AUGUST 2025 – CANNICH AND CLUB BBQ

Cannich, Camping with the midges!

The weather was great, warm, sunny, calm. Perfect for the hungry midges to feast on unsupecting skin. Kevin and John headed to the Strath Farra hills and had an excellent day out on Sgur na Diollaid.Simon and Wendy plus 3 dogs went kayaking on the loch. Kodi opted for the comfort of the car while the others paddled!Judi and Ann explored Plodda Falls and the ruins of Guisachan House where the Golden Retriever was first bread. A combination of a wavy-coated Retriever with a Tweed Valley Water Spaniel.A social evening was spent followed by more dog walking on Sunday.

Club BBQ, Faskally

The club annual BBQ was kindly hosted by Bruce. He was totally prepared for the torrential rain by constructing substantial awnings, benches, tables and cooking area all under cover. So after a day walking up Ben Vrackie in the sunshine, most getting back before the rain started, a very social evening with delicious food was had by all.

JUNE 2025 – DALRADDY

Cracking weekend was spent in the Cairngorms. Paul brought his ‘Hibernator’ (new campervan), some camped in tents and others cosy in their vans. Some locally based day trippers came for the day and socialised in the evening sunshine.  Many miles were walked and mountain biked – Cairngorm  and Ben Macdui, Uamh Bheag in Glen Artney, Cromdale hills, Cnap Chaochan Aitinn and Duke & Duchess of Gordon memorials visited. Sunday bought heavy rain so we all beat a hasty retreat home! 

MAY 2025 – DUNDONNEL

Six members attended the 2025 Dundonnel meet.  Fantastic weather; hot, clear blue sky throughout. Ray and Liz reached the summit of Sail Mhor (avoiding the goats). Shona and John S approached Beinn Dearg Bheag by bike and on foot; a long day ended with Shona cooling off in a loch. Kevin and Judi made their way up Sail Liath (Judi reaching1010m). Fun avoiding the goats on the way down.

APRIL 2025 – AITE CRUINNICHIDH

John Saunders solo on Creag Meagaidh

A long, drizzly walk into Coire Ardair. Cloud base about 800m and tops were shrouded, but a view of the crags at the head of the coire was dramatic. Below the cloud there was no snow but, from just below the window, the summit of Creag Meagaidh was full snow cover, windy, cold and thick cloud. Despite these conditions John successfully reached the summit.

Judi and Liz – wet and windy Meall Cian Dearg from Fersit

Even a chilly, drizzly day can’t dampen the beauty of Loch Treig. Followed the main path towards Meall Cian Dearg, which was completely clear, although the Munro’s behind had snow on them. Came across an unusual skinny pyramid type structure, marked on the map as a ‘hydro pillar’. No idea as to its purpose. Trudged onward and upward, along a very wet track. It then became very windy about 700 m. Reached the crags on a very narrow, broken track, however the severe gusts forced us into retreat. The rain having stopped, the views on our return down were stunning and clear.

Click on the photo to open a short slide show

MARCH 2024 – BRAEMAR

Seven members met at the excellent Rucksacs Bunkhouse in the centre of Braemar. The weather on Saturday was forecast to be wet by lunchtime and with sleet on the mountains, so an early start was had. Two groups took to the forest, one from the bunkhouse through to Crathie, and one doing a circular route from Keiloch. Both ending in a cafe stop for lunch. The more adventurous walked from Linn of Dee up Clais Fhearnaig then down through Doire Bhraghad wood back to Linn of Dee. A solo walk bagged the Corbett, Morrone, above Braemar. Saturday evening was the usual sociable event. Sunday was again stormy and resulted in more forest walks/runs followed by the long drive home.

FEBRUARY 2025 – DALWHINNIE

Though only a small, select group attended the February meet at Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel, the place was buzzing with two other groups from NE & NW England – complete with two birthday celebrations to boot!!

Though the considerable wind/rain/gales over previous 24hrs, had stripped most of the snow from the mountains, Saturday saw folk radiate in all directions: SE to Drumochter’s Carn na Caim; S to Meall na Leitreach; SW biking down Loch Ericht & NW to Corrieyairack Hill. Whilst some had to endure full waterproofs/goggles conditions, others were lucky enough to enjoy some pleasant summit sunshine conditions – typical fickle nature of Scottish mountain weather! Sunday’s stormy forecast arrived in force, curtailing any mountain adventures – though on the journey back north, a few forest adventures were enjoyed………..

JANUARY 2025 – ELPHIN

Nine members of CMSC met in the Grampian Speleological hut in Elphin. Saturday began with beautiful sunrise followed by blue skies giving fantastic views. Cul Beag, Lochinver to Elphin (19km), Cnoc na Stroine, quarry walk near Ullapool were achieved. A Burn’s supper in the evening finished off a great day. Sunny weather continued on Sunday as a party climbed Canisp.