Gill & Colin on the approach to the start of Eagle Ridge – Photo Alison Lancashire
Unfortunately, the forecasted heatwave didn’t arrive in time for the meet but that didn’t deter the upbeat team who turned up to sample the delights of Royal Deeside and the south Cairngorms.
Based in the superb Cairngorm Club Muir Cottage, the week started with a gentle 20 mile bike ride from hut for the early arrivals guided by local Sue. An eagle was spotted along with the delightful red squirrels and numerous red deer. A team led by Kath D and Dee did a sterling job of preparing a first night meal for the arrivals. Sadly, Spenser and Kath F missed out due to gearbox issues and being on route from Cornwall respectively.
On Wednesday despite strong and gusty winds a team set off for Eagle Ridge on Lochnagar, whilst others had their sights set on Corbetts, sampling the cycling tracks and checking out the crags at Ballater. The unexpected alpine approach to the start of Eagle Ridge was entertaining in trainers and one set of poles.
Thursday saw a flurry of last minute decision changes due to potentially being one of the better days of the week resulting in 2 teams heading for Tailsman on Creagan a’ ChoireEtchachan and 2 teams heading for Square Face on Beinna’Bhuid. Unfortunately, the Square Face teams were thwarted by strong, gusty winds and banks of snow which was disappointing especially for Chris J and Ann who had risen early and walked in all the way. Dee and I explored the crag of Clach Bheinn, Kath D and Sarah ticked off monroes and Chris R continued his mega biking explorations.
Friday saw a team of 4 driving east to the Aberdeenshire seacliffs with others ticking munroes via biking routes and crag scoping. Noelle and Claire used their hired E bikes to make their way to the Hutchinson hut and climb Quartzvein Edge on Creagan a’ Choire Etchachan.
Later in the week there was more climbing in The Pass of Ballater due to the less reliable mountain weather, biking on the amazing tracks, mountain crag scoping, Monroe/Corbett bagging and even swims in Loch Muick and the river Dee.
What a great group of people! Thanks to all of you for coming along with all your enthusiasm and ensuring that the meet was a success despite some iffy weather.
Alison Lancashire (meet leader)
Attendees– Sarah Birkhill( PC), Ann Blandford (PC), Kath Davies (PC), Colin Densem (CC), Kath Foc (PC Prospective), Anne Freud (PC), Dee Gaffney PC), Noelle Godfrey (PC), Spenser Gray (CC), Sue Harper (PC Prospective), Chris Johnson (PC), Alison Lancashire(CC/PC), Eve Lancashire (CC), Claire Malloy (PC), Simon Perry (CC), Chris Radcliffe (CC), Gill Radcliffe (PC)
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