Ben Nevis Trip

Due to the poor weather on the hill we set off early at 7am this meant an early start in order to miss the worst of the weather. With head torches switched on we set off into the darkness. Following which we were met with great views over the Glen. At 9.30am we reached half way lochain and stopped for a break. Continuing on we headed for the summit and in usual fashion as we approached 900m the clouds descended on us. On the approach to the summit the wind started picking up and visibility dropped. We stopped in the ruins of the observatory for a well earned lunch just before mid-day, after about 40 minutes on the summit we started back down as the clouds started lifting over us, sadly however they did not lift over the other peaks leaving a half view from the summit. On our descent the clouds continued to hang around but eventually began to clear leaving stunning views if you were quick with the camera. Reaching the zig-zags in the path we were held up by guided groups who would not let us past, however this gave us a chance to gather our energy a bit more. When reaching half way lochain, the wind increased as forecast, the low pressure well on its way in, making us glad we were on schedule. Reaching the bunkhouse at 3pm, we just missed the rain by a matter of seconds (as soon as we stepped food in the bunkhouse it started raining). Following the walk we went to Morrisons to buy a meal for the night (cooking and eating together). After our home-made Indian we made use of a pack of playing cards for the majority of the night. Sunday morning we cooked breakfast (a healthy selection of bacon, sausages (meat and vegetarian), eggs and toast) together before rushing to pack everything away before we had to go. After this we went for a wander in Fort Williams many many outdoors shops. After browsing through Cotswalds (where MCofS members get 15% discount) we returned to the van. On the return journey we stopped at a small car park in Glen Coe which had great views of Aonach Eagach and Stob Coire nan Lochan. Final stop before University was the unique Drovers Inn where we all enjoyed a delicious meal. Reaching campus we returned the van and put the gear back in the store before saying our good byes after a trip that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Weekend Weather Update

Due to the poor forecast for Saturday we have came up with a reserve plan. Basically we will get up at the same time, go up Ben Nevis via the tourist path and then descend before the worst of the weather comes in during the afternoon (expecting to be at half way lochain by 13:00). We will have to keep a decent enough pace and if the weather worsens before we get up then we will be retreating.

Ideally we would have just relocated but the weather is the same for all of the surrounding areas that we can get to. If we have to retreat and/or get back early then we will probably head off into Fort William and have a wander.

Ben Nevis Route

Below are the route that we will take if we get the weather to do the CMD Arête next week, alongside the plan for each day:

Here is the plan for the Friday:

17:00 - Meet at the gear store
17:30 - Set off
20:30 - Get to bunkhouse

Here is the plan for the day of walking:

06:00 - Get up
07:00 - Set off
11:30 - Reach the mountain hut and have lunch
13:00 - Reach top of CMD
15:00 - Reach top of Ben Nevis
16:30 - Get back down to half way lochan
18:00 - Back at bunkhouse

Here is the plan for the second day:

08:00 - Get up
09:30 - Set off
10:30 - Reach fort
11:30 - Back at bunkhouse
13:00 - Reach Drovers Inn for lunch
15:30 - Back at university

Remember to bring all the required kit with you and to have paid SA fees or you will not be allowed to come along with us.

Climbing Review

This week we went climbing twice, both times we went to the GCC, we are happy to say that within the first week we have had a few members pass already, congratulations to those members!

Next week we will be going to the GCC on Wednesday again but on the Sunday we will be going to the TCA so everyone can get bouldering.

We hope you all enjoyed the trips and come along next week!

Beinn Ime Trip

For the first trip of the year a few hiccups and delays are expected, that being said the trip went very well with everyone fully enjoying it.

We set off on time and were met with great views over the Loch in between the trees.

Half way through the forest we stopped and gathered up the group, following which yours truly misread the map and set off in the wrong direction, this was quickly spotted and corrected.

Upon emerging from the forest we split into 2 groups and continued to keep radio contact with each other, with myself being in the first group ahead of the second group.

We then continued walking until the Narnain boulders where we had a snack break.

At 12:00 we reached the Lochan a'Chlaidheimh and decided to continue until the fence before having another snack break.

We reached the fence and stopped for a snack, at which time we decided to have lunch at the top.

We then set off on the final leg of the journey.

The top came into view at 12:55 and we got out the group shelters and had lunch in them.

After consuming lunch we were faced with the issue of how to get out of the group shelters in a dignified manor, some succeeded some failed.

We then started off down and at 13:30 we met the other group, Kris continued up to the top on his own and the rest of us continued down the mountain.

We were then rejoined by Kris when we met the fence.

Continuing down as one group until we passed the Lochan a'Chlaidheimh where 2 groups formed again. 

the first group continued down to the van with the second group about 10 minutes behind.

Following which we went for some chips and then continued back to University.

All in all it was an enjoyable trip and we are hoping that everyone continues on as members and gets the most out of their time in the club. A special thanks to Kris and Mike for driving!

Tomorrow Route

Weather Update

The weather is looking ok for tomorrow:

As we are going to Ben Ime tomorrow we are to the south of this forecast area, we will get less clouds than elsewhere but dont expect much in terms of views from the top, unless we are very lucky.

Intro To Club and Committee Video

Kit List Saturday

What you will need to bring:

• Wearing (probably):
• Non-Cotton T-shirt
• Suitable trousers (i.e. not jeans or cotton)
• Sunglasses (you just never know)
• Suitable Walking Footwear
• Fleece or other warm jacket (remove if too hot)
• Waterproof Bottoms 
• Waterproof Top 
• Hat 
• Gloves
• In Hill Bag (20 – 35 Litres):
• Personal Medication (If Applicable) – Remember to Let a Committee Member Know About This Before We Go
• Blister Plasters (Best To Take Your Own)
• Packed Lunch Sun Cream (You Just Never Know)
• Camera
• Phone (In a Plastic Bag)
• Flask With a Warm Beverage Inside
• Compass (We Can Supply These)
• Emergency Supply of Sugary Foods
• Water Bottle (Preferably Full Or Filled Up Before Leaving The Car Park)
• Money for chips on way back

Saturday Trip Update

The Plan:

• 7:30AM - Meet at the gear store
• 8:15AM latest - Leave the gear store
• 9:00AM - Get to start point for Ben Ime 
• 9:15AM - Set off from the bus
• 3:00PM to 4:00PM - Back at bus
• 3:30PM to 4:30PM - Get chips in Arrochar (or near by)
• 4:00PM to 5:00PM - Set off back to Glasgow
• 5:00PM to 6:00PM - Back at university

The Weather Forecast

• Westerly 15 to 20mph winds
• A few drizzly showers
• Typical cloud base on western hillsvarying between 600 and 800m with few breaks above. Well inland, by late morning nearly all cloud above 800 or 900m with some higher summits clearing - whilst on other tops and in some corries cloud persists all day
• 20% chance of a cloud free munro
• 5 - 6 C at 900m

All in all we have a good forecast, we may be lucky with the clouds and this forecast will change over the next few days.

First Trip Change of Plan

The first trip will still be going ahead and the times and kit list etc will be in the minuets tomorrow.

We have altered the trip to go up Ben Ime which is in the same area but is less of a walk in. Ben Ime will give us plenty of nice views (hopefully). Below is what you can expect on a nice day (minus the snow):