AAC(UK) Scottish Spring Meet 2017

By Ian Thomas

On the first of April (ominously), twelve members of the AAC(UK) met up at Blacksmith's Bunkhouse, Corpach, near Fort William in Scotland. The accommodation proved to be on the ‘cosy’ side, but the bunkhouse was well equipped and the group bonded well. Two cooking groups were formed beforehand and some good basic meals ensued. Apparently I ‘cheated’ by having a stew pre-prepared by my wife (it's called initiative!).

Domestic arrangements aside, the main deal was to explore the Nevis area and practise winter skills. Ice-axes, crampons, ropes and the rest of the paraphernalia were brought in anticipation, but stayed at ‘base camp’. Ten days before, there was a fair covering of snow and routes on ‘The Ben’ were in condition. A minor heat wave had changed things: now, in a complete reversal of fortunes, the NW of Scotland had a westerly airflow bringing rain, while the rest of Britain basked in sunshine. Just our luck!

Looking back to Stob Choire Claurigh
Photo Ian Thomas

The first evening had seen groups assembled with objectives listed on the route sheet. Munros, Corbetts, and Grahams were the peaks of choice with individuals looking to add to their lists, or just go along ‘for the ride’. To the uninitiated these mountain classifications can prove confusing, what with set height difference between tops. Personally, I feel I've left it too late to become a serious Munro bagger: 35 years between my second and third Munro must constitute some sort of record.

The first day dawned bright and fairly clear. The largest group headed for Glen Nevis to complete the Ring of Steall classic. The ‘best day of the week’ (weather wise) allowed good views of the tops, just occasionally obscured by cloud drifting over from the west. Although most of the snow had melted, the ridges were picked out by quite impressive cornices in places, a sight that will stay with me.

A quite atrocious weather forecast, plus the fact that many of us were feeling the effects of our exertions, meant that ‘day 2’ was relatively low-key. The rain came later than expected so a group was able to explore the Caledonian Canal and stay relatively dry, while others visited Fort William, including the climbing wall.

The next four days proved to have more ‘mixed’ weather, but everyone defied the elements and many a Munro was visited. One day consisted of precipitation in its many guises (rain, hail, sleet and snow) plus occasional bursts of strong wind that seemed intent on pushing us over the crags. Chatting and having a drink with Alistair, the manager of the Glennfinnon Estate, proved to be a revelation - a most warm and welcoming individual; far from the ‘get off my land’ types of years gone by.

Over a fish supper on the last evening, it was agreed that the meet had been a success and that the Braemar area would be popular next year.

Thank you to Tish Woulds and Paul Marginson for organising everything.

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