Members in attendance: Andy Stratford, Sean Kelly, Mark Furniss, Jo Sayers and James Williams.

Friday saw the continuation of the KMC’s week in Scotland with a lightening strike visit to Creag Meagaidh. It was quick due to the fact that no sooner had we reached the bottom of the crag and fished one or two items of kit out of the lake than a horrendous clag descended and sent us squelching and sodden off to the Raeburn hut.

It was decided to visit the Cairngorms that Saturday, in the hope that Coire an t’Snechda would be more hospitable. However it soon became apparent that many people seemed to have had the same idea.

Andy and myself chose to have a go at Fiacaill Ridge with an idea that a ridge route would be clear of the recent snow. However despite making quick progress up the approach it soon transpired that there was already a traffic jam in place so we basically did the snow plod to the right followed by a descent down the goat path. Sean Kelly had much better luck with a speedy solo of Raeburn Gully.

Jo and Mark however had the best of it having caught the glint of ice in the corner of their eyes . Immediately made a break for Aladin’s Mirror direct. Despite discovering the ice was “not like at the Ice Factor” Mark and Jo finished the route in good time.

Sean Andy and myself left Sunday morning leaving Jo and Mark to some peace and quiet at (in everybodies opinion) the most luxurious club hut in Scotland.

Raeburn is the Scottish Mountaineering Club’s most well appointed hut. Located within the Central Highlands on the north side of the A889 between Dalwhinnie and Laggan at G.R. NN 63606 90913 (altitude 319m).

Raeburn is ideally placed for the Cairngorms to the east, and the winter routes of Creag Meagaidh to the south-west (which after Ben Nevis, provides the best venue in terms of quality and quantity of winter routes). Whilst enjoying the vista across the Strath Spey to the Monadh Liath hills to the north, offering gentler entertainment to those seeking respite at this stage of the winter season.

The club had six beds reserved for the Friday and Saturday nights at £10 pppn, and these are currently full. A reserve listing might be arranged...