The advance team set off Crianlarich on Boxing day – with the others arriving on the 28th. Conditions meant it was very much a walking or cycling trip, with the usual excess of food.
27/12/16 – Simon and I went off to do Beinn Mhanach and Beinn Mhanach – Beinn a'Chuirn summit as we had not visited the munro top previously. Recent rain and snow melt meant that water was reasonably deep in the numerous fords required to reach the hills. Annie and Pete E overtook us (on their bikes) as they were heading up the same valley but intending to cycle around the loch. We were surprised to see them cycling back towards us only 30 mins later! Annie's bike had a terminal break – doh!
28/12/16 – With a bust bike Annie was now limited to walking. We all went to do the Tarmachan ridge. S & I had not done it since 02 and hoped to have views this time – but didn't. But it was quite fun doing the whole ridge anyway – still snow on the ground – bit icy in places.
29/12/16 – Karl, Rob, Gav, Esther & Jamie went up Beinn a'Chroin & An Caisteal. Annie came Corbett bagging with S and me – Creagan na Beinne. We were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves out of the cloud whilst traversing the summit ridge. Rather windy-so were glad we found an isolated small crag to give us a bit of shelter for a late lunch. Pete E with a functional bike enjoyed the cycle around the loch (abandoned route from 27th).
30/12/16 – Seriously wet and windy. Esther & Jamie got dropped off at Bridge of Orchy and cycled back to the hut; Gav walked along part of the West highland way. We dropped Rob off – so he could do Ben Challum. Annie, Pete and Karl went touristing to Aberfeldy and shopping. S and I did an easy Corbett tick – Meall nan Subh – taking in all the various summit cairns.
31/12/16 – Even wetter and still windy. Esther & Jamie sensibly headed home. Karl, Rob & Gav did Meall Ghaordaidh and seemed to enjoy it despite the weather. S & I went and did Meall Odhar (a Graham) – downsizing in hills! A group of kayakers looked like they were having fun in the rapidly flowing river.
1/1/17 – S, me, Annie & Pete did Stob Binnein (taking in a couple of extra summits) and Ben More. Don't walk through the forest at the start – path is blocked by fallen trees etc – there is a vehicle track on the other side of the river (for hydro-scheme). Great day out – made interesting by the strong winds – and cloud free summits. Karl, Rob & Gav did Meal nan Tarmachan summit – but abandoned the full traverse due to the wind – and enjoyed a pub visit instead.
2/1/17 The others headed straight home after cleaning the hut. S & I stopped off to do Beinn nan Imirean on the way back -a Corbett we had failed to get to the summit of 2 years earlier. No problems this time – but no view from the summit.