Invergarry - Burns Supper Weekend - 18-19 January 2025
Nineteen keen members, mourning the departure of the snow the previous weekend, collected at the comfortable Saddle Hostel in Invergarry for the annual Burns Supper meet. The proximity to Inverness facilitated some early arrivals and a relaxed sociable evening in the lounge, despite the clock reporting 19:05 throughout our stay.
Gleouraich & Spidean Mialach
Hugh writes “Saturday 18th: Anne, Christine, Emma, Hugh, Jill, Lindsay, Martin, Maz, Richard, Sharan, Tim and Beinn the Collie set off from the north shore of Loch Cuaich up the Coire Peitireach path for a snowless round of Gleouraich (1035 m), Creag Coire na Fiar Bhealaich (1006 m) and Spidean Mialach (996 m). A promising start with blinks of sunshine and great views to the hills south and west of Loch Cuaich. Gleouraich summit showed itself briefly from below, but we entered the mist around 850 m and it stayed that way for the rest of the day. Between Druim Seilach and the SW ridge of Gleouraich we were treated to the sight of a Golden Eagle soaring in the upper reaches of Coire Peitireach. Once in the mist, Ben did most of the navigation having a good nose for the path. On the descent from Spidean Mialach, Loch Fearna glowed gold and shafts of low sunlight illuminated Gairich and Loch Cuaich. We all agreed it had been an enjoyable day of good company, despite the lack of summit views.”
Elsewhere, Steve & Robin quested away from the Great Glen Way to bag a newly designated Graham – Burach – reporting to their surprise that another lone walker had also been spied on the peak too.
Marian & Peter explored the riverside trails alongside the River Garry, while Fiona headed North to explore around Loch Lundie & encountered a bothy.
Dan wrote: “With the majority off to the Munros on Saturday I was going solo on Ben Tee. I opted to make a loop departing directly from the hostel. Starting early towards the forest above White Bridge I enjoyed watching the light changes with sunrise. The ridge up to the summit was windy enough to lose balance temporarily and bitterly cold but the summit relatively calm. I descended to Kilfinnan before returning via the Great Glen way.”
An excellent Burns Supper was pulled together; fish pates and salad to start, Haggis Neaps and Tatties with a lovely whisky sauce for the main, and then a potent homemade Cranachan. During the meal Robin addressed the Haggis in the traditional way, with an IMC twist. Judging by the volume in the room, good conversation accompanied the excellent meal.
On Sunday the forecast was for a better day, but the enthusiasm for the hills was significantly diminished among the party. A series of gentler options emerged:
Richard writes: On Sunday morning with an abundance of Lactic acid in the legs it was suggested that a local walk would be in order. Fiona, Chris, Jill, Maz and Richard took up the suggestion. It proved to be a lovely sunny morning. We headed west along the river crossing to the north after half a kilometre then continued north across the Skye road and through the birchwoods until we reached open ground approaching Loch Lundie. Further on we approached the head of the loch where we sat and had a snack in the sunshine with smashing views to the north.
We walked back via the campsite and Faichem crossed the road to White Bridge to head east along the banks of the River Garry back to the hostel and the cars. Coffee and cake in The Thistle Stop rounded off the day where our host, full of bonhomie, was delighted to serve the coffee and filled rolls which hit the spot. Thanks to Fiona who suggested the walk and all for the splendid company and blether.
Hugh writes “Sunday 19th: Andreas, Ewen, Hugh and Sastrugi the dog set off west along the track from Wester Mandally. After a couple of km, Hugh turned south and went over Meall nan Ruadhag (446 m) and Beinn Bhreac (441 m), descending by the west and north tops of Beinn Bhreac. Another day and another Golden Eagle, this time sitting on a rock near the summit of Meall nan Ruadhag. This trip involved some close encounters with trees and highlighted the value of 1:25k mapping in finding the best way through the forest to the summits. Meanwhile, Andreas, Ewen and Sastrugi carried on westwards along the track then north to Loch Garry and returning via Gleann Laogh. A good day with more sunshine and less wind then Saturday.”
Anne, Martin & Sharan were keen to climb the local Ben Tee, via the traditional route from Kilfinnan. Warmer conditions prevailed to start, but there was actually more frost and snow than the previous day in the lee of the summit. Discussions centred around people who didn’t wear gaiters committing “Bog Suicide”, Milly the Golden Retriever who was very keen to make the group’s acquaintance, and the “Tree people” who seemingly moved around the landscape and hid from view.. The forecast cloud inversions didn’t quite form, but the hazy views from the summit were delightful.
Dan – “On Sunday en route home I had a diversion to Glen Loy to walk up Beinn Bhan. The relentless ascent was made enjoyable with the sun hanging above the looming silhouette of the bulk of Ben Nevis. I had nice sunny views from the summit and wandering round the plateau.”
All in all a fitting and well attended Burns Supper.
Taking part: Andreas, Anne, Charlotte, Christine, Dan, Emma, Ewen, Fiona, Hugh, Jill, Lindsay, Lucas, Marion, Martin, Maz, Peter, Richard, Robin, Sharan, Steve, Tim (and the dogs - Sastrugi and Beinn)
Words: Dan, Hugh, Richard, Martin; Photos: Dan, Maz, Martin