Attendees: Sean Kelly, Mark Ashley, Lester Payne, Andy Grantham, Richard Yorke, Roger Daley.

Andy and I travelled up on Friday morning with the intention of getting a walk/climb in the Southern uplands; eventually settling on a leg stretch up to the North East Corrie of Beinn on Dothaidh; weather very changeable but pleasant enough.

Eventually got to the hut for night fall to meet up with Sean, who had been at the Alex all week and had enjoyed some 'blue sky Alpine' days before our arrival!!

Later that night Mark and Lester arrived, with Richard appearing in the early hours.

Saturday

One of those days that makes you wonder why we drive all this way?.persistent rain with high winds; so all, but Sean, decided on a circumnavigation of Buachaille Etive Beag. We river jump our way up Allt Lairig Eilde to the top of the pass; then descending towards Glen Etive and back through Lairig Gartain. A wet walk but remarkably good in the circumstances.

Not sure what Sean did but it must have been just as horrid.

Saturday Night

We drove down to the Clachaig and shared a taxi back. A great evening ...enjoyed good food, live music and a selection of whisky; served by man who appeared to have sampled fifty + malts already that evening.

Sunday

Weather started very grim ...but did improve.

Sean left early for the long drive back to Devon.

Andy, Richard and I set off to North Buttress on the Buachaille Etive Mor, but after couple of pitches of slimy rock we decided to traverse around to do Great Gully. Reasonable snow conditions although very windy with poor visibility on the top, so reversed the route and back down for soup before the drive home.

Mark and Lester went for a hilly 6k 3walk, on Stob Beinn and Beinn Chrulaiste.

Think we made the most the weekend given conditions. Thanks to all that turned up for the weekend.

The Alex Macintyre Hut provides access to some of the finest winter climbing and walking in Scotland.

Climbing

The classic ridge of the Aonach Eagach, or possibly a route on the Buchaille... followed by a pint and some music in the Clachaig's bar? truly excellent day.

Alternatively how about 2/3 routes on Aonach Mor, perfectly feasible utilising the cable car.

Up for a big day then a route on the Ben Nevis provides the perfect challenge.

Walking

Walks too numerous to mention ... go high?or stay low something to suit everyone.

Relaxing

Just imagine yourself settling down in front of the huts roaring fire enjoying a wee dram after a day on the hill? superb. Excellent facilities.

Mattresses, drying room, hot water, showers, electric cooking, fridge, cutlery, crockery, coal provided all the year round, electric heating in dormitories - £1 meter. Microwave in kitchen.

Location

North Ballachulish on A82, one mile north of the Ballachulish Bridge, on the right, 50 metres from the entrance to Creag Mhor Hotel.

OS Map: 41 Ben Nevis. Grid Reference: 044612.

The KMC have booked 12 places at £5.50 per night If you are interested and have the appropriate experience and equipment, then e-mail, phone, or see me in the pub on a Thursday night.