Newtonmore Weekend

Newtonmore 14-15th March

The weather forecast wasn't great for the weekend of 13-15 March. High winds and rain on an already boggy landscape didn't seem hugely appealing but 10 of us set off on Friday afternoon to meet up in the Strathspey Mountain Hostel. We were - Iain and Eileen Wright, Jane and Bob, Ali, Graham R, Sandy, Hamish, Gillie and Alan. Unfortunately Iain and Eileen were called away to Glasgow at the last minute. We missed them!

On the way over Gillie and Alan attempted Creag Dhubh but were late setting off and the snow was quite thick, making it hard going (along with bog). Sandy managed Meall a Bhuachaille in the sunshine (he'd made the best of the day by starting earlier) and we ate at the Balavil Hotel which Iain had kindly booked.

On Saturday we all set off to climb Creag Liath (743m) at the back of Newtonmore. Despite the grey skies we managed almost the whole day with no rain. There was considerable bog and some snow on the top but we had some views! We were back in plenty of time to concoct another great DHC feast in the bunkhouse - which we had to ourselves.

Sunday morning the weather seemed windier and wetter than Saturday. Sandy headed off in his van to bag Beinn Uaruinn (plus 1 other) which he did in an amazing window of sunshine whilst the rest of us headed up towards Inverness to walk a Graham in horizontal hail (sorry - can't remember the name and haven't got a relevant map).

Looking back on the weekend which is now nine days ago it seems like another era and I think we were all glad to have the time together. As I type this, we're now in lockdown.

Gillie