Two years after our last trip to Scotland, it was probably inevitable that this one would be a sell-out. Less predictable was whether the weather would cooperate, and it wasn't looking promising for a while with a series of storms crossing the country.
But for once, things worked out well, with Eunice's winds confined to England on Friday, we instead had a day of heavy snow.
The sensible majority stayed low, taking the train to Bride of Orchy and walking back to the hut along the West Highland Way.
The foolhardy five (Marianna, Liz, Russ, Carmen and myself) set off to climb a pair of Corbetts between Killin and Lochearnside. An easy start along the disused railway path soon gave way to a trackless ascent up deep powder-strewn slopes towards the first hill, Creag Mac Rainach. Going was slow, very slow, and it soon became clear that the planned continuation to Meall an t-Seallaidh was a hill too far. But we persevered as far as the first summit, the winds steadily increasing, and we eventually reached the cairn where we lay for a minute or two, too windy to stand, before retreating back the way we came.
Saturday was a different day. Originally forecast to be a repeat of Friday's weather, the Met Office changed on Friday night to suggestions of some clear skies, sunshine even, and a 70% chance of cloud-free Munros. So plans were made…
The day dawned to weather that exceeded our best expectations, with clear blue skies, almost no wind, and wall-to-wall sunshine!
Carmen, Liz and I went for another Corbett, Beinn nan Oighreag (between the Munros of Meall Ghaoraidh and Meall nan Tarmachan) with a view to continuing west over Meall Ghaordaidh if time allowed. Of course, time did not allow, as it was another day of wading through powder, with more delays courtesy over finding a way across some icy streams.
Stopping for regular photos, we eventually reached the summit some 2 hours over guidebook time. The continuation looked like it could be even slower, and with some very loaded slopes near the top, but luckily the clock had already decided that we wouldn't attempt it. As it was, we didn't get back to the car until 5pm, and our decision was vindicated as it started to rain on the drive back to the hut.
Meanwhile, most of the others walked/waded up Meall Ghaoraidh and had a similarly magnificent day, with some sledging (bum sliding) on the way back down.
And as quickly as it had arrived, the fine weather was gone. Heavy rain overnight led to a massive thaw right up to summit level. Russ went for a short run up the West Highland Way, everyone else stayed inside until the drive home. But all in all, a superb weekend, the sort of conditions that make all the rainy days worthwhile!
