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(at Glen Shee and altitude corrected)
and supported by Voluntary Action Fund
Funded by the Scottish Community Foundation
Blairgowrie and District Next Steps
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On 28th April at the third attempt a group managed to complete a climb of Driesh with the circuit of Mayar and Corrie Fee as well. The first attempt was blizzarded off early last year, and a later attempt took too long with a member not feeling well so we had an early return to the minibus. This time a smaller group braved the promised deluge and snow (above 700m). They were all pleasantly surprised as the storm never materialised and despite a lot of soft, wet and slippery lying snow it was actually quite warm. Clouds were low, around the top of Lochnagar level, so we couldn't see quite as far as we would have liked. A long descent into a very scenic Corrie Fee was the bonus for the day, especially on the recently repaired path!
With the valuable help of Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Services we have finally acquired access to our own minibus. This has allowed the creation of a full programme of walks for the remainder of the year, and also re-scheduling the advanced walks to Tuesday giving our hard working leader and organiser opportunities for long weekends for the first time in 3 years. With the flexibility that the minibus entails we can improve the Wednesday walks and go out on more interesting challenges at shorter notice. Also, a major boost is that we do not have to worry about getting back in time for the next bus user. Along with the flexibility comes additional expense so we have adjusted our subscription policy to include annual memberships to help. A very big thank-you to PKAVS and the Community Transport Group.
Other recent successes have been a successful traverse of the Creag Leacach to Glas Maol ridge under winter conditions on 3rd March. Expectation of a second lunch stop in the lee of the wall on Glas Maol was curtailed as when we got there it was already full of people. The planned descent route had to be abandoned because of the presence of hard icy ground so we needed to return via the ascent route. This extended the day somewhat. In the process we covered 3 Munro tops! Stunning distant views made up for the 50 to 60mph wind gusts, and powder snow.
With effect from 17th October 2007, BaDNS takes full responsibility for maintaining the successful Stride for Life Wednesday Walk programme. This was set up by Perth and Kinross Leisure in partnership with Strathmore and the Glens. It has always been dependent on volunteer walk leaders, who all come from BaDNS. So therefore this has been a natural and logical management move. Details of the walk programme are found in the index on the left or by following this link.
In addition demand for spaces on the more advanced walks has led to the establishment of a Thursday walk programme. This fills the gap between the now highly experienced Monday walkers, all of whom came through the Wednesday programme, and the aspiring walkers also from Wednesday. It will start by completing the Cateran Trail in manageable chunks and then continue with a more moderate programme. Therefore BaDNS now offers a full range of led or guided walking opportunities with qualified walk leaders ranging from slow and short health walks up to multi-Munro bagging days. Wednesday walks are time limited and take between 1 and 2 hours overall, Thursday walks will be intended to be back in Blairgowrie by approx 15:00, while the Monday walks will be returning as the day allows!
2007
The 2007 challenge really was one! On 25th June a small party took on Ben Lawers, the highest point in Perthshire at 1214m (3983ft). To go any higher needed an airplane or given the wind a kite! The weather was mixed but dry. Out of the cloud it was sunny and warm, but behind this was a ferocious wind, forecast to be 31mph at the summit. A slight underestimate as once we got there it was very difficult to stand up let alone move, it felt more like 70mph instead (if my memories of driving a motorbike were correct). It was a struggle to climb and in the conditions it was often a case of a scramble instead of a walk or step climb.
Eight of us took this on, and we all made it, climbing Beinn Ghlas as well as Ben Lawers itself - so 2 Munros! We could have gone over Beinn Ghlas on the descent but there was a less windy option of descending to the col to the west instead.
On the way up we passed a party of Germans, totally unprepared for the conditions, huddled in the 10m visibility on Beinn Ghlas, expressing the view that they liked walking and were used to the Alps so Scotland was easy! After a brief chat (advice) they decided discretion was the better part of valour and returned to the car park. Their jeans and tennis shoes potentially the worse for wear.
Today was great achievement for all, and a first for several of the group. It was a good effort and well done.
Oh, and the Exclosure reserve was interesting as well, and to crown the day I was able to get a photograph of Meall nan Tarmachan without any cloud for the first time ever!
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| Meall nan Tarmachan | Looking North towards Glen Lyon | Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers from the descent |
2006
Our previous challenge was participating in the Eastern Cairngorm Challenge across Jock's Road. This was an inaugural event for the newly completed trail and nature reserve in the Glen Doll area. A team of 11 completed with an average age of 61 completed the route in a time of 7hrs 20mins. Some half an hour of an earlier and rather younger group!
We also provided a certificated first aid training course for 12 of our members. They are now qualified to national governing body standards for Emergency Aid in the Outdoors.
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All photographs on this web site belong to NSC Design Ltd unless stated otherwise. They may not be distributed or reproduced by any means, or in any form, without prior written permission.
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| On top of Creag Leacach |
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| On top of Meall Uaine |
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| Finally on the top of Ben Lawers |
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| Rowanbank is behind you! |
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| Deuchary Hill and Lochan na Beinne (Loch of the Hill) |
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| Waterfall above Dirnanean |
