With a nice forecast and a Friday off work Steve R and I broke up the journey into the Cairngorms with a bike-and-hike of Ben Vuirich. We had good views over to Beinn a’Ghlo, the Glenshee hills and all the way into the Lairig Ghru whilst listening to the stags bellowing in all the surrounding glens.

Arriving at Milehouse Cottage we were immediately impressed with the useful and homely setup, a sentiment which was echoed by others arriving during the course of the evening. Local member Neil dropped in for a cuppa and plans were made for the following day.

Rob, Fi, Emil and Daniel headed into Lurcher’s Crag for Ptarmigan Ridge – they were a bit surprised about the number of stars in the guidebook, but follow-up research showed that this scramble actually had lost one of those in the new guidebook. They still enjoyed it though, and extended their day by summiting Cairngorm – a new tick for Emil.

Sue L went up Carn Ban Mor and enjoyed the stunning scenery of Glen Feshie, whilst Steve headed into the Monadhliath for Meall na h-Aisre and Gairbeinn.

Dave & Pauline, as well as Sarah and myself went out on a bike-and-hike of Carn Dearg Mor and Leathad an Taobhain. Lianne & Ash did the same 2 Corbetts as a hike and also added on Meallach Mhor.

As it was a beautiful sunny afternoon I went for a swimble in Loch Inch – sadly with no human, just a duck as companion swimbler (somehow nobody else thought it was warm enough for a swim…) – although Sarah thankfully provided shore cover.

The day was concluded with another sociable evening in front of the cosy fire, this time with Alison & Kenny stopping by for a drink and a chat.

Sunday’s weather was rather dreadful, so no hills were on the agenda. Dan had a walk at Uath Lochans and Farleitter Crag, and Rob, Emil, Fi, Steve and I enjoyed autumn colours and stunning waterfalls at Bruar during a very social walk on our way back to Edinburgh.

Martha