Waters Cottage - Kinlochleven

Attendees: Paul Lonsdale, Matt Walisewski, Becca G, Andy Stratford, Steve Graham, Jess Bailey, Dan Irons, Will Fitzmaurice, Gareth Williams, Lucy Williams

The meet was well supported by the enthusiasm and endeavour of the attendees who made the trip despite the sub-optimal outlook in regards to the weather (thank you all). The late summer sunshine and dry rock did not come to fruition. Despite this, the team set out with somewhat altered objectives.

Friday morning saw Becca and Matt up and out for an early start to traverse the Aonach Eagach ridge before taking up residence in the Clachaig for several hours waiting for their ride back to the hut. Jess and Andy took on Ben Nevis via a reportedly sopping wet Tower Ridge and down via Ledge Route. Myself, Dan and Will decided to try and chance our luck slightly further North in the Grey Corries, Devil’s Staircase, Stob Ban, provided some excellent slab scrambling on damp rock and lichen.

Plans were hatched for Saturday morning as a very ambitious Steve, Andy and Jess took the Corran Ferry to Ardgour and walked for 2 hours in the rain to confirm their crag was certainly wet upon arrival and the climb was abandoned for the Fort William High Street. Becca decided on a solo walk from the hut, taking in a couple of Munros (Na Gruagaichean and Binnein Mor) departing from the hut and returning for a wild dip in the Loch. Dan, Will, Matt and I all decided Ben Nevis was the place to be on Sat in slightly improved weather than the previous and split in to two pairs. Dan and Will opting for Tower ridge while we instead chose Castle Ridge. Gareth and Lucy drove to one end of Aonach Eagach, completed the traverse and successfully hitched a lift back to their vehicle.

Camp fire vibes were brought to the hut by Jess in the form of s’mores, to the amusement of some persons as they indulged in a new discovery, who knew toasted marshmallows spread on chocolate biscuits was so incredible.

Sunday was always going to be a somewhat smaller day, with the journey back home looming, walks were scheduled in the Trossachs but the persistent rain on this day was enough to dampen the spirits of the already exhausted team who abandoned the Munro bagging in favour of an early return home. Gareth being the only exception to the trend in that he was up a Corbett (Mam a Gualainn) and back at the hut drinking tea before I even emerged from my sleeping bag.

Thanks again to each and every member who turned up and contributed in every way, looking forward to the next one!

Paul Lonsdale