A very well attended meet at Muir Cottage, Inverey. The hut was full, since we were sharing it with some students from GCUMC, or GCUMC (nGUctw) to give its full title – “Glasgow Caledonian University Mountaineering Club (not Glasgow University, cos they’re wankers)”.
There was a sprinkling of snow on the drive up on Friday evening just about covering the road at the top of Glen Shee. But the ski slopes were completely bare, sadly.
On Friday night, folk were treated to some fiddle and guitar tunes. Pleasingly, no one complained, and the students joined in with their own tunes.
We woke to a dusting of snow at the hut. The day turned out nicer than forecast, and I’m pleased to say there was quite a lot of mountaineering done over the weekend.
Mary and Rab drove the long way round to Glen Livet due to roadworks, and climbed Carn Mhor at the Lecht. Stephen climbed Beinn Bhreac, close by the hut.
Joady, Tim and Ken set off on their bikes to do Beinn Bhrotain and Monadh Mor.
They returned 11 hours later, knackered after a fine day, but with great views up a snowy Lairig Ghru. And still smiling!
Lorna and (new member) Shaun did Carn na Drochaide. A pleasant 4hr day, with only 490m of ascent, an easy Corbett.
Three-quarters of the Kelly family had been staying in Braemar. They’d planned on doing Glas Maol, but in the event climbed up a small hill and stretched it out with a low-level walk. Magan (13) loved it so much she is considering becoming a professional mountaineer*.
* this may not be true.
After the day’s exertions, it was a more subdued affair in the hut on Saturday evening.
On Sunday, Ken and Rab had other engagements and headed back down the road. Tim and Joady did the four Munros around Glas Maol, completing a very full weekend! Mary did Morven, up from Ballater, completing three days on the trot with new Corbetts. And Lorna headed to Callater, had lunch in the bothy and a (brave) swim in Loch Callater.
Stephen hadn’t decided what to do by the time your author departed.
Meet report by Ken Murray