Black Rock Cottage Peter Bennett
Despite a far from encouraging weather forecast for the weekend of 19 January 2008, a decent complement of members braved the elements to experience the winter delights of Glencoe. The Black Rock Cottage was fully occupied by 10 members: Tim Catterall, Peter Flegg, John Flintcroft, Mike Frost & Carolyn Horrocks, Jon Trafford & Amanda Welch, Alison Jones, Eva Diran and Peter Bennett. In addition various visitors called by on Saturday evening.
West Highland Way and back by the Old Military Road. All parties passed an enjoyable day in mostly dry conditions, with the cloud base above the tops, though PeterF did come back somewhat bruised after a fall which happily was not too serious.
A convivial Saturday evening ensued. Colin Matheson and son Rory dropped by en route back from a Munroe bagging exploit in Knoydart. Later, much later, Kin Choi with friends Jamie Grimwade and Dave Moffatt, stopped off for a cuppa on their way down from a route on Sron Na Creise just above the cottage. They were unsure whether or not the route actually taken was the one they had intended to do, which apparently is notoriously John and Eva on NC Gully, Stob Coire nan Lochan difficult to follow. by Tim Catterall
During a windy and wet Friday night the shelter afforded by the cottage was particularly appreciated as we snuggled warm and dry in our sacs listening to the onslaught of the elements. An early start was in order. First out of the traps was a team comprising Tim, PeterF, John and Eva with designs on a circuit along Lairig Eilde, up onto the ridge leading to Stob Coire Sgreamhach, Bidean Nam Bian and Stob Coire nan Lochan. Mike & Carolyn went off about an hour later to do Dorsal Arrete on Stob Coire nan Lochan, closely followed by Jon & Amanda and PeterB with the intent of going up onto the Buchaille from Glen Etive at the south west end of the ridge, Stob na Broige. Alison opted for a walk from the cottage along the
NMC Quarterly Magazine
Sunday was another reasonably fine day with everyone active to a greater or lesser extent. Although PeterF rested at the cottage following his mishap the previous day, he did a magnificent job of cleaning up, so enabling a rapid evacuation when the various parties returned, and we were all on our way back to Tyneside by 5pm having enjoyed an excellent weekend. u
March 2008
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