Meet Report

13th to 15th March 2015 - Rucksacks, Braemar

Compared to last year’s Braemar March meet (when several of those attending stayed in the now incinerated Spittal of Glenshee hotel after failing to make it up the hill to the ski centre), this one started relatively uneventfully all with except me (Alison F) getting there on Friday night.

Saturday saw an early start with the first climbers (Fiona R, Sylvian and Alison C) out the door before 6 and headed for Lochnagar. Various other parties joined them – Martin, Chris, Tim, Alan and Anne all headed in the same direction. Sylvian showed he was made of strong stuff with his first ever winter climb being a grade IV up Giant’s Chimney whilst Martin, Chris and Tim returned late and declared it an “epic day”. Meanwhile Paul and Ian had a big day on Beinn a Bhuird and Ben Avon, Katrina and Clare A biked into An Socach and Beinn Iuthorn Mhor, Pauline and Dave also had a long day on Beinn Bhrotain and Monadh Mor and Kate, Adam, Rebecca and Alison F climbed Carn an t-Sagairt Mor and Carn a Coire Bhoidheach. All reported much better weather than expected with views from as high as 1000m and clearing throughout the day – much better than the cloud above 400m that was forecast.

Sunday brought a frosty morning and a bright, clear day. A bit of a mix for Sunday. Rebecca, Clare, Alan, Anne and I headed home (Clare after a long lie and cake in the café and Alan after a run up Morrone). Adam and Kate had a cracking day on Glas Tulaichean with clear blue skies & sunshine & great views. Paul and Ian did a quickie up Ben Gulabin – a new Corbett for them both. Alison C, Fiona R and Sylvian headed for munro tops around Lochnagar and Chris and Katrina opted for Bheinn Bhreac and Beinn a'Chaorainn. Pauline and Dave did Ben Vrackie.

Another successful meet all round.