News 2012

The away trip to Mull turned turned out very interesting. An uneventful ferry crossing and evening in Tobermory in calm sunshine, followed by a night in the hostel (snoring excepted) ended up an extremely challenging day in hills. Of course we couldn't follow the tourist track (much too boring) but we decided (well Nick did) to go via the 'classic' circuit by the north east ridge. The tops were in the clouds to start off with and a very cold wind meant that fleeces, hats and gloves were needed by everyone. The ascent to the Beinne Fada bealach was straightforward and not even wet underfoot. Once we started up A'Chioch it became more interesting, and as the SMC guide describes it "the ridge becomes steeper and gives a delightful scramble . . . without any difficulty". Delightful for those that like those things of course. For some it was a time to put fears to one side, keep eyes focussed in front and keep going one foot in front of and above the other - with the help of hands as well! Completing A'Chioch was not the end of course, as it was then followed by a rocky descent and a 200m re-ascent up the north east spur of Ben Mor itself. (Ben Mor being mis-spelt on OS maps). This is described as "reminiscent of the Aonach Eagach, but with no comparable difficulties, . . . just exhilaration and unforgettable views"! The rocky scrambles were done with a fair bit of cold wind, hail and snow showers, the weather forecast had said flurries but these were rather prolonged for that description. By the time we reached the summit the clouds had lifted, the sun was out and truly spectacular 360º views were had. The descent was typically rocky, but challenging with a damaged ankle. The minibus was a welcome end to the walk, and very well done to all, especially those who had never been on anything like it before.


Hee hee I know where we are going!	Don't look down	View from the rear

Wild flowers on the way up.	All on the summit	If looks could kill! (But they made it, the endorphins cancelling the adrenalin and fear, though only apparent the next day.)
© by Mike Brunton

Proceeds from International Women's Day event being handed to Charlie Bissett of the Blairgowrie Freedom Coach (£600), and Andy Gingell and Roger Clare of the Tayside Mountain Rescue team (£530 and the collecting tin). Two very worthwhile causes. The Freedom Coach offers a specialised transport service to disabled and elderly people in the Blairgowrie area. Tayside Mountain Rescue as the name suggests are a very valuable and important charity, who also undertake non-mountain specialised search and rescue as well!

In celebration of the 101st anniversary we resolved (after someone's bright idea) to meet the challenge of getting at least 101 women to the top of a Munro. Only that this was the last throes of winter and were unsure of what the weather was going to throw at us! As we are group of widely varied abilities and ages, and given the date we chose to summit Carn Aosda, at 917m above sea level. The use of the good wide tracks through the ski-resort meant that we could take a number of less able people to the top, and one person who was blind managed it in a quicker time than some of the others. Even with the wide range of abilities we managed to avoid a lot of hanging around in the 6 degree wind chill and the cloud was just high enough to clear the top so we could get a good group photograph, with at least one group of 3 generations present.

The event, organised by Nick and Sue Cole of NSC Outdoor Adventures, went off without a hitch, and yes there were a few men present. The only worries (apart from the weather) being transport and getting enough participants. Sir Brian Souter of Stagecoach provided the buses without which there would have been an enormous convoy of cars up the hill, and hence made the event viable. Pat Fraser managed to get the most walkers, but ably supported by other members. In addition to Pat, thanks must go to Anne Easson, Jean Stewart, Neale Lamond, Bob Ellis, Ron and Chris McLeay, Chris Campbell, Hanne Anton, Charlie Davidson, Marjory Carnegie, Shirley Cross, and Susan Smith, all of whom provided first aid backup and encouragement. Mike Brunton took the professional photographs, and Joy Kearns and Sue 'manned' the base station. John Gray of A R Robertson Black had offered to sponsor posters and leaflets when we thought we might have trouble persuading people to take part, but due to the success of viral and guerrilla marketing it meant we didn't need to. Most people admitted their age, and of those brave enough to do so the oldest was 89, youngest 22, combined ages 6827 (what a lot of experience in one place), and the average 61. We achieved our target by a margin with 107 women at the summit cairn. Not sure what sort of record this is, but I didn't hear the wind! While some found the trek easy, there were many for whom this was a significant challenge and indeed their first Munro, so well done to everyone and with the weather it was a fine achievement for them all. The funds raised from the registration fees were split between Tayside Mountain Rescue and the Blairgowrie Freedom Coach.

They all looked a bit more cheery (if not relieved - especially Nick!) at the end!

During January we completed the tri-annual first aid refresh for all our walk leaders. This was carried out again by Ian Jones of Outwardly Mobile, who has now got used to all of us, especially the characters! This year it was hosted at the Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital and it was a first class venue.

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