5 – 7 August 2022

A long-awaited return to this hut, owned by the Grampian Speleological Group of cavers, and the spectacular region of Assynt in the north west Highlands. Ambitions were tempered by the forecast for strong winds and rain on Saturday, so we explored the lower, but no less exciting, hills such as Stac Pollaidh and the Stoer Peninsula. It was interesting to see the Old Man, which now seems to have a fixed line to the shore to help with getting across to it. And the abseil loop on the summit which appeared to be wrapped round a small, loose boulder! Dave’s sausage went down a treat for tea, followed by Gaelle’s tiramisu, and then a surprise birthday cake for her. Various hills were climbed on Sunday, some dreich and others, further away, more pleasant. A group of six even went caving in one of the local potholes. A rather damp affair at times, like taking a cold shower on the high, exposed, traverse between pitches, but also very dramatic at the Black Rift. All enjoyed the pretty display of stalactites, and exploring the large chambers looking for unexplored passage.

• Report by Andrew