14-16/02/14 Weekend Meet: Milehouse, near Feshiebridge

Gordon G did Creag Ruadh from Sherrabeg near Laggan. Some deep snow on ridge and summit plateau but great views down Loch Laggan and across to Creag Meagaidh. Great day but spoiled by having to climb FOUR locked gates in deer fences and TWO deer fences without gates or stiles.

Ski-touring time for Brian and Malcolm, up from the Glen Banchor car park NW of Newtonmore to A’ Chailleach via the lopsided bothy at NH 687 022. Skis could only be put on after crossing the river to the E. Very soft low down and HUGE drifts at the burns on the SE slopes of the Geal Charn - A’ Chailleach ridge. Visibility not bad and not too windy. Guid run down to the river.

Saturday:

Poor weather forecast made the attraction of picking up gear in Aviemore very seductive for Brian. After a successful shopping trip Malcolm and Brian went on an 11 mile walk from the hut down the forest roads of Glen Feshie.

The more adventurous party of Alistair, Liz, Libby, Maureen, Drew and Gordon G set off from Whitewell to Picadilly, where the party split with Alistair, Liz and Drew heading up the Lairig Ghru path and the others walking through the forest, around the south side of Loch Morlich to the cafe at Glenmore.

The Lairig itself was almost invisible in a white haze but the surrounding landscape was a brightly sunlit snowscape - most unusual this winter.

Met Marion descending from their high point and shortly after this Liz turned back.

Alistair and Drew continued until they reached a point opposite where the old Sinclair used to be before returning.

Gordon G and others walked around Loch Morlich with TWO visits to the Squirrel Café for coffee.

Nick went for a fast walk up Meall a' Bhuachaille, 80 mins up and 40' mins down in nice crunchy snow with four Glenmore Lodge groups dotting the hill doing some kind of training involving standing around a lot.

Sunday:

Alistair, Liz, Drew and Libby walked up Glen Feshie from Achlean to the Ruigh-Aitchichean bothy.

The weather was better than expected with only a couple of brief snow showers. This walk is much easier than it used to be, with a good path all the way from Achlean.

The car park there was very busy with lots of people off walking and ski mountaineering. They spoke to two guys who were carrying downhill skis with a view to skiing down Coire Garbhalach. When they asked what it was like they were told "steep".

Gordon G went to Creag Dhubh from A86 close to Jocks Spot. Easy track then path to start but covered in 2-3 inches of snow. Up ridge in deepening snow. Rewarded by great views in all directions.

Two Grahams ticked.

Skis on again, Gordon B, Brian, Malcolm and Marian started a cold, windy but clear skinning up from the Ciste Car Park, up over the shoulder to the ski centre then out to the shoulder E of Lurcher's Crag. Grand run all the way back to the ski centre then skinning up to the Ptarmigan after lunch followed by a run back doon the W side of the Ciste and skis removed just metres from the car. A guid weekend indeed.

Nick made a late start with Maureen up Glen Feshie towards the bothy enjoying great views and espresso