Beinn Liath Mhor; and Inverfarigaig and the Falls of Foyers. 23 March 2025

Beinn Liath Mhor

Beinn Liath Mhor, “The big grey hill”

Was our target for the day

So with patchy skies and milder temps,

We set off on our way.

We met up at the car park

The other side of Achnasheen

Where we failed to find a toilet,

A Bog, loo or latrine.

Discussions on what kit to take

And how we would proceed

For crampons and ice axes

We agreed we’d have no need.

“Let’s pose between the train tracks”

The suggestion was in jest

For they knew that such a photo

Would put our president to the test.

The path went up as through the wood

We trudged with spirits high

The forecast looking hopeful,

With luck we might stay dry.

Maz squatted down behind a rock

To seek some quick relief

But the strangers coming round the bend

Caused mortifying grief.

It was a colourful group of members

That marched up through the glen

And it soon became apparent

The place was full of Mr. Men.

Mr Quiet (Wendell) was gently spoken

With wise words so softly shared

But then came little Miss Chatterbox (Stella)

Where not a single word was spared.

Mr Grumpy (Martyn) full of his usual craic

In his fun non-smiling way

But when he saw the summit view,

His Mr Happy came out to play.

Maz was little miss sunshine

Untill she changed her roles

Cos little miss naughty hit the hills

And ran off with Maz’s poles.

Emma was little miss sommersault

When she helped the dog get dressed

But she’s really known as Little Miss Quick

As she paces out beyond the rest.

Orla dressed in Lumi coat

Was labelled little miss star

This four pawed group companion

was the best behaved by far.

And Richard Played at Mr Cool

As he hung out at the back

Herding this colourful rabble

Along the mountain track

At the head of the Glen, beside the loch

We gathered for a bite

And spotted a fluttering ptarmigan

Still in her winter white.

We scrambled up the rocky crag

And over the quartzite rock

Arriving at the summit true

In our happy little flock.

Then ups and downs along the ridge

We followed wild and free

Passing by the stony cairns

Of summits two and three.

Then heading down the steep descent

With caution and sore knees,

Hoping to find the missing poles

With no certain guarantees.

With missing poles the mood was low

And Maz was really sad

But it must be said, despite all this

A fantastic day was had.

We arrived down safely at the cars

Too Late for the Midgie Bite

But glad that spring was rolling in

And we still had hours of light.

Taking part: Wendell, Stella, Martyn, Richard, Emma and Maz

Words and photo: Maz