aprIL 2008 to marCH 2009
Walk review from Mike Fordyce March 15th '09 MacLeod's Maidens
Rearranged from April, this walk began at Kyle car park where 6 members met at 08:00 with a further 2 picked up in Broadford before travelling to Orbost in NW Skye. It was decided that MacLeod's Tables would not be attempted due to high winds and low cloud. After parking the vehicles at Orbost farm (NG257431) we followed a good path south, above the shores of Loch Bracadale. The weather was better than forecast albeit a bit blustery with occ. sh. which gave us the opportunity to try out our new bothy shelters purchased from club funds. They proved to be very effective and fun to use, although I don't think a bench seat is supposed to be part of the furniture!! On reaching Idrigill Point, spectacular views of the stacks "Macleod's Maidens" were observed and after a short break, we made our way back to the start point. On the return route we deviated from the path and with Stella's assistance, with knowledge from a previous visit we used a very indistinct path to the cliff edge. , rewarding us with some outstanding views of 2 natural arches with more good photo opportunities. We then returned to the path and reached the cars at approx. 15:30 just as the weather was breaking. The distance walked was around 17km taking 6.5hrs including stops and deviations. A brief pub stop at Broadford on the way home rounded off a very enjoyable day with all participants looking forward to the Torridon walks on Sunday April 19th, the lower level walk being from Glen Carron to Torridon via Coulags and Bealach na Lice approx. 14km with 430m of ascent. Ben Damph, being the higher walk as per program. As always all walks are subject to change at short notice due to weather conditions or safety considerations, although pick up points will not be changed without prior notice to all members. Further information can always be had from any committee member or myself. Hope to see you soon... Mike Fordyce
Walk review from Dee Taylor - February 14th '09 Luib to Strath Beag... South Skye
The day started at 8am from Kyle to Torrin(Blue Shed Cafe) where 2 cars were deposited ana third picking up the drivers to take them to start point in Luib for the 9am meeting of the other members. Amild dry day with low cloud on the tops but visibility was good on low level: the snow had completely cleared from low level. 5 members set off from Luib taking the path on the left over the bridge at the end of the township, clear signs point the way to Strollamus. This is a good wide path which leads to a bridge(just before a water sub-station) where, before crossing, the path veers off to the right and follows the right bank of the Allt Strollamus as it climbs into the narrows of An Slugan. The path then ascends to a heght of 190m to a grassy bealach(where we were surprised to find a gat closed across our path but no fencing... good job we remembered to bring the key... as seen in photo! From here follow the clear path marked by 2 cairns and drop down into Torrin at exact spot where cars were parked. The path was wet underfoot with quite a lot of shallow water crossings but caused no concern. 3 hours taken at a relaxed pace with pleasant fuel stops along the way.
2 members decided to carry on to complete the circle back to Luib. Walk the main road 1M towards Elgol to the bridge over Loch Slapin where you will see a signpost to Luib...3.4M with stops took 2 hours...most enjoyable.
Walk review from Dee Taylor - January 18th '09 Nonach Lodge to Loch an lasaich
The first walk took place, after a stormy Saturday, on a good with only a few snowy moments. After a slippery drive to Nonach Lodge, the 3 members walked along the pretty valley of Glen Ling with a few sightings of Red Deer. The walk terminated in a peaceful but chilly snowfall lunch in 2degC beside Loch an lasaich rather than the full walk to Attadale with a return by the same route, a very enjoyable 12 miles.
Club walk reports for 2008 ...
Walk review from Dee Taylor - July 13th '08 Beinn Alligin/ Tom-na-Gruagaich and Sgurr-Mhor Torridon.
7 members took part on Sunday meeting at Dornie Hall at 7.45am for a two car share to Torridon.
A promising start to the day with sunshine after the rain and the cloud lifting quickly off the tops. From the starting point at the car park on the Torridon to Diabeg minor road, an anti-clockwise route was decided upon, walking on a good path alongside the Abhainn Coire Mhic Nobuil in the direction of Bealach a` Chomhia on the right side of Alligin.
Two river crossings, a steady climb and a good deal of scrambling took in the traverse of the Horns of Alligin which were exposed, challenging and exciting with outstanding views. Onwards to the ridge leading to the summit of Sgurr Mhor which is Alligins highest point.
Continuing on in now windy conditions around Toll a` Mhadaidh to Eag Dhuibh which is a remarkable cleft plunging 550m into the corrie and truly awesome.
Beyond the dip, the narrow ridge to the summit of Tom na Gruagaich was tackled again with its share of scrambling but well worth the effort for the spectacular views which only got better as the walk progressed.
The exit off Alligan was a descent into Coire an Laoigh on a good path to the starting point.
An exhilarating walk on a typical three season day.
Refreshments were enjoyed at the Strathcarron Hotel where live music and good company rounded the day off well.
A few words from Peter Chilton of Breakish
Dear All, Brilliant event, superbly organized, I couldn't resist a few verses:
The starting point was Glenelg Village Hall
And the walkers were packed in wall to wall,
Then the tape was cut by the MSP
And off we set, Ted,Jed and me.
"Go on ahead, if you want," said Ted,
So i did, and left him walking with Jed.
Then a crofter from Edinbane set the pace,
Too fast for me, well, it isn't a race.
Three retired firemen, from Liverpool, walked.
Our speed compatible as we talked.
A red flag i missed, thinking do not tarry,
turn back or finish up in Glen Garry!
Detour corrected, what's this i see?
The three of us walking, Ted, Jed and me!
They knew the route and kept a good pace,
I'll stick with them now, it isn't a race!
The Checkpoints were well run without any delay,
With water aplenty what more need i say.
A surprise for most, down by the shore,
Letterfearn pit stop, JELLYBABIES galore.
Totaig behind us press on up the hill,
My knee giving trouble, i'll just take a pill.!
Move slow through the forest then sit on a stump,
Watch walkers come past me and i feel a chump.
A couple from Edinburgh pause for a chat
Pick up on my accent and tell me that
They often go walking in the Yorkshire Dales,
I guess if we'd had time we could exchange some tales.
Tablet is working now, cover some more ground.
Patrick came to find me - word's got around.
A guide down to Ardintoul there on the shore,
Five miles left, knee ok, trouble no more.
I catch up with Dee and we complete the walk,
Being a Postie she keeps stopping to talk
To locals we meet, who leave with no trace,
Eleven hours five minutes, well, it isn't a race.
Lochalsh Trails Club, i've just got to say
You very professionally ran the day.
Thanks for a beautiful walk full of pace,
But let's not forget that it isn't a race.
Walk review from Dee Taylor.
Sunday May 11th `08.
8 club members, turned out on what started as a damp misty morning to walk the South Glenshiel Ridge (west to east).
Although cloud was very low at Cluanie, the walk went ahead as planned. After the initial walk in with good views on a good path to the summit of Maol Chinn-Dearg, the views were all but lost but it was extremely hot and hummid.
Continuing Eastwards on to Aonach air Chrith (The Trembling Ridge) aptly named for its narrowness and sheer drop offs, passing over snow fields and a good deal of scrambling to reach the third summit of Druim Shionnach where it was decided to end the walk due to ever thickening cloud.
An enjoyable day was had by all who used the experience to hone their compass and map reading skills shared by the two very competent leaders of the day.
Weather conditions on the day showed how important these skills are in our ever changing hill environment and weather.
Refreshments in the sunshine of the Cluanie Inn beer garden finished the day off well..
Walk review from Dee Taylor.
Sunday April 13th `08. Maol Chean- Dearg Circle.\ First bus outing
17 members took part departing from Coulags, Strathcarron to do the 11 mile circular footpath which skirts around Maol Chean - Dearg. 4 seasons was the order of the day but the views were never lost and ever changing. On reaching the summit of Bealach a` Choir Gharbh, 3 fully equipped members tackled the summit of Maol Chean- Dearg in snowy conditions but were rewarded by a brief window to enjoy the view.
The 14 remaining members followed the path downwards to Loch an Eion where they picniced on the shingle shore in lovely sunshine. The path continued over Bealach na Lice and outwards to Loch Caire Fionnaraich picking up the other intrepid 3. Ashort distance completes the circle and picks up the path following the Fionn Abhainn burn back to the Mountain Bothy and out to Coulags. Very enjoyable.
