A lorry fire resulted in closure of the M74 and long traffic jams for those caught up – so people arrived at various times on Thursday night/ Friday morning having survived a variety of diversions.
Friday had the best forecast so Simon C and I set off walking early to take in 2 nearby corbetts (Cul Beag and Cul Mor). The col between the hills is lower than the starting point! – so makes for plenty of re-ascent. However, it does give great views of Stac Pollaidh and Suilven and passes a few pretty lochans. Meanwhile, Simon F, Debra, Pete E and Annie took the slightly more leisurely/sensible option of Cul Mor and failed to spot us lunching at the lochan several hundred metres below them. Jamie and Peri went to Suilven, but a late start and doing it from this side meant a late finish (we did save them plenty of food and changed the pud – so we didn't eat the poached pears without her). Warwick enjoyed a 57 mile road cycle to Lochinver.
Saturday saw most people heading for Stac Pollaidh once the rain had eased off – as it makes for a good short day. One group went for the full scramble – whilst another did a mix of sort of scrambling and path – so missed out on the final summit. This was followed by a scenic drive and visit to the book shop/cafe or the cafe in Lochinver (depending on which party you were in). Warwick went for a run up Suilven (accompanied by Simon F whilst at valley level). Debra and Rob went around the coast to the Old man of Stoer.
Sunday (after a very leisurely start watching the rain) saw people heading to the coast in a variety of locations – one group headed towards Cape Wrath to find that the ferry doesn't run on a Sunday – doh. Nevertheless they had a good time taking in a number of scenic areas of coastline. Pete and Annie headed to Old man of Stoer. 
Simon and I went along part of the Posties path (vague boggy path with occasional stakes to mark the way) and back over a pathless Beannean Beaga. Simon and Debra went around a woodland, Coriealloch gorge and Ullapool. Warwick went for a run around the coastline to see the Old man of Stoer. We were worried when he had not returned by dinner time – we later received a message that he had fallen asleep at the beach and was on his way back – panic over.
Monday saw most people heading straight back home – or via the gorge. Simon and I were keen to squeeze in one more walk – so got away reasonably early to do Beinn an Eoin which makes for a lovely short horseshoe taking in the Northern top of Sgurr an Fhindleir. It would reward you with stunning views of the surrounding hills – if the cloud base was higher – but it did lift at times – so we got partial views. A quick getaway saw us back in Ullapool just as the smokehouse was closing – but they kindly reopened the shop door so the trip was completed with some smoked salmon to bring home.
Overall the weather was mixed sunshine and showers – but at least the windiest and wettest weather occurred overnight. Great hut and great location – so many small but impressive mountains and a beautiful coastline. Everyone enjoyed the location – so we will not leave it so long this time before a return visit.
Hmm still havnt done slioch and an teallach…… bit of a long haul from elphin though, drives a bit over an hour but they look like quite long walk ins too
I have booked the Achnasheen hut next year – which is much closer to Slioch. I'll book the Dundonnel (which is close to An Teallach) at some point – might have to wait till 2018 🙂
Cool! !!! will look forward to both. I'll get the pears ready 😉