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A week in
April with the Glenmore
Inver Croft
and the Easter Weekend at Lairg
An informal trip in early
April to do some Munrobagging came so close to the Easter weekend with
the Club at Lairg that we decided to combine the two and give us a
family holiday.
The adventure started on
Sunday 13th April 2003 - we had booked a Club hut for 5
nights, the Inver Croft which is situated 1½ miles SW of Achnasheen.
The hut belongs to the Jacobites MC and is positioned in a wonderfully
exposed spot in Glen Carron, 5minutes walk from the road next to the
railway line.
We took the day to drive up
and get settled into the hut – Brian, Ruth and John Anderson came up
earlier in the day, Brian and Ruth to bag Ben Wyvis while John settled
for Little Wyvis. The weather had been fairly kind this day, staying
clear and dry but there was a forecast of some rain followed by a high
pressure system.
The hut is fairly basic –
more so since the plumbing wasn’t working but once we got the gas
lights on and the coal and wood fire going it was really atmospheric.
Monday 14th April
The targets for this day were
Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, both of which I had done before but
the weather looked promising and I was looking forward to a good stride
out on the hills. Brian, Ruth and John A. were my companions and good
company too. After ascending Moruisg (big lump of a hill) in bright and
breezy conditions the wander across to Sgurr nan Ceannaichean gave us
fantastic views of all hills to the south and prompted a few tales of
epic routes on them. On return to the hut we found it tidied, fire laid,
supplies in, including a superfluity of coal and two exhausted workers
(Andrew and John McP) enjoying a drink in the sun – is this allowed?
Tuesday 15th April
It had been cold through the
night and the morning was clear and bright with blue skies. We started
with a drive down to Lochcarron in the sunshine to get some shopping in
but then we were off to Achnashellach – me with Brian and Ruth to do
the round of Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh – John A joined us for
the sweaty climb up the Glen before heading up to do Sgurr Ruadh and
back over Fuar Tholl. Brilliant sunny day with tremendous views over the
Torridon hills which only seemed an arms reach away as we made our way
along the magnificent ridge of Beinn Liath Mhor.
John A it seems was not short
of company all day and in particular made such an impression on Hazel
that she gave him a lift back to the hut!!
The day was completed
wonderfully with another really cosy and sociable evening in the hut.
Wednesday 16th
April
Brian, Ruth and John headed
down the road while this was a rest day for us. Andrew however had
decided that he needed to get fit? and wanted to run to Lochcarron (18
miles) – we were happy to support him by supplying liquid at stages,
much needed as it was another scorching hot day – we recorded a
temperature of 30°C. Andrew managed a creditable 15 miles before
hitting the "wall". Lochcarron was too hot for us after lunch
and we retreated to the hut where there was a welcome cooling breeze as
we sat sunning ourselves waving to all the passing trains.
Thursday 17th
April
Off to Lairg Caravan Park
where we were joining the Club Easter meet – another hot sunny day.
Others had gone up early –
John Donnelly and Gill Cook - Dave Broadfoot had taken in a couple of
Corbetts at Drumochter and the McLeans had arrived to make sure
everybody got into the right caravans – unfortunately we had already
messed things up by going into the wrong one but I don’t think it
upset the plans too much.
Friday 18th April
This was a clear day when
Gill McLean joined John and I to wander up Ben Klibreck. I took the
opportunity to practise my navigation (especially land features) in
glorious sunshine. There was a crowd at the top, all of whom seemed
puzzled by quite a loud sound like the slapping of a tent-flap – it
turns out to be a mini whirlwind! We traversed down the hill comfortably
eventually slaking our thirst at the Crask Inn. A wonderful day with
good company.
We think that Gill Cook, John
D and Dave Broadfoot went off to do Cul Mor and Cul Beag.
Saturday 19th
Another sunny day and I was
booked to join Gill Cook, John Anderson and Arthur Whittaker on the
traverse of Foinaven – John D and Chris Upson parked Gill’s car at
the west end of the ridge allowing us to do it end to end. The day
started off cool and windy but was glorious up on the ridge. John and I
had time to savour it at a leisurely pace as Gill and Arthur extended
their route to take in Meall Horn. What a wonderful area! Other parties
enjoying the sunshine – John and Gill MacLean on Ben Stack – John
Donohoe, Brian McDaid and Denis on Quinag – Jimmy and Ruth with
Allison McLaren and David Foster on Cul Mor and Cul Beag – Gordon and
Sue with Roger and Ann Dean by bike to Seanna Braigh.
Chris Everett with Hugh, Lena
and Cyril had a big day doing both Ben Hope and Ben Klibreck – Keith
Adams went off to do Ben Armine and Creag Mhor.
A Ceilidh in the evening in
Lairg was well attended by Glenmorons to finish off a wonderful day.
Sunday 20th
John (McP) and I did Ben Hope
in beautiful sunshine, light breezes and at a comfortable pace. Views of
the surrounding hills and coastline were stunning. My recognition of
land features is improving - like the lovely pub on the way home!
Gordon and Sue took Andrew
over Quinag and had a great time – Brian, Denis, Cyril and John A
climbed Ben Leoid as did Harrold, Connie, D Foster and Ian McNab –
Keith and Chris had a big day doing both Beinn Leoid and Ben Stack –
Jimmy and Ruth went off to Carn Chuinneag – Ben Hee was traversed from
east to west by Airlie and Ian Bryce, Allison, Alan and Caroline, Stella
and Irene Cook.
Monday 21st
This was a long drive down
the road for us while others did things on the way home however the only
route we got a card for was Gordon and Sue who took in the tops of Ben
Wyvis.
Other routes were done over
the weekend but we didn’t get the cards. However it was a great
weekend with superb weather and the diversity of hills explored
illustrates what a good base this is for the far north. Interesting
language overheard in planning discussions with words like
"Grahams" and "Marilyn’s" slipping out.
John McPartlin
Enid McPartlin
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