Torridon Weekend Meet
A group of 11 spent a super weekend at Torridon YH with ascents of Beinn Alligin, Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire (Beinn Damh) and Sgorr Nan Lochan Uaine.
Dan writes: The weather on Saturday was promising to be a rare beauty and so we planned to try a round of the Beinn Alligan Munros and Horns. Driving into Torridon on Friday night there was perhaps more snow around than we had hoped for. A group of 6 wanted to try the route with a mixture of scrambling experience including some with none. Planning on Friday night we decided to go to the Horns first as suggested in the SMC scrambling route guide with a willingness amongst all to turn back if any felt out of depth.
The three Horns needed care with some soft snow patches adding a little spice but not blocking the way. It was a real display of club benefits in action as more experienced members helped newer ones through foot placements and coaching. We met a variety of groups on the round. Some who had turned back but others, like us, feeling comfortable and able to proceed. The most snow was to be found on the North-Western slopes between the two Munros and around the great cleft though it was soft and slushy.
Hazel writes: A fantastic day traversing the Horns of Beinn Alligin at the Torridon meet. Blue sky and sunshine with enough snow to make the scrambling “interesting” - huge well done to new member Stuart on his first scramble. 360 views of Skye, Rum, the Western Isles: An Teallach, the Glen Affric and Kintail ridges… floating white peaks in the sky
Alan writes: Peter, Marion, Sarah, Gina and I had a leisurely and very enjoyable ascent of Sgurr na Bana Mhoraire, possibly better known as the north west top of Beinn Damh.
Dan again: The day complete there was much excitement amongst the group with an eagerness to go scrambling again the next day. However the weather was not so good on Sunday with a low cloud base obscuring the peaks and ridges. The rocky scramble plan was therefore substituted for a slog through bog to Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine via Coulin Lodge. Although the peak was clear on the long approach the visibility deteriorated at the exact moment of summiting and so it was a quick turnaround to exit via the same way. It was a weekend of contrasts showing the great range which Scottish mountaineering has to offer: from airy sunny ridges to wet foggy Corbett bagging.
Taking part: Peter, Marion, Sarah, Gina, Alan, Irene, Dan, Margaret, Hazel, Andrew and prospective member Stuart
Words and photos: Alan, Dan and Hazel