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2008 Archive Stories and pics from |
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2008 Archive Stories and pics from |
May Day Trip to the Cateran Trail
As we set off on the coach from Glasgow the weather was looking much better than had been forecast, and by the time we reached Glenshee it was even fairly warm. Everyone had opted for the full walk and after a quick snack in the Hotel, mostly of enormous rock cakes, we hit the Cateran Trail. The driver had been getting a bit twitchy about how he was going to manoeuvre the coach down the narrow road from Glenshee to Glenisla and after relaying the results of some enquiries in the Spittal Hotel he decided to take the safer option of approaching from the south via Alyth. The first 5 mile section of the trail from Spittal to the Glenisla road proved to be somewhat more arduous than expected, primarily due to the trail wandering off up the side of the glen at regular intervals presumably to avoid passing too close to various habitations. On arrival at the Glenisla road .. a little later than expected .. Bob together with David and Alistair Anderson decided to take the route over Mount Blair while the rest of us carried on along the road for a further 1½ miles to the turnoff to Little Forter.
At this point there was roughly a 50:50 split in those following the full trail and those who decided to take the slightly shorter and flatter option of following the road to Kirkton of Glenisla. It was unfortunate that time was getting a bit short by this stage, as this next section of the trail was by far the most pleasant of the whole route, and in retrospect it would have been better to have missed out the more irritating first section to give everyone more time to enjoy this more pleasant section. The road group arrived Glenisla Inn at about 4.30pm while the other 2 groups appeared just after 5pm. The coach had safely arrived by the extended route and the driver was quite happy to give us time for a beer in the Inn before setting off at about 5.40pm. The Glenisla Inn was well worth a visit and had a comfortable, basic lounge bar with a large log fire and good beer. They were hosting their first guests on a package arrangement where guests walk the whole of the Cateran Trail over a period of 5 days while being ferried back and forth each day to sections of the trail by taxi from the Inn. The group arrived back as we were leaving and were complaining that despite all the exercise, they were putting on weight due to the good food at the Inn. Overall it was a good day out for the 20 who came along and we never did see any of the forecast rain.
Ian Moffatt
We hadn’t been to Skye for a couple of years, and there were some of the group who had specific hills they wanted to climb to complete their Skye Munros.
I left work early and having picked up Allan on my way home, loaded the car then picked up Irene early on the Thursday evening. We had a good trip up and arrived at Portnalong around 10pm.
On the Friday, Allan, Irene and I headed round to Torrin to climb Blaven. It was dry all day and we had frequent bursts of sunshine. The views were great and quite a few photos were taken.
Kenny drove up and climbed Moruisg and Sgurr nan Ceannaichean in Strathcarron.
Ian and Iris drove up in Mabel and stayed Thursday night in Glen Nevis. They climbed Beinn Mhor Dearg on the Friday before continuing to Skye. Jim travelled up and was booked in before we had returned from Blaven. Renee and Bill travelled up arriving about the same time as we got back to the hostel.
Three of us had decided to eat out and discovered that the local hotel had closed. We travelled to Carbost but there were no tables available there. We ended up at the Sligachan that of course had plenty of room and we had an enjoyable meal before heading back for a nightcap with the others.
On Saturday, we were going diverse ways. Kenny headed off early to climb Sgurr nan Gillean. Jim headed to Glen Brittle to do the ridge from Sgurr a'Mhadaidh to Sgurr na Banachdich. I dropped off Irene who went to walk the Talisker cliff walk.
Ian, Iris, Allan and I continued to the Glen Brittle camp site and set off to climb Sgurr Dubh Mor and Sgurr nan Eag. This was a long day but these were the last Skye Munros for Allan and Iris. Iris now has 5 Munros to go.
Renee and Bill also went to the camp site and walked into Coire Lagan. Again the weather stayed dry and we had lots of sun and wonderful views. From Sgurr nan Eag we could see the whole of the Outer Hebrides from Lewis down to Barra.
The Coir a’ Ghrunnda group were late back, but before long we were sitting down together for our communal evening meal that was finished off with Kenny blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, then cutting it up into generous portions that were quickly devoured.
2 good days – could our luck hold out?
Sunday morning broke and yet again the weather was good. Kenny was up and away early (heading home for the delayed birthday presents?). Jim was also away early but drove down Glen Brittle and climbed Sgurr nan Eag.
Bob, Ian, Allan and Irene headed back down the road and parked at the start point for Marsco. Iris was having a deserved rest day so took the campervan back to the Sligachan. The rest set off up the glen. After a while Irene decided to turn back and when we reached the col, Allan opted for some sunbathing on a rock.
Ian and I continued on and reached the summit where again we had great views. We went part way down together towards Mam a’ Phobuill until I headed back to the ascent route while Ian headed towards the Sligachan.
I got back around 2pm and we set off and had a great run home, being back in Glasgow by 7pm.
Renee and Bill did the Fiskavaig/Talisker beach walk, walking to the top of the hill before heading for Carbost and a pleasant meal and drinks before heading back to Portnalong. They stayed over to the Monday when before heading home went to Elgol and managed to get the boat trip to Loch Coruisk that they highly recommend.
I can’t remember any time that we've been on Skye and had 3 consecutive days of mainly sunshine with no rain or mist.
Bob MacDonald
May Evening Walk round the Greenock Cut
