The early weeks of the year had been extremely wet and windy but a few days before the meet the weather had settled down to give bright clear skies and crisp temperatures. Fortunately the good spell remained for several days, and Sunday morning developed into an exceedingly fine day. A dozen members gathered on the south bank of Loch Earn by the Ardvorlich estate; a popular spot with hillwalkers - the car parking spaces rapidly filling even at 9am.

Two parties set off up the track for Ben Vorlich. James Young and James Smith were in one party and Elizabeth Maitland, Phyllis Smith, Brian McDaid and John Anderson in the other. There were only occasional patches of snow around, and it was reported that on only one occasion did any traversing of snow have to be made.

The largest party consisting of Henry Perfect, Alice and Dave Harrison, Jimmy Stevenson, Jon Barnes and Stephen Rodgers followed the Ben Vorlich track for a short while before branching off SSE towards Beinn Domhnuill and thereafter to the top of Meall na Fearn. Conditions were perfect with bright sun, a crisp breeze and mostly firm ground, even around the peat hags. The walkers going up Ben Vorlich could be seen silhouetted against the skyline. The return was via the ridge to Beinn Bhan before dropping down through woods to the road.

The fourth party of John and Enid McPartlin chose to do Ben Chonzie from Invergeldie but rendezvoused at the end of the afternoon in the Rob Roy bar. They had seen and been watched by a group of hares on their way up.

Altogether it was a splendid day on the hills enjoyed by new members as well as those of longer standing.

SJR