Ling Hut, Torridon

Ling Hut, Torridon

16-19 April, 1999

Present: Mike H*, Helen and Peter I, Graeme M, Steve R** and Brian S

*Friday night only; ** Saturday and Sunday night

The Spring holiday weekend in Torridon was enjoyed by a small number from the club based at the SMC Ling hut. Most met up on Friday evening apart from Mike who had travelled up early and Steve who arrived later on Saturday after exploring the hills at the head of Glen Connon.

Saturday saw a number of long outings. Peter and Helen went to Beinn Alligin getting as far as Tom na Gragaich until poor weather and static manifesting itself as buzzing from axes and crampons encouraged a return to lower level. Meanwhile, Graeme and Mike completed the traverse of Beinn Eighe having been dropped off by Brian 1km west of Kinlochewe. A fine recently improved path follows a burn towards Coire Domhain and provides easy access to the main spine of the mountain. Brian drove down to Aviemore to meet up with Nina T and Gus M to take advantage of the late snowfall and carry out a ski tour along the northern corries of Cairngorm.

Sunday's weather in Torridon was generally better than Saturday although much new snow lay on slopes above 1000ft. Pete ascended Beinn Eighe by Coire Mhic Fhearchair and traversed as far as Spidean Coire nan Clach from where he descended by snow towards Ling hut. Brian and Graeme walked round Liathach by the Coire Mhic Nobail path into Coire na Caime struggling at times through thigh deep snow. The hard work was rewarded by an enjoyable ascent of Terminal Buttress (Grade 3) onto Meall Dearg and traversing the northern pinnacles to Mullach na Rathain. The quantity of unconsolidated snow made the traverse itself generally grade 3 rather than grade 2.

Monday was a fine sunny day with much of the snow being melted in the warm sunshine. Most choose a small outing before heading for home, Brian and Graeme enjoying an ascent of Beinn Damh with grand views to Beinn Bhan to the south and the high peaks of Torridon to the north.

Overall, an excellent weekend in a fine location.