Wendesday 31 December 2025 – Saturday 03 January 2026

True to form, Dundee Mountain Club launched 2026 with exuberant energy. Daytime, although short, and more than a tad breezy, saw twenty of us out in all weathers exploring the mountains, shores and water of the inspiring island of Mull.

Early arrivers on Hogmanay, Iain, Lesley and Ruth succeeded in scaling the Corbett and aptly named Dun da Gaoithe, or Windy Fort.

High winds were the order of the day on New Year’s Day too, so a group of us headed to the beaches near Bunessan to blow away the cobwebs. The longest 1.5km ever along the shore brought us to the historical site of Dun a’Gheird. In those conditions, what was only 74m above sea-level felt more like 740m.

Blustery conditions again on 2nd January meant another shoreline exploration, this time from the sculpture park in Calgary bay then northwards to Caliach. The route took us along the dramatic coastline past the old pier where the crofting families boarded the boats for N. America. Further on we sheltered briefly in their desolate, abandoned villages.

Meanwhile, Dom ran a cross-country circuit taking in Lochbuie in the south, a mere 25km in the plan that turned out to be more like 35km! And the even more intrepid Rosie, John and Alex, took to the water for a freezing cold dip in Tobermory bay.

Short days, long nights and howling gales meant party time for DMC members at Hogmanay and that’s pretty much what we did for three nights, accompanied by a line up of the very best amber spirit. We lifted the carpet and pushed back the sofa to bring in the bells on the dance floor after a haggis supper on Hogmanay. Traditional steak pie on the New Year’s Day was followed by some very convoluted board games. Supper in The Craignure Inn on the 2nd set us up for the ceilidh over in the village hall where we were warmly welcomed by the locals, including some old friends of Andy’s from his teaching days on the island.

• Report by Berenice Hunter