Inver Croft
Achnasheen
13-14 October

Present: Brian S, Anne M, Fen, Jo L, Val L, James R

Saturday

Anne, being the proud owner of a book of Skye Bridge tickets headed, with Brian and Fen, off to Skye to get rid of at least one more return journey ticket! The weather was terrible (low cloud level and the wind was up) so they had a wander through the Quiraing with a seat on The Table as Glamaig was somewhat uninviting, even to Brian!!! Fen caused no end of nervousness as she kept getting too close to the edge for comfort! James, Val and Jo headed to Achnashellach Station with the intention of going up Beinn Liath Mhor and Sgorr Ruadh. They had hoped to pick up some stalking information at the Station, but no number was available. About 20 minutes into the walk they came across a notice with stalking details and a stalking information number - which was duly called resulting in an ansaphone telling you of the types holidays the Estate offers and suggesting you leave your name and number if you want any information sent out …. So the merry little band continued forth - ignorance is bliss and all that. However, what had started out to be a lovely sunny morning very quickly became squally with rain showers, and hail at one point. Things suddenly changed from a pleasant walk to a manic donning of waterproofs and finding of shelter. Sitting huddled in a natural dip lunch was eaten whilst the decision not to continue was made. What had been a wonderful view up the valley of the horseshoe shaped ridge was no more. A rapid retreat was made. Val commented that even if the sun had come out and James had suggested continuing her enthusiasm levels were such that she wouldn't have wanted to - how little she knows James, once in retreat-mode there's no turning back!!! Back at the hut, typically, the weather started to clear up. So to keep busy, they chopped, sawed and hacked some firewood. The train line is not far from the hut, and they watched as one of the end of season Royal Scotsmen (an Orient Express like train) chugged by, they felt like the Railway Children waving to the rather uninspired passengers!

Sunday

Ben Damh and Beinn Alligin. Anne, Brian and Fen had a successful day on Ben Damh managing to get back to their car before the wind really started to blow and before the heavens really opened. James, Jo and Val also made it to the summit of their chosen range, Beinn Alligin, with Val being able to double the number of Munros she's ever climbed (from 2 to 4 - I'm working hard to get the family to move to Scotland!!). A great day, but bloody hard work. The route took them via the Horns that involved a lot of scrambling; brilliant fun! As we got higher the wind got stronger, to the extent that we skirted the Horns to get to the first summit. The second Munro was gained, photos were taken, and then the work really began. The wind that had been strong near the Horns, was funnelled up the Coir'an Laoigh and was very powerful. Often your feet didn't end up where you wanted them (ie on the ground would be good!) - sometimes resulting in you actually being blown over! A battle, but not impossible. Whilst that had been an endurance test, the next stage was an agility test; a river crossing (which could have been avoided if we'd walked a couple of km upstream back to the bridge (I've since discovered heading west would have avoided all this - all because someone has been on a particular hill before doesn't mean they right!?! - Jo). James found a fabulous river crossing point (fabulous that is if you have the sure-footedness of a mountain goat and 6ft long legs …….); oh the joy (and relief) of walking poles. Anyway, one major adrenaline rush later the merry little band was safely across and on its way back to the car and the hut for a strong coffee!

On arrival back at the hut they find police in the lay-by and a rather mangled looking car on the other side of the road. The hut lights warm and inviting actually indicated the presence of another group rather than Brian, Anne and Fen who were now long gone! A quick pack-up whilst hearing the tale of helicopters and ambulances on the road during the last couple of hours.

In an Aberdeenshire paper the driver, in broad daylight, apparently swerved to avoid a deer resulting in the writing off of his car, and the death of one of his two passengers. The road between Achnasheen and Achnashellach has been straightened resulting in traffic travelling much faster - please travel with care! - Jo.

JL