Loch Ossian Hostel Weekend

Ewen writes:

Our much anticipated return to visit to Loch Ossian started inauspiciously with a train strike on Saturday and Monday, and possible disruption on Friday and Sunday which were the days we were due to travel; also, the weather forecast was dire.  Gloomy predictions were confounded when the trains ran as timetabled, albeit a bit late due to speed restrictions.  Irene, Dan and Wendell short-circuited this problem by cycling in from Moy, so they get the prize for effort

 The weather on Saturday was good, if windy, and all but Catherine and Ewen tackled the Munros to the south – Carn Dearg and Sgor Gaibhre.  As Irene and Dan were not using their bikes, they kindly provided the non-Munro team with transport to cycle down to Loch Treig, which was very low indeed.  Catherine and Ewen walked on past Creaguainaich Lodge, which is sadly in need of repair, to check out Staoineag; this was frustrated by the water levels, which were well above the stepping stones so confidently marked on the map.  They spoke to someone who had been swept downstream for 100 yards while trying to ford the river.  But at least Staoineag is in good repair!

 On Saturday night we had an excellent meal in the very friendly Station House restaurant, which also offers coffee and shelter for the huddled masses waiting for a train.  The forecast on Sunday was poor, so all either cycled, walked or entrained for the journey home.  The first train north was after 3pm, so Catherine, Robin and Ewen were able to enjoy a walk to Corrour Shooting Lodge at the head of Loch Ossian, and a coffee and cake in front of the fire in the Station House.  An excellent weekend in the hills; thanks to the SYHA and Jan the manager for very comfortable accommodation and welcome.  And thanks also to Scotrail!

Dan writes:

On Thursday afternoon Irene and I cycled in from Loch Laggan near Moy Lodge. Going into the wind meant a cruel requirement to peddle hard on downhills. There were nice views all round until we got our first of many soakings before arriving at the youth hostel. On Friday with Marcus we went for a short walk up Beinn na Lap ("Trainspotting hill") with nice autumn light but a wintery nip in the air (the recording at the top showing minus 4 of wind chill). The weather deteriorated before we descended with larger heavy showers into afternoon. After a cycle round Loch Ossian the rest of the attendees started drifting in from Corrour station with some uncertainty over whether the hostel actually had enough beds for all and threat of relegation to a shed for the night.

On Saturday the larger contingent of seven members went to the other Munros (Carn Dearg and Sgor Choinnich). The views were initially limited but opened up nicely on the second peak. Back at the hostel the group were treated to Chef Steve's Loch Ossian wild mushroom fricassee and I am pleased to report there have been no consequent deaths (so far). An outing by most to the Corrour Station House was a nice social event with any form of venison from its menu highly recommended. On Sunday a heavy band of rain with storm force wind was due to arrive in the morning and so we cycled out before its arrival.

Taking part: Irene, Steve, Robin, Ewen, Wendell, Marcus, Catherine, Dan and Calum.

Words: Ewen and Dan

Photos: Wendell, Marcus and Dan