For this long weekend we were based in the Glen Brittle youth hostel, and although it was officially open to all we had managed to block book the whole place, thanks to dogged persistence from Henry. As usual, Skye was a popular venue, and nearly all the 36 beds were taken.

The weather was looking good on Friday, and sure enough Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Expeditions were wide-ranging, and seven route cards have survived to reach the logbook writer.

Gill and Arthur Whittaker and David Foster climbed Sgurr a’Mhadaidh by its north-west ridge, starting via Sgurr Thuilm. This is a moderately challenging route, and for most of the way up the ridge the view ahead looked distinctly intimidating, but a way through always appeared. This was followed by the airy crest of Sgurr a’Ghreadaidh, then Sgurr Thormaid and Sgurr na Banachdich.

A large group consisting of Mary Cunningham, Lorna Gillespie, Ania Owsianka, John Anderson, Roger Dean, Rosie Masterton, Colin Farrow, Garrey Whyte, Tim Mason, Simon and Benedicte Dewey started up Coire a’Ghrunnda and did Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr Dubh Mor and ("time and weather permitting") Sgurr Alasdair and down the stone shoot. The return date of "same as start we hope" was achieved.

The other parties on the main ridge were
Alan Stevens and Caroline Thompson on the NW ridge of Bruach na Frithe;

Gordon Dykes, Dave Watson, John Donnelly, Brian McDaid and Sue Johnston over Sgurr Sgumain and Alasdair, plus Sgurr Thearlaich for a suspected Top-bagger;

Chris Everett, Dave Broadfoot and Phyllis Smith traversed from Sg. na Banachdich over Sg. Dearg to Sg. Mhic Choinnich.

Further afield, Henry Perfect and Douglas Philp did a long section of the Trotternish ridge from the Storr to the Quiraing, and an all ladies party of Janet Gaywood, Ann Dean, Stella Lowder and Allison Macleod were on a similar route, starting a bit further north at Lealt and the Bealach Leacach.

Suzanne Ullmann went exploring round the coast, but had the misfortune to come back with the most harrowing tale of the day after having an accident while crossing a river. Fortunately there were people at hand to assist and make sure she got back ok.

Sunday was another fine day and saw more parties on the ridge:

Rosemary, Dave Watson, Henry, Mary and Chris on Sg. nan Gillean by the "tourist route";

On Sgurr Dearg, Gordon, Lorna and Gill climbed the In Pinn, for Lorna’s first ascent, to her great satisfaction. Unfortunately while they were organising their descent and we were getting the equipment back, a lot of people had arrived. They were all roped up and waiting their turns, and Arthur, Sue and David Foster felt it might be a mistake to claim priority, and waited. But there was a cold wind in spite of the sunshine, and we eventually decided to move on to Sg. na Banachdich (again) and descend. Approaching Banachdich we met Steven, Kate, Ania, Roger, Ann and the two Johns en route from Sg. a’Mhadaidh to Sg. Dearg. They had joined up with Brian, Phyllis, Dave Broadfoot, Simon and Benny, who had a similar route card.

Beyond the Cuillin, Douglas went on a solo trip to Glamaig and the neighbouring Beinn Deargs, while back on the Trotternish ridge, Stella, Alan, Caroline and Allison did the section from Beinn Dearg to Sgurr a’Mhalaidh in two pairs, meeting up in the middle.

So a very successful two days, blessed with fine weather, another member past the In Pinn problem, and only am Basteir of the main ridge Munros escaping a visit. The hostel was full but comfortable, and the evenings seemed to be well lubricated in spite of the absence of a local pub.

On Monday, most were content to make a leisurely trip home, at least anyone walking did not do a route card. My travelling party (with Stella and Suzanne) climbed Eilean Donan castle, and I was later dropped off in Glen Moriston to bag some obscure Grahams. But you do not want to hear about that.

David Foster