Saturday 23 September 2023

On 23 September 2023 Berenice climbed Ben Vorlich, her final Munro, with a large group of friends, her family and the Dundee Mountain Club family. Some people spent the weekend in the mountaineering club cottage in Crianlarich whilst others drove from Dundee, and further afield, for the day. We congregated at Inveruglas, soaking up the last of the parking spaces. A quick selfie, Berenice-style, and we were off up the track towards the dam.

We reconvened before the climb started, to let some other couples and small groups get a head start. The steep ground spread everyone out, but there was no rush because the views were glorious. In time-honoured fashion Berenice arrived last at the summit, giving everyone a chance to form the arch of walking poles. Andrei kicked it off with a blast of the highland bagpipes and Berenice ascended her final summit cairn to many cheers and popping Champagne corks. Fizz, food, flags, photos and even an impromptu ceilidh. Summit mist cleared so we headed over to the East Top, thus starting Berenice’s bagging of Sub-Tumps!

We said goodbye to the day trippers at the bottom and headed back to the hut via the Drovers Inn, a pub full of Highland character; it even has a stuffed bear to welcome you at the entrance. The hut was a great venue for a celebration party with some special Ben Vorlich cakes, three different main courses, an outdoor fire pit with marshmallows, and a boogie to end the night. Thanks to everyone who came along and provided food, fun, laughter, cakes and cards, and all those people who’ve joined Berenice on the 281 hills leading up to this event!

• Report by Andrew