Cluanie & Drumochter Munros - 10 Nov 2024

Càrn Ghlusaid and Sgurr nan Conbhairean , Strath Cluanie

A group of five members met on the shore of Loch Cluanie in the large lay-by. For the first time that we could recall there were no overnight camper vans parked up, the visitors are going home now the seasons are changing. However, the golden colour of the hills and trees make them as beautiful as ever.

We had a chat about how we would run this navigation sharing meet and decided to walk and share how we were using the map, compass and other skills that we had between us. The meet was not about instructing, as we have great skills in the club, it was an opportunity to learn from others.

The weather was somewhat dull with cloud and light rain, excellent for navigation practise. The group walked and shared, discussing difference in Harvey and OS maps of different scales. We gained the summit of Càrn Ghlusaid (Hill of Movement, somewhat appropriate with the wind!) and then set off towards Sgurr nan Conbhairean (Peak of the Hound Keepers). The wind became stronger especially in the Bealach between the tops.

A sheltered place was found for lunch and the cloud lifted enabling some landscape-wide navigation to take us back to the road and the lay by. On the descent we spotted a flock of Snow Buntings seemingly falling from the sky as they demonstrated some acrobatics. A good day in the hills with some useful navigation practice.

Taking part: Jan, Emma, Martin, Andrew and Martyn.

Words and photos: Martyn & Martin.

Geal Charn and A’Mharconaich, Drumochter

Sunday saw a group of 11 IMC members gathering at Balsporran Cottages to ascend the mighty Munros of Geal-Charn and A’Mharconaich. Too many for one group on the hill, so we split into two teams. The ‘A’ team did both hills but as the weather was misty on the tops – and ultimately wet and windy - the second group settled for only Geal-Charn. Easy going up the path and we met a lot of other folk, including a three year old and a five year old who both did Geal-Charn under their own steam! They brought their mother with them, too.

The group which did both hills had a little navigation practice coming off both in clag. It was a little contrived, unfortunately since there was a well trodden walker’s path defining the route. It was nice to come out of the clag on the descent from A’Mharconaich –even though the view was mostly defined by the A9!

The day was rounded off with a visit to the excellent Apiary on Station Road in Dalwhinnie for coffee and cake.

Participants: Arthur, Michael, Catherine, Helen W, Helen M, Euan, Ewen, Cal, John H, May, Richard and prospective members Cal and Euan, not forgetting four legged friends Max and Orla.

Words and Photos: Ewen and Arthur