A long drive home

The GWC Torridon Project 2010 was now at an end and we were heading back to Edinburgh. Seeing as though it was my first time leading a Project, I couldn't be any happier with how it had gone.

After arriving in winter-like conditions we had been truly blessed by the weather over the past couple of weeks. We had managed to sucessfully 'bag' a total of 5 Munros; including Beinn Alligin, Beinn Eighe and Sgorr Ruadh - a fine tick list indeed. Looking back at the days on the hill, I was very happy with the order in which we attempted the Torridon giants and the kids coped well with the progression of difficulty - the day we had on Beinn Eighe will certainly be in my thoughts for a long time: it was truly magical.

The Loch Maree exped was a great success and it was amazing that we were able to give the group that kind of experience - something that they won't be forgetting in a hurry. But I wondered if it would have been a completely different story had the weather been poor - a plan B needed perhaps?

I would have liked to have given the kids more opportunity to experience more rock climbing. On reflection, Beginners Slabs worked really well as an intro and Grass Crag was just too difficult for the group. All good thoughts to take in for next year.

A great deal of the success was down to a great team of staff in James, Laurie and Margot; I can't thank them enough for all the help and support they gave me throughout the trip and really helped to take some of the pressure off. The kids had also been an excellent bunch - they really embraced the true spirit of GWC Projects.

Considering a lot of the planning was quite last minute due to being stranded in South Africa, I was elated with how successful the trip had been and couldn't wait for next year!

Loch Maree Exped

Over the past two days, we have been on a canoe and kayaking expedition on Loch Maree - run by Boots N Paddles. After our epic day bagging Beinn Eighe on Tuesday, I made the knackered group pack their expedition kit and we split it all between dry bags - ready for the next two days and their final adventures.
We met Mike in a lay-by just further along the road from the Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve Trail car park, on the opposite bank to Rubha a' Ghiuthais. We first got the kids organised and packed up with all their kit, stoves and tents. Then we helped to unload all the boats from the trailers. Mike then spoke to the group and outlined the plan for the next two days and spoke a little about the history of the surrounding area; particularly Letterewe.

Getting ready to launch from the shore of Loch Maree with Slioch behind

We then split the group up into canoeists and kayakers and set about launching ourselves out onto Loch Maree. The shoreline was the perfect put-in spot and we were soon all out on the water. For most of the kids, it was their first time paddling so the first hour was spent learning the beginners strokes and discovering how the crafts could be turned and manoeuvred.

Launching into Loch Maree

Paddling on Loch Maree

Paddling on Loch Maree

The conditions were perfect; completely calm with hardly a breath of wind but not too hot with an overcast sky. We made good progress and stopped for lunch at a small beach just to the Southeast of Letterewe. Over lunch, I had a good chat with Mike and got to know him a little. He had been great with the kids and he seemed extremely experienced on the water. It was interesting to hear about how well his business was doing and what great plans he had for the future. He said that he had been really looking forward to this exped with us: right from the moment he had received the email from me with the idea. I knew that the area was protected because of the Black-throated Divers that nest on the Islands in Loch Maree. He said that he had been in touch with the National Reserve rangers and he knew what parts of the Islands to stay clear of and where the birds might be nesting.

Paddling on Loch Maree below Slioch

Paddling on Loch Maree

Lunch stop on the shore of Loch Maree

We set off again and headed for Isle Maree to explore. Mike showed the kids around the ancient chapel and told the story of Queen Victoria coming here to the wish tree - the kids loved it. There was certainly something special about the whole place and I certainly felt privileged to be there.

Sloch from Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Wish Tree on Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Wish Tree on Isle Maree, Loch Maree

Our next mission was to explore the rest of the Islands. I had said to Mike that I had read somewhere that one of the islands, Eilean Sùbhainn, had a small lochan with a small island in it; an island in a loch on an island in a loch! Mike said that he had read the same thing and he too was curious about it. We landed on the West shore of Eilean Sùbhainn and put the kids to task. They made short work of this and a couple of the lads waded in to stand on the island in a loch on the island in a loch - what a crazy sight!

Exploring the Islands on Loch Maree

Next, we had to find a spot to camp for the night. Looking at the map, Mike said it looked like there might be a flat patch of ground between two of the larger islands, on the North side of Eilean Dubh na Sroine. The water level was quite low, due to the recent dry weather, so there was a perfect flat shore for us to settle down for the night.

Pitching tents at our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

We unloaded the boats and set about pitching the tents and getting some grub going. It really was an idyllic spot and we were treated to a spectacular sunset.

Slioch from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Slioch from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

Sunset from our camp on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, Loch Maree

The next morning, after packing up, we swapped the groups over so everyone had a chance to try both canoeing and kayaking. Once again, the first hour was spent going through the basics and playing a few games. Then Mike took us to a sheltered bay at one side of one of the islands where the kids could have a bit of a swim and play around in the water.
Finally we headed to the shore and landed at the car park at Slattadale and helped to load up the trailers with the boats. The weather had been perfect and the exped had been a complete success. We were all very happy with how it went and it was an amazing final adventure for the GWC Torridon Project 2010.

Beinn Eighe

Today I planned to make an assault on the mighty Beinn Eighe - and what a glorious day it was. The sun was blazing down from the glorious blue sky and there wasn't a single cloud to be seen - it certainly looked like it was going to be a hot one!
After making sure the kids had plenty of water and suncream, we set off along the road to the nearby Beinn Eighe car park, opposite Lochan an Iasgair. James and I left the kids to faff around and gear up, while we made the short drive further along the road to leave the minibus at the end of our route: the car park near the small square of trees at the base of the Allt Coire an Laoigh, opposite Loch Bharranch. With the minibus left there safely, we headed back to the group at the main car park. We set off along the good path around the base of Stuc a' Choire Dhuibh Bhig and headed into Coire Dubh Mor.

Heading round into the Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

Heading through Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

It was hot... and there was hardly any movement in the air. Still without a cloud in the sky, we looked up from one side to the other at the Torridon giants of Beinn Eighe and Liathach. The kids were setting a blistering pace yet again and we were soon at the fork in the path, where we paused to take off some more layers, consume more liquid and admire the stunning view through the Torridon Forest to Beinn Alligin and Beinn Dearg; a truly breathtaking sight.

Liathach (left) and Beinn Alligin (right) from Coire Dubh Mor, Torridon

Heading around the base of Sail Mhor, Beinn Eighe, Torridon

Approaching the entrance to Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

We took a right and contoured around the base of Sail Mhor towards the entrance to Coire Mhic Fhearchair. Just below the 'lip' of the corrie entrance, I stopped the group and built up what they were about to see and I talked a little about the Lancaster crash in 1951. We continued up the steps at the side of the waterfall and the most amazing setting lay before us: Triple Buttress. We could see that the group were genuinely excited by it, which was really nice to see. We sat on the slabs at the Northwest corner of Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair and had our lunch - what an amazing place to be on such a glorious day. As we sat there, I was able to look up and spot the ascent route that lay before us. In the guides I had read, it was suggested that from the corrie the path headed up from the Southeast corner of the loch and followed the smaller lochans up to the col between Ruadh-stac Mor and Coinneach Mhor. But as we looked up at the route I saw that it looked really quite steep and eroded in the corner going up to the col. I didn't like the look of it at all so I decided instead that we should head straight up the side of Ruadh-stac Mor; taking a more direct line of ascent.

Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

Ruadh-stac Mor high above Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

The magnificent Triple Buttress in Coire Mhic Fearchair, Beinn Eighe

After lunch we began to pick our way slowly through the broken terrain and boulder field towards the steeper slopes that led the way to the summit of the towering Ruadh-stac Mor. I told everyone that it was best that they all went at their own pace up the slope and we would re-group at the top. I also gave them a quick demo of how to zig-zag up the slope and make it a little easier for themselves. It was a tough slog in the heat but the kids did amazing and we were at the top of the steep slope in no time at all. To my astonishment, the view back down to the corrie and through the Torridon Forest was even more spectacular - what a place. From here, the summit was a short walk away so we dumped our bags and headed for the top to admire the views in every direction.

Heading up the steep sides of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Looking down on Coire Mhic Fhearchair from Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Tripple Buttress and Sail Mhor from the side of Ruadh-stac Mor above Coire Mhic Fhearchair, Beinn Eighe

Approaching the top of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Beinn Alligin, Beinn Dearg and Baosbheinn from Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Meall a' Ghiuthais from the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

Enjoying the view from the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

The group on the summit of Ruadh-stac Mor, Beinn Eighe

After a good few pictures we collected our bags and headed down to the col and began the climb up towards the grassy slopes of Coinneach Mhor. I decided not to go to the top, as I wanted to get up Spidean Coire nan Clach and time was pushing on. Instead we paused at the bottom of the slope to admire the view of Liathach in all it's glory.

Heading along the ridge from Ruadh-stac Mor towards Coinneach Mhor, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Liathach from Beinn Eighe, Torridon

We pushed on and the wide grassy slopes soon became a narrow rocky ridge. But the conditions could not have been better and apart from a couple of tricky steps, the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach was easily reached. The kids coped brilliantly with the situation and exposure - it had worked well with the progression from Sgorr Ruadh and then Beinn Alligin.

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Heading along the ridge towards Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Looking back along the ridge towards Liathach and Coinneach Mhor from the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

Enjoying the view to the South from the summit of Spidean Coire nan Clach, Beinn Eighe

After enjoying the views from the second Munro of the day, we headed back along the ridge and down the heavily eroded path down into Coire an Laoigh. I was quite shocked at the erosion and I made sure that everyone stuck to the main path to avoid any further damage.

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

As we descended down into the corrie, we came across a random loan red deer grazing at the side of the path. It looked very old and rather ragged to say the least! All the kids stopped to take pictures of it and it wasn't bothered in the slightest that we were only standing a few feet away - it was quite possibly demented! We continued to wind our way down the excellent path following the Allt Coire an Laoigh. It was tough going on the knees after a long day but we were soon all down safely at the minibus.

The group descending into Coire an Laoigh (and a Red Deer!), Beinn Eighe

Random Red Deer in Coire an Laoigh, Beinn Eighe

We were all shattered and frazzled but absolutely buzzing after the amazing day we had just experienced. We had been building up to today as the ultimate goal over the past 9 days. Today had worked out perfectly and James and I were over the moon that we had been able to give that experience to the kids and we knew it would be something that they would never forget. One of the best days on the hill so far - amazing...

Grass Crag Climbing

Tomorrow was looking like it was going to be another stunner so I wanted to keep that for a big hill. Today, however, the weather looked like it might be a little hit and miss. James and I decided to take the kids for some more climbing at Grass Crag in Gairloch - we just had to hope the weather would hold and try to get done what we could.

We were away sharp and soon all stumbling over the boggy ground towards Grass Crag, struggling to carry all the gear. I got the kids sorted out with helmets and harnesses etc. while James threaded the bottom ropes in double-quick time. We had four ropes going between James and I and the kids new what they were doing after our intro-session last week at Beginners Slabs.

Unfortunately, the kids found it quite hard and struggled to get to the top of most of the routes - it didn't stop them trying their hardest and putting everything into it though! Then the rain came... and it really hammered down and, looking up at the clouds, it was on for the rest of the day. We made a run for the minibus and headed for hot chocolates in Gairloch on our way back to the hostel.

On reflection, it wasn't an ideal venue for a large group - as most of the climbing was simply too hard. James and I both said that we would check out Aztec Tower for future sessions. A good day though, considering the poor weather. I forgot my camera today so no pics, sorry.

A rest day on the beach

Today there were a few a few things to take care of so it could only really be a rest day for the group - something that I knew they would be glad of after a full on first week.

The plan was that James would take Margot to the train station and then go on to Dingwall to stock up on fresh supplies for the remaining few days.

The weather wasn't too bad so Laurie and I decided to take the kids back to Gaineamh Mhor beach in Gairloch to make the most of the sunshine. I instigated a huge game of ultimate frisbee and then the girls chilled out while I played touch rugby with the lads.

Touch Rugby on Gaineamh Mhor beach, Gairloch

Hopefully this was a chance to recharge and get back into the hardcore action over the next few days - bring it on!

Beinn Alligin

Today we were going to make an assault on Beinn Alligin.
It was a damp but mild morning, as we geared up in the car park above Torridon House. The kids were in great spirit and raced up the new path to the plateau before the entrance to Coire nan Laogh. As we entered the corrie, the group were absolutely buzzing and they were in great spirits about the great time they were having - very nice to hear. I remember the corrie being steep from being up here last October on a scouting mission with Emily, but I certainly don't remember getting to the top so quickly! Everyone was doing brilliantly and we all linked arms for the short walk up to the summit of Tom na Gruagaich. It was rather windy at the top but the clouds had cleared and we were blessed with a great view of the main ridge leading to the mighty Sgurr Mor and The Horns of Alligin.

Entering Coire nan Laogh, Beinn Alligin

Looking down into Coire nan Laogh and Loch Torridon, Beinn Alligin

After admiring the view, we pushed on along the ridge and with James' help, we spotted the kids through 'the tricky step'. The wind was now well and truly buffeting us but the kids were troupers and powered on without any complaints - they really wanted to get to the top and bag the second peak of the day.

Team effort approaching the summit of Tom na Gruagaich, Beinn Alligin

We stopped to peer into the impressive Eag Dubh (Black Cleft) before the final slog up to the summit of Sgurr Mor.

Sgurr Mor and The Horns of Alligin (Na Rathanan) from the summit of Tom na Gruagaich, Beinn Alligin

The group had made amazing time and we had been really lucky with the weather. James and I had chatted about how we could manage the group going over The Horns if the conditions were right (we planned to split the group in half and take 6 each under our wing). But today the conditions were far from reasonable and it was an easy decision to turn back and head home the way we came.

Heading along the main ridge towards Sgurr Mor, Beinn Alligin

As we approached the col below the ridge leading back up to Tom na Gruagaich the wind really picked up, the clouds rolled in around us and I was very happy that we made the decision to turn back - a great call.

Eag Dubh, Beinn Alligin

Once again, the kids set a blistering pace on the descent and we were back at the hostel in no time. There was time for a quick shower and a change before we headed along the road to the Torridon Inn for a good evening meal; a treat for the group and the perfect way to say goodbye to Margot, who was leaving us in the morning.

The group on the summit of Sgurr Mor, Beinn Alligin

James and I were buzzing that we had just done a 'smash and grab job' on the magnificent Beinn Alligin with the kids in double-quick time - what a feeling, what a day!