| Blair Atholl, 13 March 2005.
Not many members were expected on this meet, even the
co-ordinator had a sore ankle. The usual last-minuters who do not sign
up in advance would opt for a lie-in after hearing the forecast of
gale-force winds and heavy snowfall. And perhaps it is rather a long way
for a day meet. David Reynolds had the route cards, and set off with
David Foster under a cloudless blue sky expecting the worst. The drive
was very quick on quiet roads, well under two hours, and we arrived a
few minutes after 9 to find Janet Gaywood wondering if she would be on
her own. The weather was still quite reasonable, and stayed that way all
day at low levels, with some sunshine and moderate winds, although it
remained freezing all day in shade.
Janet had done some homework, and had copies of
guidebook entries for Beinn Dearg and Beinn Mheadhonach. David R fancied
Carn Liath as the nearest big hill. Beinn Mheadhonach won the vote,
probably swayed by David F who had done this hill in 1980, and the
others more recently. No-one else had arrived when we set off just after
9:30, expecting a guide-book ascent time of 5 hours and a long day.
Through not paying enough attention to route details,
we missed the last bridge before the hill to cross over from the main
track on the east side of the glen, and had to backtrack 1 km from the
bridge after Marble Lodge. Expecting uncomfortable conditions higher up,
some sustenance was taken here. There is a stone bridge, presumably a
Wade, in a strange position about 1 km up the side valley, just above a
confluence, and with no sign of approach roads. From here, up to the
south ridge, then a long gentle ascent of 500 m on intermittent snow and
heather to the summit, through strengthening wind and falling
temperature. Ascent time was 4.5 hours. On the top it was quite
unpleasant, with no view, and the ground was icy in places, but being
horizontal did not need crampons. Then quickly down to the Wade bridge,
a late lunch, and a pleasant walk out in evening sunshine.
Unfortunately I failed to bring back any photos
because I did not recognise a problem with the camera, due to lack of
familiarity with digital gadgetry So this account is text only, with no
pictures to tantalise the rest of you who missed an unexpectedly
rewarding day out.
David Foster
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