14-16 October 2016
Present: Andrew, Berenice, Daniela, Pete C, Pete M, Jim, Simon, Niall, Jeannie, Natalie and Maddy
After the long drive to Dundonnell we settled into the cosy converted croft and planned our weekend over a bottle or two of whisky. The forecast for Saturday wasn’t promising. Maybe a third bottle of whisky was cracked open. The forecast didn’t keep us inside though and people set out to make the best of the bad weather.
There were runners out from Inverlael, while Sail Mhor summit was ticked off. Niall trained for Relentless 24 with a 100+ mile circuit on the bike, Daniela and Jennie scouted out the Old Man of Stoer (a daring traverse in such rough sea conditions!) and Maddy, Simon and Pete headed out for some trad climbing in Gruinard Bay where Maddy attempted her 3rd ever trad lead. Unfortunately rain stopped climbing by lunch so the climbers of Gruinard Bay were forced to a cafe for cake before walking to Eas Dubh falls. Not bad considering!
Saturday evening was Taco Fun, thanks Daniela. With little drinkable whisky remaining we opted for an earlier night – a good forecast for Sunday meant an early start for An Teallach. The most beautiful dawn greeted us and a clear view in all directions made the climb up to the first peak a true delight. Unfortunately a biting wind kept most of us off the most scary parts of the ridge but some fearless members braved it. We all thoroughly enjoyed the drama and splendour of this most iconic of mountains. The two Munros at the end were our reward and for Natalie were a fantastic first two to bag.
