Members: Andy Croughton, Sabina Cusilich, John Evans, Alan (Liverpool) Jones, Duncan Lee, David K. Lygate, Colin Maddison, Al Metelko, James Richardson & Dave Whittingham.

Guests: Pete Bannister.

Visitors: Steve Bawker, Dave Kenyon, Dave Palmer & Liz Wilson.

The Roy Bridge meet took place in yet another warm & wet February; it felt more like a blustery autumn weekend than the middle of winter. There was little evidence of ice & most of the climbing areas in the Scottish hills had a considerable avalanche risk from what little snow there was.

FRIDAY

A small group of three, John, James & Dave W. drove north on the Thursday night to extend the weekend into including Friday. After failing to get into the Alex Mac Hut (no beds) & Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (due to bureaucracy), the three of them slept in the car at the north face car park, this is quite a feat when you consider the height of both John & Dave (then add one more to the car). The next day they climbed No. 2 Gully on the Ben (grade II), which I believe is James' first winter route.

That night everyone else arrived at the hostel, most being quite late.

SATURDAY

The day was overcast, with heavy showers & high winds. Duncan & Colin set off early for Creag Meagaidh, but when they got into Coire Ardair they found conditions that were ridiculous with huge cornices & avalanche debris. Deciding that it wasn't safe, they called it a day & made it back in time for lunch.

Al & Pete were very restrained after being dug out of an avalanche on the Ben the week before. So Saturday saw them on the north east ridge approaching Creag Meagaidh & playing about with some off-piste snow blades that Pete had recently bought (these things even have touring bindings & skins). Al recons they are amazing fun & a must have purchase for everyone in the KMC.

DKL, Sabina, Alan & Andy, went hill walking to Sgurr Mor a mountain at the gateway to Knoydart with a longish walk-in & a river crossing. After getting pretty wet on the way in they battled against the high winds and over some small snow patches to reach the summit. On route Andy demonstrated his javelin skills (hasn't forgotten a thing since his school days) & we all played around with walkie-talkies. The day was timed to perfection as we got back to the track just as the light failed.

John, James & Dave W spent Saturday relaxing in the hostel & Nevisport in Fort William, going for cups of tea & resting after their exertions of Friday.

On Saturday night we found to our horror that the pub across the road was closed, so Roy Bridge had to put up with us instead. However, this was to our advantage since their local pub's guest beer was "Barochan" an ale which is brewed at the microbrewery in the meet leader's home village & famed throughout most of Renfrewshire. We didn't leave until the barrel was finished; everyone exclaimed how good a brew it was.

Dave Kenyon, plus members of the Mynedd, Steve Bawker & Dave Palmer also popped into the pub to enjoy the evening's entertainments & although not down the pub, Liz Wilson a member of the KMC was resident in the hostel when we arrived but stayed independent from our group.

SUNDAY

This was a rather uninspiring day with low cloud & an intermittent heavy smirr.

Duncan & Colin went to Coire an t-Sneachda in the Cairngorms, Dave Kenyon had informed them that he was going there & with his insider knowledge they were hopeful of some better climbing conditions. Sabina accompanied them for the walk-in before traversing over to the Cairngorm ski area to watch a snowboarding big air competition, in the newly found afternoon sunshine. With the fresh air clearing their heads from the night before, Duncan & Colin managed fingers ridge a 140m grade IV, a good effort & for those interested, Dave Kenyon did Patey's route a 120m IV.

DKL & Andy did some more hill walking tackling Meall Chuaich on the A9 near Dalwhinnie, with Alan going as far as the loch before decided to walk round that instead of climbing the hill. Luckily just like the group that went to the Cairngorms, the day turned into afternoon sunshine after starting with low cloud & sleet/snow showers. The summit was snow covered & this combined with a biting cold wind finally made it feel more like winter.

Al & Pete decided to go home, but went via the White Corries ski area in Glencoe. They were tempted by the skiing but with the amount of people & the limited area available they decided to give it a miss. However, on their journey Pete brewed up for them on his massive stove (which has cooking a power that could cater for an entire army) truly an incredible sight.

John, James & Dave W spent Sunday going for a walk along the river beside the hostel, before returning to Manchester.

The weekend's weather & conditions were not ideal for a Scottish winter meet, but everybody got something done, (even if the alternative of skiing hadn't looked viable with the low cloud & rain). However the major highlight was that more members of the KMC have now managed to sample the legendary "barochan" & enjoyed it despite their claims of a sore head the next morning.

The long awaited for Scottish winter meet to Roybridge, long awaited due to it being cancelled last year with the foot and mouth and long awaited due to winter only happening once a year.

There are only 10 places (therefore very limited) with some already gone before going to press and many KMC members continually expressing their interest throughout the year, mainly attempting to find out if the rumours are true. Has a Jacuzzi been built? Or was it a sauna? Or possibly the most imaginative rumour ever spread? Anyway it's not important because we are just across the road from the pub. However, we do suggest you bring your bathing kit just in case and there's a pool in Fort William if you're especially keen on water.

The accommodation is situated 2 miles east of Roybridge on the A86 opposite the Glen Spean Lodge Hotel. (grid ref. 301811, OS sheet 41). The McofS publication - "Scottish clubs" huts' describes the accommodation as, "Warm, comfortable, friendly country hostel in converted barn, set in stunning scenery near Roybridge. Ideal location for walking and climbing (Creag Meagaidh, Ben Nevis), canoeing and mountain biking." There are also local opportunities for ski touring (as a group from the club did last year) and alpine skiing at Aviemore or Fort William, which are both quite close (less than 1 Hour drive away).

Allt Cruinnichidh, an incredible venue with more than enough winter activities within the surrounding area. The options are almost endless and it would be impossible to fit them all into a single weekend. Additionally, with a local pub there is the added opportunity of whisky sampling in the evenings. So to claim your very limited place see the Meet Leader on Thursday nights at the pub meet and pay the token fee of £16 for your accommodation. Then all we need wait for is the snow.