Tulloch Station weekend

DHC weekend – 16/17 October 2016 – Tulloch Station (near Fersit)

When, at last year’s planning meeting, I suggested going to the Tulloch Station hostel I’d envisaged perfect October weather when I could look from the summit of the Easains and see clear blue skies and glorious autumn colours – they had been shrouded in mist and rain on my previous two ascents. However, although the weather was quite good, my dreams remain to be fulfilled another day!

Our weekend party comprised Ruth, Susan, Ali, Shona, Moira, Linda, me (Paddy), Eileen and Iain (plus two hounds) . First off on the Saturday morning were Ali and Shona, catching the train to Corrour from where they climbed the adjacent Corbett, Cairn Leum Uilleim. They had so much time to spare before the train back to Tullich was due that they decided to walk back – a decision they rather regretted as the terrain they found was very inhospitable.

Moira completed her penultimate Munro – Geal Charn, opposite Creag Meagaidh – accompanied by Iain, Eileen and dogs. Meanwhile Susan and Ruth completed the two Corbetts in Lairig Leacach, Cruach Innse and Sgurr Inse. Last to leave, Linda and I tackled Carn Dearg, at the head of Glen Roy, and following its successful ascent, we then climbed the next Carn Dearg! There are three Carn Deargs in Glen Roy – Ali and Shona climbed the third on the following day. The Saturday was windy, and although the forecast predicted only 20% cloud free Munros, we were almost always cloud free, except for a brief period on the first summit.

At the hostel our host Belinda provided an excellent meal of moussaka followed by crumble so we slept, satiated, in our comfortable beds. Ali & Shona left early on Sunday, as noted above, to complete their Glen Roy Corbetts, while Ruth and Susan left to climb Gairbeinn, a Corbett near the Corrieyairack pass. Moira opted to take a leisurely drive home – focussing on her final Munro in Mull next weekend. As Linda and I took our leave – to see our son finish a 10k in Aviemore, following which we had a short walk to Ailnack Gorge near Tomintoul on our way home, we left Iain and Eileen still studying maps and considering options for the day.

Paddy Grant