AAC(UK) Skye Meet 2016

by Ian Thomas

Skye 2015 was my first trip with the AAC (UK) and, having been blown away by the magnificent scenery, amazing 'sticky' gabbro rock, incredible luxury of the Glen Brittle Memorial Hut and the friendly comradeship of my fellow Cuillin seekers, I was up for more!

Abseiling off one of the pinnacles
Photo by Ian Thomas

The big difference this year was the weather. Last year we had two clear days followed by what I would politely describe as mixed conditions. Due to a stable high pressure system this year, we had day after day of sunshine with little wind, the weather breaking up towards the end of our stay.

Reaching the Cuillin Ridge and one of its Munros provides a good day out in itself. Starting close to sea level, all routes include some rough ground and varying degrees of scrambling - even the 'walkers' route' up Bruach na Frithe. Getting to the traditional start/finish of the ridge (Sgurr nan Gillean/Gars-bheinn) involve long walk-ins/walk-outs.

Clach Glas
Photo by David Wood

During the meet, the ridge was 'attacked' from a multitude of approaches, with scrambling on Sgurr nan Gillean's pinnacle ridge, The Cioch, Sgurr Dubh Mor and the outlying peak, Bla Bheinn, being popular excursions. Many days ended with a dip in the Fairy Pools or some other handy loch or stream to temporarily escape the heat of the day. Carrying or finding lots of water was a necessity.

With the settled weather, an attempt at 'Britain's finest one day expedition' was taken on by four teams of two. Hal and David were successful using an early start (01.00) from the camp site and a bivvi on the Bruach na Frithe approach. My climbing partner and I reached their bivvi point when sheer exhaustion on my part led to the abandonment of our effort. Route finding problems had eaten up time and energy. My heart goes out to the other two pairs to reach Sgurr nan Gillean, but for whom not being able to locate the way up was hugely disappointing. Never mind, there's always next year!

Although 'the ridge' is the main attraction, with its multitude of climbing and scrambling opportunities, as a diversion on much needed 'rest' days the Isle of Skye provides many other possibilities. One group visited the north of the island - swapping the comfort of the GBMH. for a bothy! Some visited the island of Raasay. Other climbing and bouldering areas were sought and walking round the coastline, sometimes in the hope of spotting wildlife, was a popular way to unwind. To my knowledge, nobody visited the Talisker Distillery this year (probably unnecessary due to the fine weather and the amount of booze in the hut's larder)!

As I reflect on a thoroughly enjoyable week spent in the company of a terrific bunch of people, my thoughts are already turning to next year. Mel, who has organised the meet for several years, deserves a massive 'thank you' from everyone who has had the pleasure to benefit from his enthusiasm and knowledge. He has handed over the reins to Simon and I can't wait to book my place next year!

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