Friday 2 – Sunday 4 October 2026

The hostel at Ratagan must have one of the most picturesque settings, on the shore of Loch Duich with the Five Sisters of Kintail as a backdrop. DMC gathered on Friday evening, inspired to spend the weekend climbing as many mountains as possible. Simon spent the whole time trying to convince people to leave at 6.30 the next morning to get the best of the weather. He must have been effective because most people went to bed early, even before Iain had arrived. A stunning morning saw parties head off in all directions, one group tackling the Five Sisters ridge, another group taking on the 7 Munros of the South Shiel ridge, some Corbett baggers doing the Glenelg Peninsula, some up Ben Fhada and Ben Attow, a few aiming to take on the Forcan Ridge, and others exploring the local area. Simon was right, the morning was lovely, but some lunchtime showers were a bit damp. The big routes meant returning after sunset, but that was perfect timing for an amazing vegan taste sensation rustled up by Nick and Kelly with a crumble from Vicky and Matt. A very sociable evening in the cosy hostel lounge. Sunday was forecast for 100% rain all day and, strangely, the forecast was right. Except that several groups discovered a hole in the cloud that allowed for some forest walks, and even a swim in the Garry.

• Report by Andrew