altered because of the weather forecast for the west, so changed to Glen Feshie. Climbed out to Mullach Clach a' Bhlair and then round to Sgor Gaoith. Dry and very windy with strong blustery gusts at times. 7 hours.
Bob Railton & Graeme Harris went up to the Bourach to do a few little jobs and to check it over in preparation for the wall repair. This was Bob's last day on the job after handling it for many years. Graeme is taking over as custodian.
16 members attended this outdoor meeting held at the Reid Park, Forfar at 19:30. However, only 8 entered the 2018 Girds Championship. This was held on the usual course, but performed in 2 pools of 4 (to give everyone a better chance), followed by semi-finals and a final. Neil beat Graeme in the final to retain his title. Research shows that he's now won 7 years in a row. Linda, way back in May 2011, was the last non-Neil winner! Someone must beat him next year. Carolyn then provided tea and cakes for all from her campervan, before 9 took part in a French cricket game until 21:20, when it was getting rather chilly. A successful night.
15 members and a guest attended. The group left Forfar at 9:30 in heavy rain, but conditions improved as they headed west and the day was spent in warm sunshine, with great visibility. We left from the car park at Enochdhu just before 11:00. We crossed the Ardle (which was in spate) and headed south on the Cateran Trail. Then a short climb up a forest road led to an 8 foot deer fence which had to be scaled. A faint path led up up beyond the native woodland onto the moor. The next obstacle was bog, but all reached the safety of a landrover track. We then climbed a short distance up to Loch Curran, where we saw a flock of black-headed gulls nesting on the island. Lunch was taken on the beach. We then continued on more solid ground (forestry roads), until the turnoff to Kindrogan Hill. A short boggy section, then a short pull up to the trig point on the summit (495m). The group lingered here in the sunshine where a new pursuit of "sedging" was conceived. Nicola then "planked" on the trig point and Neil stood on it on one leg. May madness had set in? Great views from the summit, then an "interesting" descent through the forest - wet slippy ground and lots of fallen trees, but we made it back to Enochdhu at 16:15. Distance 12.5km, ascent 370m. Then, it was only then a short drive to the Strathardle Inn, where 14 of the group enjoyed an excellent bar meal. A very enjoyable social meet.
Stayed at Tongue Hostel. (£72 for 3 nights). 16 arrived on Frid evening and 1 arrived Saturday evening.
Saturday
Fine weather. 10 climbed Ben Loyal, 2 did Ben Klibreck, 2 did Ben Hope, 2 went to Durness.
Sunday
Dull morning with drizzle on the mountain tops.
8 climbed Ben Hope, 2 did Cranstackie & Ben Spionnaidh, 2 went to the Smoo Caves, 4 went for a run in GB's car "Plesterers",
1 went for low level walk around Tongue.
All 17 went along to Ben Loyal hotel for supper at 5pm
Monday
Dull again with mist on the tops.
2 did Ben Klibreck on way home, 2 did Ben Hope on the way home.
A funtime had by all with cards played Saturday and Sunday evenings. The hostel
was very comfortable with very pleasant staff.
The committee met to set the day meets, social meets, meetings and events for the next meet calendar.
11 members attended. 3 cars left Forfar at 07:05. One car picked up 2 city members at Dunkeld. We all met up at
the car park just east of the bridge at Moy. Walking started at 09:30, where some had difficulty finding the start!
3 walks took place.
* 2 members climbed Beinn a Chlachair (1027m) by ascending the path by the Alt Coire Pitridh, and returned by the same route.
(distance 23km, ascent 910m, 7 hours).
* 5 members climbed Geal Charn (1049m) and Creag Pritridh (924m) ascending the path by the Alt Coire Pitridh and returning in a circular route. (distance 21.5km, ascent 970m, 7.5 hours).
* A group of 4 elected to climb Binnein Shios (667m) and Binnien Shuas (746m), including much rough ground, bog and some scary ascents and descents!
(distance 18km, ascent 920m, 8.5 hours)
It was a clear day with good views, mostly with broken cloud and sunshine. Light winds, and still a lot of snow on the hills - though soft. Several herds of deer were spotted as well as 2 golden eagles,
a male hen harrier, ptarmigan, frogs and frog spawn.
All members stopped at House of Bruar for fish & chips. Last cars returned to Forfar at 21:00.
Held at Forfar Fire Station. 23 members attended. The Open Meeting was followed by "Members Night", where members are allowed 10 minutes to talk about 10 photos. 7 members took part. 2 of these 7 actually chose a new format showing a slideshow (with more than 10 photos) over their alloted time period. Everyone made it home as the April snow fell outside.
The committee met to set the weekend meets for the next meet calendar.
These are provisional (subject to booking) :-
Sept - Torridon; Oct - Clova; Nov - Roybridge; Feb - Glen More; Mar - Corran, May - Assynt; June - Arran;
Held in Queens Hotel, Dundee at 19:30. A team of Graham B, Linda & Colin was entered to represent the club. Nicola H was the only fan who came along. The quiz was organised by the Grampian Club and consisted of 3 rounds of 35 pictorial questions (105 marks total). 10 teams took part, and the questions were a mixture of Scottish Munros, Corbetts and Grahams, some English, Welsh and Irish tops, and some from Europe. There were a few flowers, birds and mammals thrown in too. The club team finished a respectable third (if only they hadn't screwed up the first round). 1st: Dundee Mountain Club (92), 2nd: Perth Mountaineering Club (91), 3rd: ourselves (88), 4th: Carn Dearg (84). Get swotting for next year!
9 booked. 2 call-offs earlier in week due to injury & family matters. 3 other members called off on the Frid due to weather plus
one other member decided to hold off and travel up on the Saturday instead due to potential road conditions. This left 3 in the cottage
on Frid night.
Saturday
Woke up to glorious sunshine 3 set off to climb Mullach Clach a' Bhlair at the end of Glen Feshie by the land rover track and if weather
improved possibly include Sgor Gaoith. Conditions sunny and clear up to around 800m but bitterly cold as we increased in height.
Wind and spindrift blowing over the top made the last 200m of ascent "interesting" with periods of total whiteout on slope but
clearer as we reached the top. Any ideas of continuing to Sgor Gaith quickly lost their appeal and we returned by route of ascent.
3 more members arrived on Saturday evening, one with a view to walking on Sunday and 2 for skiing.
Sunday
3 members plus another member who had driven up for the day headed off to climb Sgor Gaoith, with 2 keen to traverse over to Mullach Clach a Bhlair.
Conditions mainly overcast and very cold again as we increased in height. The 2 who were planning on taking in both Munros were slightly ahead and
turned back at the ridge before Sgor Gaoith due to wind/visibility/cold and met the other 2 just below the ridge and all headed down.
One member headed home on the Sunday morning and the two who had come to ski also headed home as the ski centre was shut. Weather on the tops were full-on winter
conditions and challenging.
6 members attended. The scheduled meet to Stob Binnien and Ben More from Balquidder didn't take place because of the weather on the previous day. The meet was moved to Beinn Chabhair from the A83. The groups met in the Drovers Inn car park where the president presented Nicola Baillie with the Norrie trophy (for winning best photo collection in the 2018 photo competition). They then set off along the road, made their way through Beinglas farm and on up by the waterfall to the lochan. They then made their way up through snow and low cloud. However, they climbed through the low cloud into sunshine on the ridge, from where they had a fantastic view of the tops of several other mountains including Ben Lui and Ben More. A real temperature inversion. Crampons and ice axes were deployed for the final ascent to the cairn of Beinn Chabhair (933m). The group returned by same route to reach the cars around 5pm. Those going back to Forfar enjoyed a fish supper in Comrie.
Held at Forfar Fire Station. 25 members attended. The Open Meeting was followed by the AGM. Afterwards a short film was shown of W H Murray’s winter ascent of Tower Ridge with climbing partners Dr. J. H. B. Bell and Douglas Laidlaw (re-enactment of a 1939 climb) - Part2 of "The Edge" BBC series from 1994.
Last year's AGM minutes were approved. Annual reports were presented by the president, the treasurer, and the meet secretary. The accounts has been approved by the auditors.
There was discussion about winter hillwalking, including equipment and skills. It was felt that no change needs to be made to the constitution.
The following committee was elected :- President: Graham Brown, Secretary : Carolyn Smith, Treasurer: Clare Stewart, Meet Secretary: Colin Sinclair, Assistant Meet Secretary :
Willie Mather, Ordinary Member: Penny Lockwood. The president thanked the retiring Ordinary Member, Debbie Kenward for her work over the last few years.
Debbie will continue looking after the Facebook page.
Steve Wilson and John McDonald were re-elected as auditors.
Chris Coles was awarded the "Event of the year" trophy for his tumble in the water on the May day meet.
Stayed at the Scout Association’s National Outdoor Centre in 2 chalets, with full
board.
16 attended (14 members and 2 guests), though only 14 stayed.
Saturday
Fairly good day with cloud drifting in and out of the tops. Light winds.
Cnoc Coinnich (762m) : A recently promoted Corbett, just above Lochgoilhead. A group of 7 followed the
Cowal Way up through Glen Donich, then cut up to the hill. Good views on top right
down the Clyde estuary. Thoughts of a longer ridge walk went by the way, due to
deep soft snow, so the group circled back via a westerly ridge. 10.5km, 820m ascent,
6 hours.
Ben Vorlich (943m) : Another member and guest arrived in time for breakfast, then a group of 6 drove
round to Inveruglas, left 09:30, back at cars at 17:20. Clear all day on the hill.
Deep snow. 13km, 990m ascent.
Loch Goil Coastal Walk : A group of 3 headed south down the track towards the end of the Goil peninsula.
A long walk 16km, 700m ascent. One member did a bit extra by climbing to the Duke’s
pass – an extra 5km and 300m ascent. Left 9:40, back 15:15 and 16:45.
Saturday
Weather closed in. Very low cloud and much warmer. Rain spread in by 13:00.
Loch Goil Coastal Walk : A group of 5 headed south for a few hours.
Beinn Luibhean (858m) : One member climbed this. No views and a tricky descent in fog/snow. 6km 800m ascent.
Left 9:30, back 13:20.
Dumgoyne (427m) : 2 members went to Dumgoyne, the bump on the end of the Campsie Fells. Left 12:00,
back 13:20. 4km, 420m ascent. No views, up in the clouds. And a visit to Glengoyne
Distillery shop!
The other members headed home.
2 cars left from Forfar at 07:10, meeting up with another car at Spittal of Glenshee. The promised dump of fresh snow hadn’t occurred (instead falling further south), so the A93 was open. However, the planned meet to An Socach was cancelled due to the soft snow conditions. Instead a circular ascent of the Corbett, Creag nan Gabhar (834m) was done from Auchallater car park. The group left at 08:50, and headed up the landrover track to Lochcallater Lodge, where a short break was taken in the MBA bothy. The route then climbed to Bealach Buidhe and over the flat top. Going was hard in deep soft snow and a biting NW wind. There another break was taken among some peat hags with spindrift filling the sandwiches, as there was no shelter beyond this point. It was then a short pull up to the summit, where the views were stunning. However, it wasn’t a day for hanging around, so the group dropped down the long north ridge to Sron Dubh with fabulous views northwards to the Cairngorms. We reached the cars at 15:00. Distance 13.5km, ascent 530m, time: 6 hours 10 minutes. A fine clear day with good views. Very cold NW wind with a lot of spindrift. Many mountain hares and large flocks of grouse spotted. The group headed to “The Bothy” in Braemar for refreshments afterwards.
19:30 at Forfar Fire Station. A big turnout. After the open meeting, the results of the annual photographic competition were presented by judge James Anderson.
57 images were received from 13 entrants. The winner of the best collection was Nicola Baillie, with a selection from her recent trip to Peru. Nicola was absent, but
will be presented with the Norrie trophy. The winner of the best photograph was Linda Sinclair, with a stunning sunset over the Skye Cuillin. Linda was presented
with the Brian Coull Trophy. Graham thanked James for his work and presented him with a collection of Brewdog beer.
See all entries and winning photographs in the following links. Note that to get information on the photo (who took it, date etc), click the "i" circle in top right of the photo.
Only JPG files carry extra information. PNG files have no information. Photos have been uploaded at a lower resolution than originals to save space and quicken viewing.
Apologies for failing to enter Clare’s photos into the photo competition. Her email got lost amongst all the high tea emails. Sorry, Clare. However,
her photos have been added to the list all entries, so you can view them too.
All entries can be viewed here All 60 entries can be viewed here.
38 attended in total. 35 for high tea (33 members and 2 guests), and 3 others (2 members and a guest) who did part of the main walk).
The main walk was arranged to be from Bridge of Dye to Glen Esk via Clachnaben and Mount Battock, but was rearranged because of the dire weather forecast.
18 people (17 members and a guest) were on the bus at Sauchieburn Hotel at 08:00. The bus headed to Afflochie, where the group were met by 3 others.
The walk took us to the top of Pinderachy (514m) - a first ascent for all - possibly a HUGH (tick :-)). Then we dropped steeply into Glen Ogil, where the reservoir was found to be frozen.
We descended to Redheugh, where we split up. 18 carried up over St. Arnolds Seat (494m), where they climbed the massive cairn. They carried onto to Naked Tam, before
dropping into Glen Queich and has a break at Buckies (an old water mill). The 3 who broke off at Redheugh joined the others there. All carried on over into
Glen Moy, where the group of 3 separated and walked down the public road hoping for a lift back to their car at Afflochie. Meanwhile the other 18 were led through a frozen bog to
Kinrive Farm where they dropped into Glen Clova. A short trek north saw them reach Gella Bridge to meet the bus back to Sauchieburn Hotel.
Meanwhile a group of 5 had gathered at Edzell at 11:00 for a shorter walk up down to the wiggly bridge then up to the blue gate, and then a walk up the banks of the North Esk. Distance 10km in good conditions.
Afterwards they retreated to the Panmure Arms where they met members an Aberdeen-based hillwalking club, who had turned back from a reverse of our original route!! (ho ho)
Another 2 members took themselves out on the Airlie Ridge to work up an appetite.
So in total, we had 28 out for a walk!!
The groups gathered for aperitifs in the bar of the Sauchieburn Hotel, before being served with yet another marvellous meal.
The club president was unfortunately unable to attend, due to illness.
However he did manage to send his "speech", which was read out to the assembled masses!
19:30 at Forfar Fire Station. 30 attended (26 members and 4 guests). After the open meeting, Graham Brown & Nicola Hay presented “A return to the Greater Ranges”, their account of their very recent trip to Nepal.
Cancelled because of poor weather.