March 2012 Weekend Meet: Lagangarbh, Glencoe

Considerable time has passed since the meet in Glencoe, enjoyed by 13 members. Snow was conspicuous by its absence although certain members found it impossible to descend into the Lost Valley from Bidean nam Bian down the snow slopes. This party, John Calder, AMcN, MM had ascended Bidean via the zig-zags and had found spring like conditions. The rumour that this was JC 100th, ascent of Argyll’s highest hill was not confirmed.

The alternative party ( IMcM, GG, DA, CJ, CB, DY and JI) were in Glen Etive , braving the large gates , multiple fences and signs to keep to the paths which cluttered up the early part of the ascent of Beinn Mhic Chasgaig . A fine ‘Himalyan gorge’ according to the Corbetts Book followed by an unrelenting climb from glen to summit. A cold miserable lunch followed by a steep, wet descent and a return in time for the rugby!

We were all pleased to have SM back to the scene of his epic defeat of TH at Sporting Trivial Pursuits, an epic contest that lasted until 03.00 hours, although few have any memory of the event. SM and LY walked to Kinlochleven so that SM could watch his Welsh rugby heros en route to the Six Nations Championship. The rather dull surroundings of the bar at the Ice Factor (under reconstruction) were replaced by the warmth and ambience of the Clachaig where the Scots played your usual wonderful rugby only to be thrashed again.

JI and SM returned to the warmth of the Lagangarbh Hut to enjoy the wonderful conservation. The usual topics of bus passes, pensions, memories of work etc. were fully aired as expected given the general decrepitude of the membership. Hard for CB and CJ who still think of a pension as a bed & breakfast in France.

Sunday was completed with a rapid ascent of Curved Ridge in reasonable weather while a majority found the coffee shops of Tyndrum more inviting!