Ben More and other hills: Moira's last munro
Several people thought I was a bit mad in March this year to set a date in October for my final Munro as I still had 38 hills to climb.
However, I had done 40 in each of the preceding 2 years and as I’m not getting any younger I thought I should go for it. However, many of those remaining were a wee bit more tricky or remote eg. Fisherfield, Lurg Mhor, Sgurr Mor in Dessary, Mullach na Dheirigan in Glen Affric and of course Ben Nevis which I was determined to do via the arete and on a good day. This was achieved on Sunday 2 October with Ali in superb clear weather.
Robert had the good sense to suggest 2 outings to Fisherfield with camping (April and September)
Ben Dhronaig bothy provided a chilly April overnight for Lurg Mor......
....and Altbeithe bothy was the most magical place to stay with amazing weather for the hills behind it in September.
Iain did several hills with me over the year including the last 2 before Mull.
There were obstacles along the way, not least of which was breaking my wrist on Brandon Mountain in Ireland in July.
This wiped out August with 13 hills still on the list.
Then there was the incident of the tents blowing away in Fisherfield, the bike falling off the back of the car and being lost, the call for jury duty….
Despite all of this and with the support of various friends who walked with me on 37 of the 38 hills, we arrived on Mull ready to compleat on 22 October. 32 folk made the trip and most stayed in the very excellent Craignure Bunkhouse which I had booked for our exclusive use.
25 climbed the hill....
....with Granda entertaining granddaughter Imogen at base camp.
The ascent route was by A Chioch and the weather was good with great views opening up to the Cuillins and Rum as we climbed.
The scrambly nature of the route was a new experience for some and most (I think) enjoyed it.
At the summit which was in cloud....
....we met another compleating pair, one of whom was an ex colleague of mine from Education Scotland.
We descended by the ‘motorway’ path and again got excellent views out over Ulva and the Treshnish Isles. Back at the cars by 5pm and back for tea, showers and fantastic food and music in the evening. Photo18 I was also presented with the DHC ‘book’ “Always a Little Further” from Chris that has the list of all DHC compleaters in it …..a nice touch.
Moira
