Feshiebridge (Jan 2025)

Friday 10 – Sunday 12 January 2025

Given the snow and very low temperature on this meet it was produced in the style of Ernest Shackleton ๐Ÿ˜‰

Three walkers on a snow covered mountain, with the sun setting

The Dundee Mountain Club embarked upon an expedition to Mill Cottage for a weekend of exploration and endurance. The weather, as it often is in these unforgiving climes, proved to be a formidable adversary. The temperature plummeted to a bitter -14 degrees, and a heavy blanket of snow concealed the land in all directions. The wind howled with relentless fury, and the snowstorm seemed intent on challenging every step we took. Undaunted, Lena, Andrew, Moritz and Patrick set their sights on Meall a’ Buachaille, scaling the mountain with the determination of seasoned mountaineers. The ridge was traversed in its entirety, a feat requiring no small measure of resolve. Meanwhile, Jon and Simon, driven by a spirit of adventure, sought to conquer the Cairngorms via ski mountaineering. Yet the wind, fierce as any adversary we have faced, and the spindrift โ€“ biting and incessant โ€“ thwarted their efforts and forced them to turn back before their planned route could be completed. The remainder of the group, less inclined towards the extreme, took to the forest for cross-country skiing. Among them were novices, unskilled in the art of skiing, but their spirit proved indomitable. By day’s end, they skied with a grace that spoke of extraordinary perseverance and the transformative power of the mountains. As dusk descended upon the snow-blanketed landscape, we returned to the sanctuary of Mill Cottage. There, we were treated to a magnificent Thai curry, prepared by our comrade Berenice. The warmth of the meal was a welcome comfort, its flavours a balm to the weary.

On the morrow, the temperature rose by 15 degrees, a shift that brought with it new opportunities for adventure. Some of our party, eager to embrace the challenge of the unknown, ventured on foot to Loch Insh. There, in the frozen waters, Yasmin and Heinke swam as though the cold were but a distant memory, a testament to their fortitude and unwavering spirit. Others turned their gaze to the mountains and scaled Creag Dhubh, a Graham hill that demanded nothing less than our full attention and respect. Thus ended our weekend of trials and triumphs, a testament to the endurance, camaraderie, and courage that define the Dundee Mountain Club. The elements may have been harsh, but they were no match for the resolve of those who dared to face them.

  • Report by Andrew