Monday 11 – Sunday 13 October 2024
Before Dawn on Sunday stars could be seen thru the dirt on the window by my bunk heralding that the good weather conditions forecast on the tops would in fact be realised after the Saturday washout. Plans were for either Stob Coir’an Albannaich and Meall nan Eun or Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhor, with departure times determined by meeting up with day trippers from Dundee. Some of the southern parties also entertained an option on the outlying Beinn nan Aighenan, as this is an awkward sod to leave on its own for those with ambitions of Compleation.
It was cold. Ice had to be cleared from windscreens and frozen car doors had to be cracked. With every bag that went out of The Smiddy an icy blast came in, quickly followed by an increasingly forlorn cry of Shut-that-door from a sleeping bagged Paulina. Back and fore to the car, tops could be seen with just a touch of snow. It reminded me of my early winter experiences in the ‘80s when we expected snow in October that would be washed away by milder weather in November.
I accompanied Ruth ascending Ben Starav first. We remain convinced that this was the more rewarding direction compared with the larger party that travelled clockwise. We soon had excellent views of snow capped peaks to the northwest with Sgurr na h-Ulaidh in the foreground. It looked quite different to when Dave and I climbed it on a rare sunny day in the summer. It was surprising that we were walking on snow at a lowly 750m and I was regretting that my crampons were still in the car. I would be very frustrated if this decision stopped me from getting to the top of Starav again. Climbing higher, the snow never became arduous, being thin and crystalline with not a lot of verglass or thicker ice. Excellent views opened up to the south down Loch Etive with the peaks of Cruachan to the left.
After the summit, we had the easily managed descent of the snow covered arête that, in the conditions, merits being rated a scramble, especially as Ruth decided to put her poles away. Continuing our descent, we met the contra party starting their second ascent. Beinn nan Aighenan looked a long way off particularly as the weather was not quite as good and more tops to the west were in cloud. However, we completed the route and made it back to the car before the weather turned and we managed to drive to The Real Food Place before it got dark.
There has been much discussion about the merits of the Smiddy. It has its challenges which have to be set against the excellent location. At the end of the day, the price reflects the amenities and if members wish better then we need to be prepared to pay more. Unfortunately, there is no refuge from inflation.
- Report by Chris