The
Club went to Inchnadamph Hostel on the 29th Dec. This was the
third New Year at this magnificent hostel, which is housed in a building
dating from about 1806, and which was formerly a manse. Numbers were
down -- about 35 people turned up, 23 on the 29th, and about
11 arriving on the 30th. It was very cold and the hostel took
some time to warm up. Sunday was a beautiful day, with snow on the tops.
Early starters were the McPartlin team with the Harrisons, Monica, and
Dave Broadfoot, who set out for Conival and Ben More Assynt at 7.30; and
Ian Bryce, Sandy Donald and David Foster who left Inch at 8a.m. to go up
Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh. Harrold, Connie and Ingrid went to An
Socach from Badcoall, and David, Isobel, Colin and 4 Deans(AARA) tackled
Quinag. Fred, Mary and Ruth Craddock walked from the hostel to the
waterfall. Everyone had a great day out, and it was so clear that you
could see Ben Wyvis from the tops. Unfortunately, we were among those
just arriving on the Sunday, so missed out on that great weather. We
arrived to find the hostel closed and Airlie looking for a way in (which
we found). That evening was spent catching up on news, and getting the
place warmed up. It was great to have plenty of space in the fridge, and
the kitchen had just been refurbished.
Next day, Monday 31st, was raining but we were assured
that it would clear up later.Eight different parties set out. Three
Deans and Monica did a route from Lochinver to Ledmore; the Harrisons –
Quinag; David Webster’s party - Ben Leoid; Roger’s party – Breabeg; Alan
and Kate – Cul Beag; Fred’s party – followed Alt Mhic Ghair burn to
Canisp; Ian and Airlie – Loch Glendhu N. side ; J.Stevenson’s party –
Beinn an Fhurain, but turned back as light fading; Connie, Gill, John
and I walked to the caves behind the hostel.
Back at the now-heated-up hostel, we had dinner, (always intriguing
to see what other Glenmorons eat; some are strict vegetarians, others
eat only sausages), tables were cleared from the floor, and we had a
ceilidh. Harrold was Master of Ceremonies, and we had a great time
deconstructing the usual dances. Lots of tasty food appeared before the
Bells, and outside, our neighbours had a fine fireworks display. We then
had a 70s – 80s disco dance, with music supplied by Dave Webster, and we
were first-footed by the owners and their guests.
On Tuesday morning, start times were somewhat later than the previous
day.Earliest starters were David Foster to Loch nan Meallan Liath, and
Sandy to Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill. At 10, David and Alice left
for Cul Beag. Then a large party consisting of 4 Deans(AAAR), Monica and
Colin, Phyllis, Chris and Dave went to the far end of Glas Bheinn. Alan
and Kate went up Cul Mor leaving at 11, and Gillian and Robert set out
for Cul Mor at 11.30. Weatherwise, it was overcast, but not raining.
Jimmy Stevenson, Ruth and Ingrid walked to the Bone Caves, and found
that you could go down and crawl through to an inner chamber. We spoke
to some cavers who were going up as we were coming down (why were they
so late, and why were so many going up?) They told us that a new passage
had been opened up on the 30th Dec., leading to a chamber the
size of the Usher Hall! The entrance is up past the Bone Caves and round
the back, near a lochan.
Our
New Year’s Day dinner was very successful with a tantalising array of
lovely food. We had vegetarian soups, followed by a selection of
vegetarian main courses, such as lasagne, moroccan stew and curry, then
some delicious desserts, such as chocolate gateau, trifle, fruit salad
and two kinds of tiramisu. As usual we had inter-course changes of
seating, which is a very nice way of getting away from one’s
spouse/partner and talking to others. Later, there was no dancing, but
we had a mass karaoke courtesy of Dave Webster and his computer. This
went down very well until we got to numbers like Bohemian Rhapsody which
I’m afraid were beyond the vocal capabilities of most Glenmorons. Song
books were then handed out and we happily sang our way through the usual
folksongs.
Next morning most people left early for the long journey home.
Everyone had a good time, the weather was not bad at all, and we all
agreed that Inchnadamph is a great venue for New Year.Many thanks to
Alice and Dave for arranging it all, and to Harrold and Dave W. for
providing us with us with the music and dancing.
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The
Club went to Inchnadamph Hostel on the 29th Dec. This was the
third New Year at this magnificent hostel, which is housed in a building
dating from about 1806, and which was formerly a manse. Numbers were
down -- about 35 people turned up, 23 on the 29th, and about
11 arriving on the 30th. It was very cold and the hostel took
some time to warm up. Sunday was a beautiful day, with snow on the tops.
Early starters were the McPartlin team with the Harrisons, Monica, and
Dave Broadfoot, who set out for Conival and Ben More Assynt at 7.30; and
Ian Bryce, Sandy Donald and David Foster who left Inch at 8a.m. to go up
Cranstackie and Beinn Spionnaidh. Harrold, Connie and Ingrid went to An
Socach from Badcoall, and David, Isobel, Colin and 4 Deans(AARA) tackled
Quinag. Fred, Mary and Ruth Craddock walked from the hostel to the
waterfall. Everyone had a great day out, and it was so clear that you
could see Ben Wyvis from the tops. Unfortunately, we were among those
just arriving on the Sunday, so missed out on that great weather. We
arrived to find the hostel closed and Airlie looking for a way in (which
we found). That evening was spent catching up on news, and getting the
place warmed up. It was great to have plenty of space in the fridge, and
the kitchen had just been refurbished..jpg)
.jpg)
Our
New Year’s Day dinner was very successful with a tantalising array of
lovely food. We had vegetarian soups, followed by a selection of
vegetarian main courses, such as lasagne, moroccan stew and curry, then
some delicious desserts, such as chocolate gateau, trifle, fruit salad
and two kinds of tiramisu. As usual we had inter-course changes of
seating, which is a very nice way of getting away from one’s
spouse/partner and talking to others. Later, there was no dancing, but
we had a mass karaoke courtesy of Dave Webster and his computer. This
went down very well until we got to numbers like Bohemian Rhapsody which
I’m afraid were beyond the vocal capabilities of most Glenmorons. Song
books were then handed out and we happily sang our way through the usual
folksongs.