Wednesday 20 November 2019

Dinner Meet, Callandar Bunkhouse: 15th - 16th Nov.

We had a great turn out for the annual dinner in Callander. 
Most of the group gathered in Greg’s Bistro for tea on Friday night before scattering to our respective hostelries around the town.

Callander Bunkhouse hosted the dinner again. An excellent meal and great chat lead to a successful evening. After Len welcomed everyone, Colin started the proceedings with grace. At the end of the meal Stuart proposed the toast to Absent Friends and Elspeth to the KMC. Jan passed on the quaich to Colin for his contribution to the club.


Unusually for us, the weather on Saturday was dry, bright and cold. Eight members conquered Benvane while smaller groups walked the Strathyre circuit, Kingshouse to Callandar and a solo cycle to Aberfoyle and back.











Wednesday 23 October 2019

Raeburn Hut, Laggan - 18th / 20th October 

A select band of John, Frank, Jackie and Barney headed to Raeburn Hut with dismal hopes on the weather report.  

Despite rain during the first night, Saturday dried up to a fresh sunny day. Frank stayed indoors to nurse a heavy cold while the others had a brisk walk from Dalwhinnie to Ben Alder Lodge and back along the shore of Loch Ericht. We shared the hut with a family from England who having walked on Friday, spent most of Saturday listening to the rugby! 

Another sociable weekend.

Monday 16 September 2019

Rum Bunkhouse, Rum - 13th / 15th September 

The September meet of the Kyle Mountain Club saw eight members plus Barney head for the Isle of Rum.

Friday morning, we all met at Mallaig harbour around 11.30 for ferry leaving 12.30 and had a choice either to take a small Staffa tours boat or a small Calmac ferry and only Ian boarded the Staffa boat for a much rougher, although quicker, crossing due to very windy conditions.

After a short 15 minute walk to the well appointed bunkhouse we unloaded bags, food and drink and made up our bedding in the two dormitories. Meal at night was Jan’s Chicken and Pasta dish followed by Moira’s Plum Crumble and custard provided by Bob.  Only one casualty after the journey as Barney was sick after drinking too much water, surely a KMC first.

Saturday morning was wet and windy therefore Bob, Ian, Frank and John decided to walk to Guirdil bothy only to be stopped 1k short as burn impassable due to flooding at crossing point.
Len, Jan, Moira, Jackie and a recovered Barney went to the viewpoint, tearoom and a tour of Kinloch Castle although it is now in a sorry condition. Evening meal was John’s Sweet Chilli with Basmati rice followed by Len and June’s Rhubarb Crumble and custard.

Sunday morning was a vast improvement, dry and sunny weather. Bob, Len, Ian and Barney set off for the Rum Cuillin with Bob ascending Hallivel and Askival before returning via the Dibidal path (admitted to getting slightly lost). Len, Ian and Barney climbed Barkeval and Trallival using outward Coire Dubh path back to the bunkhouse. John and Frank ventured on another bothy walk this time to Dibidal and once again were thwarted by a raging burn too dangerous to jump just 1/2k short of bothy.
Jan, Moira and Jackie enjoyed a walk to Kilmory village and visited the beach before returing via the tearoom. Last meal provide by Jackie and Ian was Cassoulet followed by Frank’s Apple Pie with cream or remaining custard.

Monday morning meant packing up after breakfast and transferring our bags to the pier before Calmac ferry at 15.10 arriving 17.40 at Mallaig.
Jan, Moira and Jackie visited newly built forestry commission houses with Len, Frank and John walking for lunch at the otter hide with Ian and Barney staying at the pier.

All three nights were spent in the bunkhouse and after mealtimes all were completed with the usual good humoured chats and a drink or two and also entertainment from two fiddlers who were members of another group staying at the bunkhouse.

Many thanks to all for another excellent weekend.

Wednesday 21 August 2019

The Smiddy, Dundonnell - 16th / 18th August 

August saw the club head to Dundonnell and base ourselves at The Smiddy.

To say it was a wet weekend is a bit of an understatement, but at least all the rain made for some spectacular waterfalls. 

On Saturday Jackie, John & Frank did a ‘low’ level walk out towards the bothy at Shenavall while Ian headed out to the Corbett Creag Rainich, returning via a visit to Lochavroan bothy and a walk out along the loch shore. 

Saturday night we dined at the local hotel. 

On Sunday Frank & John headed back down the road, Jackie had a local walk which somehow involved coffee and cake at the Dundonnell hotel and Ian trudged up onto Sàil Mhòr. 

Tuesday 23 July 2019

Milehouse Cottage BBQ  Meet, 19-20 July:- 

A total of 13 KMC members and friends met for the BBQ at the LSCC Hut, Milehouse Cottage, near Kincraig.


The following walks were completed:-
Saturday
Sgór Gaoith – Angela, Scott, John & Frank
Càrn an Fhreiceadain – Wendy & Ian
Carn Sgùlain & Meall á Bhothain – Allan
Loch Insh Nature Reserve & Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail – Jan, Moira, Jackie & Len
Sunday
The Sow of Atholl – Wendy, Jackie & Ian



The weather held fine for the Saturday evening and so we were able to both cook & dine outside, a thank you to Allan for the firepit & wood which kept us toasty and for collecting up and bringing down the road the missed kit that was left behind (especially John’s whisky).

The accommodation at Milehouse was to its usual high standard and thanks to Maurice & Maggie and Allan for using their respective camper vans and ‘easing the squeeze’ in the bunkroom.


Wednesday 26 June 2019

Camping Meet, Lochranza Campsite, Arran 21st / 23nd June

Arriving earlier ferry Friday Len climbed Mullach Brae another of his wee hills

Saturday Allan and Margaret walked part of the Coastal Path at Lochranza

John, Len and Frank on Saturday from campsite walked up Gleann Eagan Biorack to Loch na Davie then onto Creag Daughter path leading too Caisteal Abhail and back down the path to North Glen Sannox Bridge, then getting the bus back to the campsite.

Saturday night we all had a good meal at the Lochranza hotel and later went to Allan and Margaret’s van for drinks

On the Sunday Len set off for the Holy Isle.
John & Jean continued onto a wee camping trip on the mainland
Margaret and Allan had a nice wee walk round the shore line

Thanking Allan for his hospitality on Saturday night.
Good weather a great weekend and great company.
Len was the only one to rough it!

Friday 31 May 2019

Day walks - May

Members have had a couple of walks in May.

John and Frank walked from Tyndrum to Victoria Bridge via Glen Kinglas.

Allan, Tom and Ian walked from Balquhidder to Beinn Stacath and Creag Mhor.

 Beinn Stacath and Creag Mhor
Looking towards the Killin hills



Wednesday 22 May 2019

Muir Cottage, Inverey, Meet, 17-19 May: 

Eight members of the Kyle Mountain Club visited Muir Cottage at Inverey for a three night visit. This excellent cottage is the club hut of the Cairngorm Club.

Our evening meal on the Friday was joined by a lady from Liverpool who was taking part in the TGO Challenge – a coast to coast walk.

Following a beautiful day on the drive up, unfortunately Saturday dawned cold with heavy drizzle. At 11am the temperature was 8 deg C!  Previous trips to Braemar have always been blessed with great weather.

On Saturday only Ian ventured to the hills; he ascended the Corbett Sgor Mor (813m).  Apparently he had a day with minimal views.  
John, Frank and Stuart did a walk up Glen Ey.
Moira, Jan, Colin and Chris became tourists and visited Braemar Castle which proved to be most interesting. 
Braemar was full of heavily laden and damp hikers taking part in the TGO Challenge. 

Sunday morning dawned slightly more promising than Saturday but still damp. 
Stuart and Chris headed for the hills; namely Carn Liath (818m).  Thoughts of proceeding further were thwarted by the cloud level descending. 
John and Frank walked up Glen Dee towards White Bridge.
Moira and Jan did a low level walk and Ian decided to abandon his planned hill. 
Colin headed for home.

As on Friday and Saturday a very pleasant communal meal was enjoyed by all present. The cottage has an excellent stove with an ample supply of firewood which made for a very comfortable place to pass the evening. One aspect of the cottage was that on all three evenings we could watch a parade of red deer passing by. Also red squirrels were often seen in the grounds.

The weather on Monday morning having not improved much we all decided to head for home.
Despite the poor weather the weekend was enjoyed by everyone and we all agreed that a return visit to this cottage is a must.

Wednesday 8 May 2019

Wild Camping trip, 3rd/4th May; Shiel Hill, Galloway Forrest.


Joe and I decided to celebrate the start of May by having a wee camping trip into the hills of the Galloway forrest.








Our destination: Sheil hill on the left, the Merrick in the background

 We decided to re-visit the scene of one of our earlier camps, Shiel Hill.

 The weather started ok but.......


......... later on turned rather wintery.



Wednesday 17 April 2019

Inver House Croft, Achnasheen - 12th / 15th April 

Arriving at Achnasheen Friday around 4.30pm it was discovered that the local hotel could not feed us on Sunday evening as they were fully booked. Back at the hut a fire was set then a quick trip to Loch Carron in order to establish that the hotel there was ok for food on Sunday night. Back to the hut for our evening meal in the lounge area we had drinks with usual discussions before retiring to sleeping mats upstairs with room cold due to icy wind.

Saturday morning was very windy and bitterly cold, John and Frank set off to climb Sgurr nan Ceannaichean and Moruisg taking 7 hours to complete. Len and David walked from top of Loch Sgamhain to Cnoc na Moine a 600 metre hill and after travelled to Kinlochewe having coffee and carrot cake. 

Sitting in café David spotted a car leaving the petrol station next door driverless, and changing into Superdave dashed from cafe before opening car door, jumping in and pulling on brake handle and stopping car before it reached the road. Woman driver was very apologetic for error and bought David a coffee. 

Good night back at hut with plenty coal and wood used on fire and after our evening meal a couple of drinks to help us sleep. 

Sunday morning again very windy and cold as we all travelled to park near Loan before walking to Carn Breac a 678 metre hill talking 5 hours. After returning to the hut for a short rest break Len drove us to Lochcarron hotel for an enjoyable evening meal. Another good fire set before drinks and chat back at hut before going to bed.

Monday morning we rose early, lit fire with mostly wood, and after breakfast tidied up the kitchen, lounge and upstairs sleeping area before departing at 10am. John and Frank travelling home with Len and David going to Coulags for a linear walk to lunch at a bothy before meeting their wives 3.30pm at Achnasheen railway station and onward trip to Applecross and Skye.

Sunday 31 March 2019

Kyle Club Clear up Carrick Hills


Ayr’s Kyle Mountain Club completed a scheduled litter pick on the Carrick Hills. Rubbish was gathered on both sides of the road along a distance of about 1.5km (between the cattle grids either side of the view point). This included 24 bags of general rubbish, plus several other items too big to bag. Amongst the haul was an alloy wheel (with tyre), several other tyres, two car doors, electric scooter, pogo stick, garden strimmer, 6 Amazon Prime cool bags with cool packs!, a hand gun, syringes, a tow bar that took two people to lift, £10 and a 1p. 
A trailer load of dumped tree pruning were sawn up and removed. 
The event proved to be good morning's work to celebrate the Annual World Day for Physical Activity.
Many thanks to South Ayrshire Council for providing bags, picker grabs and collection of the load.

Tuesday 19 March 2019





Agnes Spencer memorial hut, Patterdale, Lake District: 15th - 17th March


Ten members of the Kyle Mountain Club assembled at the Agnes Spencer memorial hut in Patterdale on the Friday evening . With a little coaxing the fire was soon roaring away making the building warm and cosy. It was soon time to walk down to the White Lion Inn where the cheerful staff provided a hearty meal and a selection of real ales.
The following morning the weather forecast was for a wet windy day so all thoughts of Helvelyn or High Street were abandoned. 

        

Having ascertained that the Ullswater Steamers were not running, one group set off to walk along the East side of the Lake. The initial path across the valley was flooded but a longer route using a road bridge was soon found. Having walked about half the length of the lake it was found that the Hotel, the only place for refreshments in the dry was closed. So most of the group turned round to set off back, but Bob determined to get a decent amount of walking done carried on until completely drenched. Mac, Jan, Moira and Jackie set off to do a circular walk in Glenridding. On the way back a cafe provided shelter and refreshments. Ian and Len set off to walk up Grisedale, Len turning back when his new hip told him that it had walked far enough, While Ian carried on towards Grisedale Tarn, but he too turned back when confronted with a raging torrent crossing the path.

Returning to the hut in the various groups, the wet clothing was distributed between the drying room and the living room fire. Aperitifs were shared round and then Jan produced an excellent chicken main course for all and Len shared round apple and rhubarb crumble that June had made.


After everyone had consumed two helpings of dessert there was little room left for cheese and port.
Mac then entertained the group with a game of working through the Alphabet thinking up entertaining words.



On Sunday morning we awoke to see the surrounding hills mantled in snow. As it was now snowing at a low level, after breakfast some of the party set off for Ayr. Jackie, Ian, Len and Bob decided that the Aira Force waterfalls should be spectacular with all the rainfall. We were not disappointed and they were well worth the walk up all the steps to view them.
Again despite the weather we all enjoyed a convivial week-end.
Len Foreman

Tuesday 19 February 2019

Inbhirfhaolain, Grampian Club hut, Glen Etive: 15-17 February.

Over the weekend of 15-17 February members and guests gathered for the Glen Etive meet at the Grampian Club hut at Inbhirfhaolain.
A very wet Saturday morning postponed any thoughts of an Alpine start but eventually the rain did ease and various parties set out for their chosen objectives. John, Julie, Craig, Frank and Jim drove down towards the head of Loch Etive with a plan to climb the Munro Ben Starav. Jackie also took the benefit of a lift and from the drop-off point she headed down to the road end at the loch before returning to the hut. The rest of the party began the ascent of Staravand, with various people turning around when they reckoned they had gone far enough, Jim was the solo summiteer.

Glen Etive was busy on the Saturday with lots of people coming down to feed the deer that gather in the valley bottom and canoeists taking advantage of the fast running river.
Ian & Andrew (and Barney the Border) headed down Glencoe to park near Signal Rock. From there they headed up the Gleann-leac-na-miudheto complete the round of Meall Lighiche(Corbett), Sgorr a’Choise(Graham) and Meall Mòr(Graham).

On Sunday Ian, Andrew & Barney were the only ones who ventured onto a hill and did the ascent of Garbh Bheinn, the Corbett to the north of theAonach Eagachridge and accessed from the road to Kinlochleven. The weather on Sunday was challenging with driving rain and hail on the top, winds gusting to 50mph+ also made walking difficult at times.

Wednesday 23 January 2019

Burns’ Supper, Carn Dearg MC Hut, Glen Clova - 18-20 January 2019


Over the weekend of 18-20 January 8 members of the KMC met at the Carn Dearg MC Hut in Glen Clova.  

Saturday dawned fine and everyone headed out to complete their chosen objectives:

  • 2 members completed the Munros Dreish & Mayer from the Kilbo Path; 
  • 2 members did a circular walk up Glen Doll via Jock’s Road before heading across to Glen Clova via Loch Esk and back to Braedownie; 

  • 3 members walked up Glen Clova towards Bachnagarn before returning via their outward route; 
  • 1 member (+ dog) walked up onto the Corbett The Goet before continuing on to complete a circular walk above Loch Wharral via White Hill & Green Hill. 
On Saturday evening the assembled company enjoyed a grand Burns’ Supper accompanied by a fine dram to celebrate their day’s successes.