Burns Supper weekend - Mill Cottage.

Robin writes:

As is often the case with Mill Cottage in winter the main challenge is getting vehicles up the hill from the hut itself, so with that in mind, most parked their vehicles on the forestry track at the top, easier said than done given the quite astonishing number of damaged and uprooted trees which had evidently fallen victim to the recent storms.

Saturday dawned blustery and with the threat of an imminent thaw to accompany the gales so most resigned themselves to relatively low level excursions. Michael, Margaret and Fiona N. headed south down the Speyside Way. Mike & Fiona R, somewhat optimistically, planned to set off from the hut on skis, hoping the snow would last out the day. Tim and George headed for Kingussie. Kate, Andrew and Robin settled on that standard Strathspey stormy weather option, the Corbett Meall a'Bhuachaille. As might be expected given the forecast, M a'B was well populated with all sorts of weather refugees, from large student parties from university clubs, to ever-optimistic cross country skiers lugging their gear up the slopes in a determined effort to find something to ski on. Robin grumbled that it was "about his 90th" ascent of that particular hill, but fortunately it was all new to Kate and Andrew ( who can count it as his third Corbett).

Back at the hut, Head Haggis Chefs Mike & Fiona R, ably assisted by several willing accomplices, soon had the celebratory feast under way, and the party were joined for the meal by Andreas, who'd been in the N Corries instructing a group of clients in winter skills, and Dan & Irene from their new hoose in nearby Aviemore. The Haggis was addressed in traditional IMC fashion - ie more McGonnagall than Burns - by the customary culprit, following which a sociable evening with much eating and drinking was enjoyed.

Thanks to all who provided food, and plaudits in particular go to Mike & Fiona R for masterminding the whole affair with great efficiency.

Tim writes:

'Faced with poor weather, forecast across the hills for Saturday, it looked best in the north and west of the Cairngorms, so the Monadhliath seemed the better choice.. With that in mind, Tim & prospective member George headed to Kingussie to climb the Corbett, Carn an Fhreiceadain. Ice and drizzle low down made way for harsher conditions as altitude was gained. A steady climb was made along the sides of the track and good numbers of Black Grouse were congregating and a flock of Snow Buntings passed below the cloud line. The track became no more use than a navigational aid above 550 m due to drifting snow, and a biting wind coming from the south west made the choice to walk the route in a clockwise direction prudent as they were rarely walking into it. The hill was in cloud from around 650m upwards, though fortunately, the precipitation was never much more than a fine drizzle driven by the wind, and it was pleasant enough making progress round the loop that passed both the 'summit' cairn at 870 m and the trig point at 878 m, taking in Beinn Bhreac at 843m before turning south and dropping out of the cloud for some lovely views back down into the Spey valley, stopping outside the bothy for a sheltered bite to eat and then continuing down into the fast thawing lower reaches of Glen Gynack. A tough but enjoyable day making the most of the heavy conditions!'

'After a lovely Burns Supper, the following day began with heavy rain. But it was bright and clear as the rain ceased at around 10 a.m. as forecast. The same forecast gave a small window of four hours before the it predicted some gale force winds and heavy rain coming through. With that in mind, Tim and George set out together again to climb the wee Corbett, Meall a' Bhuachaille that sits above the Ryvoan pass between Glenmore and Nethy Forest. Starting from the visitor centre, climbing steeply through the forest, with much of the remnants of snow cleared by heavy overnight rain and clear skies giving stunning views across to the Cairngorm plateaux. The ridge and top was fairly polished, with a strong biting wind coming from behind, so apart from pausing a few summit pictures, they kept moving till they reached the shelter of the Ryvoan for a nice warm lunch. After that, it was a lovely stroll back down past An Lochan Uaine, the Green Lochan, and through the Caledonian Pine woods to reach the cars just as the first rain of the afternoon fell. A lovely little day using the weather window perfectly, and finishing off the best weekend that conditions allowed for.

Thanks to everyone for making it a great weekend.

Taking part: Robin,  Fiona N., Michael, Margaret, Fiona R., Mike, Tim, Andreas (camping) and prospective members George, Andrew and Kate. Dan and Irene came for the haggis.

Words; Robin and Tim     Photos: Robin and George