26-27th March 2022

Sometimes the best days and nights are spur of the moment decisions, like leaving Dundee just before 6pm on Sat with a vague notion of how to get to a Bothy on the shores of Loch Etive. Sensible people (?) like Andy and Rosie go in the daylight, i was planning to cycle it in the dark.. Six or more cars already at Bonawe and i cursed the fact i’d forgotten to bring a tent or bivvi bag. Once i had found the route around the quarry (not on the map) it was a eerie 30 min ride through the forest, finally spotting a fire down beside the burn and the wee track down to the Bothy itself.
Lively chat with the fellow residents followed and some good stories fueled by a wee dash of whisky (for some, Buckfast for others!), the skies outside were stunning and there was plenty of space – 7 folk in 3 rooms and space for many more.
The morning silence and slowing warming sun, al fresco coffee and views of Ben Cruachan underlined just why Bothying is a such a great spontaneous, take it as it comes adventure.
Off to Cowal for some Sunday afternoon Graham bashing, Andy and Rosie heading for Beinn a Chleibh.

• Report by Iain