Winter and Torridon does not sound as the easier place to organise a weekend meet from Glasgow, but Glasgow JMCS members are really committed mountaineers and we not just organise the meet, but we fill Ling hut! As reward, we god one of the best days of this winter on Saturday!
But before there, we needed to make our way up here. For some, it was easier, coming from Inverness and Skye, but most required a long drive from Glasgow, which were made on different fashion: coming early to get some hike done on the way, coming slowly along the day enjoying the sun, late arrival after work… or the most extraordinary, realising mid-way not having brought the climbing rucksack!! Despite this eventuality, the rest of the members showed there are not just keen mountaineers, but also great colleagues, and a full climbing rack, including helmet, rope, crampons and protection was ready by Saturday morning.
With all teams organise, Saturday started early from everyone. Most of the people went to Beinn Eighe for easy climbs on the remaining snow, that despite being scarce, was in very good conditions. One team climbed Morrison’s Gully (I), a long but superb snow gully which ended up being almost easier that the made-up descent on the westerns flanks of the mountain. Another two teams went a bit further on the path until Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair and the Triple Buttresses in the search of the old plane crash remains on the area, but specially, to climb Fuselage Gully (II), whose name is given by the plane fuselage and propellant still on the middle of the route. Probably, the only place in Scotland (and probably even further) where you need to use an old plane to place your protection!
The fuselage teams joined the only hiking team of the weekend, that decided to bag the two munros of Beinn Eighe. After enjoying the magnificent of the Triple Buttresses, the three groups meet on the top of Ruadh-Stac Mòr and then made their way together to Spidean Coire nan Clach under blue skies and superb views of the region, including Beinn Alligin, Sliog and Liathach.
Precisely, it was Liathach where the fourth climbing team went looking for the more reliable snow in the heights of the mountain. They climbed George (III) easily, however, given the distance of the crag, and they made a late return to the hut. Luckily for them, the dinner was ready to enjoy the traditional communal meal on Saturday evening. Venison nachos, soup, vegetarian and not that vegetarian chillies, bruschetta, raspberry crumble, pasteis de nata… a well deserve feast after a productive day in the hills.
Since all good things are short-life, Sunday came with much greyer and wetter day, which put most of the group out of the hills, deciding to return to their respective locations earlier. However, three brave hikers ventured to Fionn Bheinn on the way back to make the most of the trip to the North. Unfortunately, the clouds didn’t give a chance and no views were rewarded for such effort.
Good to see that despite the long trip and the short days, club members respond well to meets in remote locations. Good to know for future years!