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Forfar & District
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A good turnout of twelve members started the New Year with a walk round the hills at the head of Glen Lethnot. Six members left Forfar shortly
after 8am, meeting a further six at the top of the glen at 9am.
The temperature was well below zero as they set off, having been sent hurriedly on their way by a flurry of snow. Crossing a bridge over the West Water,
the track took them past some houses with a few contented-looking turkeys in the garden, no doubt relieved that they had survived Christmas unscathed.
A short distance later, they followed another track steeply up the hillside, climbing from two hundred to six hundred metres in height.
Having completed most of the hard work for the day, the walkers could then enjoy a high-level walk round the rolling tops which are so typical of the Angus glens.
The route curved round from Hill of Berran to Wester Hill. The going was very easy now, with splendid views opening out to the north, but with just
a hint of a chilling northerly breeze to discourage the walkers from pausing for very long. A hut was identified on the map a short distance ahead
and the group were anticipating some shelter on the leeward side for a welcome refreshment stop. Alas, as they approached it became clear that
the hut had fallen victim to the recent storms and had quite literally been scattered to the four winds. Nevertheless, some shelter was found
amongst the debris.
The route then continued west, curving south then east, over the tops of Ruragh, Dog Hillock and Hill of Glansie. This was the highest part of the route, all these tops exceeding seven hundred metres. There was a good covering of two to three inches of snow at this height, making for a nice wintry experience. The final top of the day was Mount Sned, from where it was all downhill, a very faint path being picked up on the south side of the Burn of Corscarie which led to a small footbridge before rejoining the outward path just a few hundred metres from the cars.
The total distance covered was fourteen kilometres with 650 metres of ascent. The time taken was fully five hours at a fairly leisurely pace.
Iain Cameron, author and snow patch researcher presented a very interesting talk on his life-long research of snow fields in Scotland, starting when he was a boy looking north to Ben Lomond.
The traditional ""High Tea" (alas no more) Meet attracted a good turnout of 17 members and guests. The group congregated at the Airlie Tower car park,
a short distance up the Glen Prosen road, at 9.30. A few cars were then taken up to Glenprosen village as a through walk had been planned.
By 10am the walkers and cars were all in the correct place and they set off towards the monument on Tower Hill, pausing for breath at the top and
checking the route in what had become a rather unfamiliar landscape due to the amount of tree felling which had been carried out. A gentle climb on
a path above the trees took the walkers to a small top known as “The Goal”. The onward route was now a fairly well-defined ridge with only gentle
climbs over several rounded tops. At Craigs of Lethnot the group stopped for a lunch break. The anticipated views to the north were restricted
somewhat by the low cloud although the hills beyond Clova stood out well, with the sun occasionally reflecting off the snow on the cliffs above Loch Brandy.
It was only a short climb after lunch to the highest point of the day, Hill of Couternach, standing 512m above sea level. Another two tops followed before
a steady descent to join the Minister’s Path, so called because it linked the churches at Prosen and Clova, the poor minister making that trek every Sunday.
At the rather boggy junction, the walkers turned south, meeting three other members of the club who had walked from Glenprosen to meet them. All 20 then
made their way down the lonely Glen Tairie in various small groups, with the early-morning calculation of the number of cars required happily proving
to be adequate to ferry everyone back down the glen. By the time the walkers reached the cars, thoughts were turning to the meal which awaited them
at Sinclair’s Kitchen in a couple of hours time.
A distance of 14km was covered with 500m of ascent. The walk was completed in about 5 hours, just enough to work up a good appetite. 26 members gathered
at Sinclair's Kitchen for a meal, after which Steve, our current President said a few words.
17 members attended. Thirteen members had submitted 57 images for the competition. Graham Wilkinson was the judge and was given the images one week in advance.
Entrants were coded so that Graham had no idea of the identity, and the order of display was randomised.
Alex Roddie, a recent new member, won both the Brian Coull Memorial Trophy for best photograph and the Norrie Trophy for the best collection of 3.
Congratulations!
Brian Coull Trophy: winner E (Alex) with Image E2 In Coire nan Lochan; second place K (Louise) with image K4 Tarn Hows:
third place C (Nicola) with image C2 Unlock Pike.
The Norrie Trophy: winner E (Alex) with images E1 Ben Lawers at Night, E2 In Coire nan Lochan, and E3 Kinpurney Hill at Sunrise.
Second place K (Louise) with images K1 Isle of Skye, K4 Tarn Hows, and K5 Great Langdale. No third place selected.
These 7 images are shown below. Full resolution images of all entries can be viewed from
the Photos Page.
The judge's notes can be viewed here. Entrant codes have been added.
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Nine members turned out in the midst of the longest cold spell of the winter so far. Ice axe and crampons were a necessity
on this occasion and although all our members carried them on the walk, many other walkers surprisingly were encountered
without such equipment.
The group set off from the car park at Glen Turret dam just after 9am in overcast conditions, a fast pace ensuring
that the winter chill was kept at bay as a chilly breeze made its presence felt on occasion along the length of Glen
Turret Reservoir. Beyond the reservoir, a group of swans paddled gracefully in Lochan Uaine, ensuring that one corner
of the loch was kept free of ice.
Beyond this lochan, the hard work started as a steep climb was required to gain the north-east ridge of Ben Chonzie.
The lower slopes were very wet but as height was gained, this quickly changed to ice on the rocks which needed care.
Once the ridge was reached, the group found themselves walking through a few inches of snow. The occasional hard patch
encouraged some to fit crampons or spikes although some managed comfortably without.
As the summit was approached, the cloud closed in and it became evident that there would be no extensive views
on this day. The considerable wind chill at the top ensured that little time was spent at the summit and a
decision was made to return via the same route to a sheltered spot tucked in beneath the crags for a lunch break.
After an enjoyable break, there followed a rather boggy walk down to Lochan Uaine before the track alongside
the reservoir was gained. A final four kilometre walk along the loch side led the group past the dam to the waiting cars.
Distance covered was 16km with 775m of ascent. The walk was completed in 6 hours.
A seventeen-bed forest lodge was hired at the Badaguish Outdoor Centre in the heart of the Glenmore forest.
After a slow start to bookings, fourteen places were filled in the end.
The weather put paid to the intentions of three attendees who had planned to climb Geal Carn Mor, a Corbett
to the west of Aviemore on Friday, but hopes were high for a dry Saturday as stormy weather appeared to be the order
of the day for Sunday.
Saturday
In the end, the skies had in fact cleared overnight although it was still quite windy. Four different groups headed
for the hills while some others settled for low-level adventures. Two groups set off on foot from the lodge, one
group of five enjoying a circular walk over the nearby Corbett, Meall a’ Buachaille. One solo walker set off on
a long walk to Bynack Beag, a subsidiary top of Bynack More.
Two intrepids decided to attempt Bynack Mor. They set off from the Allt Mor car park in bright, dry conditions
and followed the Ryvoan Trail NE for about 3km. The trail split about 0.5km after the bonny An Lochain Uaine
and they took the right fork W then SW. It was only after crossing the Garbh Allt that the path really started
to climb. And it wasn’t long after they started climbing that they started to feel the wind.
The gradient of the path eased a bit at around 700m by which point they were struggling to walk in a straight line.
They were also obliged to don waterproofs as they were regularly powerwashed by light showers. Conversation was
impossible at anything less than a shout.
They made our way S to the foot of the final steep and stopped in the lea of the first crag they came to. A quick
cup of tea and a wee piece had them steeled for the final assault. They elected to move up the sheltered side of
the hill (the E side) amazed at how many people persevered with the prescribed (and exposed) route up the ridge.
Remarkably for this time of year it was only now they found ourselves crossing patches of old snow. It was soft
and didn’t require crampons.
As they approached the summit they could hear the wind roaring over the ridge only a few feet away. They stopped
at the cairn only long enough for the obligatory photographs and a very quick look around. The next shower
- this one with ice crystals in it- had us scurrying back into the lea of the hill within a couple of minutes.
They returned by the same route grateful for the decrease in wind speed with every m descended. The walk back
through the forest being positively blissful. They arrived back at the car just over 7 hours after leaving it.
A fourth group of two went by car to Achlean, walking up Glen Feshie and climbing Carn Dearg Mor from the west
and returning over the long north ridge, experiencing some heavy showers along the way and strong winds on the ridge.
Three different low-level routes were undertaken. Two newcomers to the club went exploring around Loch Morlich.
One member ventured along part of the Speyside Way near Nethybridge, apparently indulging in some celebrity-spotting
along the way. Another member got on his bike and cycled towards the Cairngorm Club footbridge and completed a circuit
of Loch an Eilean.
Late afternoon saw most of group gather round the television to observe the rare sight of England beating Scotland
at rugby.
Sunday
No-one was making any plans for the Sunday due to the weather forecast. It was late morning by the time the wind
and rain relented to a degree and a group of eight ventured out for a forest walk, leaving the cars at Coylumbridge a
nd heading into the shelter of the forest. They reached Loch an Eilean, walking all the way round and eventually
rejoining the outward route to return to the cars. It was still early afternoon when they returned to the lodge for lunch.
Four walkers went out later in the afternoon, the second walk for some of them. This time it was a circuit of Loch Morlich.
With no cars being required, they succumbed to the temptation of a nearby hostelry, completing the final part of
the walk back in the dark.
Monday
With a few members returning home on Sunday and others heading homewards on Monday morning, it was left to one group
of five to chalk up the only hill on Monday. They made the short journey to Lynwilg, following the steep climb
of the Burma road to its high point before heading into the wind and intermittent hailstones to the summit of Geal
Charn Mor. A hasty retreat was made to lower levels for a bite to eat before the journey home.
Most members agreed that it was a very enjoyable weekend despite the weather. The accommodation was a bit different
from the norm. It was quite spacious and members appreciated it being self-contained rather than shared. Worth
another visit in the opinion of some.
9 members met at Forfar with the intention of walking the Cateran Trail from Spittal of Glenshee to Kirkmichael. After discussing logistics,
we travelled to Kirkmichael in 4 cars and met a 10th member there. The 10 of us then squeezed into 2 cars and drove the half-hour to the Spittal.
We quickly picked up the Cateran Trail and climbed steadily SW through the great open bowl of Coire Lairige. It was a still, hazy and unseasonally
warm morning and layers were getting shed at regular intervals. In little over an hour we reached the rim of the coire at An Laing. From there we
headed NW then W to take in Ben Earb but not before stopping for a leisurely elevenses and soaking up the warmth and stillness of the day.
At the summit of Ben Earb we were joined by an 11th member who had parked and walked up from Enochdhu. From there we followed the broad ridge
S to Creag Bhreac then SE down to the Upper Lunch Hut at the foot of the hill. It was far too nice a day to have lunch in the hut so we sat
and had our piece outside.
After lunch it was easy walking, following the landrover track SW first over open moorland then conifer forest. The track then dropped through
Dirnean Estate before hitting the A924 at Enochdhu. Member11 bade us fond farewell here and headed home. The remainder of us crossed the Ardle
at Dalreach before following the track/path SE back to Kirkmichael. Two drivers and two passengers were then given a lift back to the Spittal
for their cars while the rest headed for home in the remaining car.
22 members and 1 guest attended. The current committee was re-elected at the AGM.
Afterwards the guest (ex-member John Dawson) brought a large collection of books (walking and Scotland related) which he offered to club members
in lieu of donations to Cancer Research. John chatted about his life and his love for the hills from an early age and explained how cancer had
impacted his family personally which was why Cancer Research was his choice of charity.
This was held in Strathmore Rugby Club. 9 teams entered. Our club was hosting the event (as per a rota) and thus couldn't defend our title. We had a big team of volunteers to help run the event and handle a raffle and auction, whicg raised £550 for two charities. The winner of the quiz was Perth Mountaineering Club, who took away the newly extended trophy. Dundee Mountain Club B were awarded The Boot.
Twelve members attended this weekend, staying at Corran Ferry Hostel, a favourite of the club over the years.
Friday
Two groups climbed hills on the way up on Friday in an attempt to outsmart the imminent wet weather which had been promised for Saturday.
One group left at the crack of dawn and convened at Kinlochleven for a day in the Mamores, climbing Binnein Mor and Na Gruagaichean. They left
Kinlochmore at 10am and climbed steadily NE stopping only briefly to admire the Grey Mares Tail waterfall. They followed a stalkers path
which zigzagged NW up onto Sgor Eilde Beag. They continued on, skirting the rim of Gearr-leacann. This broad ridge narrowed right down
for the final half km onto Binnein Mor. It was 2.30pm by this time and the stiff breeze had turned into an uncomfortably strong wind.
Fortunately they still had 360 degree visibility with magnificent views- albeit a bit hazy. They travelled S back along the narrow ridge
before branching SW along a broader ridge and enjoying an easy ascent onto Na Gruagaichean. Again, they had great views but the strength of
the wind meant they didn’t tarry long. They arrived back at the car just before 6pm with beaming faces and grumbling knees.
Another member stopped off at Bridge of Orchy and had a successful day on Ben Dorain and Beinn an Dothaidh before continuing north to Corran Ferry.
Saturday
A wet Saturday morning materialised as expected although there were frequent pauses between the heavy showers. Gaps in the cloud gave further
encouragement during breakfast that a reasonable day on the hills may be possible, and so members packed their rucksacks with enthusiasm,
remembering to have waterproofs at the ready.
Again, the Mamores were popular, with one group once again heading to Kinlochleven, this time the objective being Binnein Beag and Sgurr Eilde Mor.
Another group climbed Mullach nan Coirean and Stob Ban from Glen Nevis. Both groups were in and out of cloud all day with the rain not being
as bad as had been feared.
Another group had a magnificent ridge walk on the north side of Loch Leven, culminating in summiting the Corbett of Mam na Gualainn at the western end.
One other member had a hill all to himself, namely the remote Corbett Glas Bheinn, which sits to the east of Kinlochleven, just south of the most easterly Mamore,
Sgurr Eilde Mor. The two Corbett groups missed the worst of the cloud and rain due to being that bit lower.
Sunday
On Sunday, the largest group had a relaxing short day by taking the ferry to Ardgour and pottering around on the beach before going home.
One group took advantage of the much clearer but colder weather to claim another Corbett, this time on the south side of Loch Leven, namely Garbh Bheinn.
This was a short but unrelenting climb from the loch side with contrasting lower grassy slopes and very rocky upper slopes.
All attendees went home happy, having enjoyed the facilities at the excellent hostel and perhaps bagged more hills than the weather forecast suggested would be possible.
Awaiting Report.
Seven members set off from Forfar at 7am, heading for Rob Roy country along the road from Balquhidder to Inverlochlarig. There were surprisingly
few cars when they arrived at the car park about 9.15 and by 9.30 the group were on their way.
There was no gentle walk in to loosen the muscles on this walk. From the roadside, the lower slopes of Stob Binnein rise at a very steep gradient,
resulting in much peching and the removal of some outer garments within a short space of time. On the plus side, a look back towards the car park
confirmed that height was being gained very quickly. There was, however, the small matter of 1100m of ascent to go to the first summit
of the day. On and on the relentless slope went, with a number of brief pauses being made to gather the group together and enjoy the views of the
surrounding hills which were opening up as height was gained. Eventually the slope eased off and allowed a view of the final summit cone of Stob Binnein
with Ben More, the second target of the day, beyond.
By this time the group were exposed to a very light but chilly northerly breeze although the weather was still bright. They managed to find a sheltered
spot for a lunch break before tackling the final slopes of Stob Binnein and were packing to set off again when a bank of cloud brought a flurry of snow.
The summit was duly reached and the disappointingly small cairn for such an iconic hill was not good enough for one member who set about gathering
some large rocks to add to the cairn. At this point, one member decided to return by a different route to take in the top of Meall na Dige, which,
although standing at a not insignificant 966m, is still dwarfed by its westerly neighbours. The others prepared to continue to Ben More.
Around this point the weather, which had been flirting with hints of spring and early summer sunshine, decided to revert back to winter and the descent
to the Bealach eadar dha Bheinn was carried out in poor visibility with a strong wind and hailstones. At the bealach the group split in two, with
three members descending to Inverlochlarig Glen while three continued to Ben More in the hope that the weather would clear again. It transpired that
the latter group had made a good decision as the first group shortly found themselves sitting near the floor of the glen in brilliant sunshine, looking
up at three walkers on the ridge leading to Ben More summit against a deep blue sky.
The first group enjoyed a leisurely walk out along Inverlochlarig Glen, with the second threesome following the same route and arriving back at the
car park just under an hour behind. The solo “top-bagger” had already arrived back at the cars some time before.
This was one of those days which could justifiably be claimed to have all four seasons in one day. Those completing the full walk including Ben More
covered a distance of about 14km with an ascent of 1400m. All walkers were back at the car park by 5.30pm, eight hours after setting off.
Awaiting Report.
13 attended. Awaiting Report.
Awaiting Report.
Eight members congregated at Balkello Woodlands car park on a rather chilly evening for a walk in the Sidlaw Hills. From the labyrinth
of paths around the car park they successfully identified one which took them through the woods and upwards to Balkello Hill. The top,
at a modest 397m proved to be a great viewpoint with the added advantage of having a viewfinder identifying the distant hills, although
the cloudy conditions meant that only Schiehallion could be readily identified in the distance. Nearer to hand, there were great views
over Dundee to the Tay estuary and Fife.
The walkers braved the strong, cold wind for a few minutes before moving on down to a more sheltered path before climbing upwards again to Auchterhouse Hill.
The wind here was even stronger and a hasty retreat was made once again to lower levels, this time contouring round to the south of Balkello Hill
before returning through the woods to the car park.
This was a pleasant, leisurely walk to complete the current calendar of Monday evening meetings, covering a distance of about 5km in two hours.
Five members and two guests went to an area which has not been frequented by the club too often in recent years, namely the Arrochar Alps.
Because of the travelling distance involved, a slightly earlier departure time of 6.30 was arranged. One car set off from Forfar just after 6.30,
picking up two more passengers en route. Four others made their way direct, although only three took part in the hill walk while another enjoyed
low-level walking around the head of Loch Long.
After paying Argyll Council’s exorbitant parking fees (£7 for7 hours!) at the Arrochar car park, they set off on the path across the road,
quickly taking a rather overgrown path branching off to the right, heading for the south-east ridge of Beinn Narnain. A steep climb through
the forest ensued, with the midges ensuring that any pauses for breath were kept brief. Once on the open hillside the faintest of cooling
breezes was initially very welcome, although with increased height it became decidedly chilly on exposed stretches. The terrain changed
several times, with a stony path changing to boggy sections, then stone steps and rocky scrambles ensuring that various muscles got
a good workout, arms included. After a bit of respite where the gradient eased off, the buttresses guarding the top came into view and
a final scramble took the group to the summit. A small shelter provided some protection from the gentle but chilly breeze for an enjoyable
lunch break. The views from here were all about the sea lochs of the west coast, with the eye being drawn along the length of Loch Long
to the open waters of the Clyde estuary and the pyramid of Ailsa Craig showing itself on the horizon.
Ironically, the group had the summit of Beinn Narnain to themselves while they looked across at a constant stream of walkers wending their
way up the path to the Cobbler, looking like a colony of ants. Can Corbetts be overtaking Munros in popularity?
Continuing over the summit plateau, the walkers descended on the north side of the mountain where they were more exposed to the north-westerly wind,
prompting the donning of more clothing. The slopes of Ben Ime straight ahead seemed to be beckoning the group, but they wheeled west,
joining the throngs on the Cobbler. Another steep but mercifully short ascent took them to the main, middle summit of the Cobbler where there
was a queue of steely-nerved walkers (climbers?) waiting their turn to climb through the rock window and take to the ledge leading to
the vertigo-inducing highest point. None of the FDHWC group felt inclined to join the queue, preferring instead to join the many spectators.
The descent was made by a different route, climbing steeply down to the east between the main and northern tops which afforded great views
of the overhanging northern top which soared above the walkers as they made their way down. After a few tricky rock steps the route
settled down to a straightforward path which joined the main path at the Allt a’ Bhalachain. It was at this point that the first rain
of the day was experienced, a relatively light shower which lasted about half an hour. By the time the forest was reached,
the sun was trying to break through and the calm, humid conditions made for a midgy descent.
The car park was reached after about seven hours and ten minutes, which was a bit of a relief as some of the drivers had paid for seven hours parking.
The distance covered on the walk was 11km but with almost 1400m of ascent it was quite a strenuous day.
Awaiting Report.