Gael Charn, Cromdale Hills and Sgurr an Utha, 1 Nov 2025
Gael Charn, Monadh Liath
Sometimes you look at the weather forecast and wonder whether you should go out on the hill. Wind and rain till early afternoon. However, getting out in some real weather is always good for the soul (and navigation skills).
May, Ged, John, Stela, Duncan and Martyn along with prospective members Tanya, Richard and Nicholas met near the Spey Dam at Laggan ready for a good day out and about. Waterproofs were on from the get-go and the team headed up Glen Markie. There was a lot of water on the hills and the burns were full. Fortunately, there is a bridge over the Markie Burn otherwise crossing it would have been impossible.
After crossing the water the ascent began, taking in Bruach nam Biodag. The wind and rain made the pathless going harder than it needed to be. After some refuelling the team set off for the summit. On the way there were brief breaks in the rain and the visibility improved, however these were short lived. Eventually the summit of Gael Charn (White Hill) was reached. More food was consumed and compass bearings taken. The route down took in Uinneag Coire an Lochain, an ice carved notch before an ascent of Beinn Sgaith. Another bearing was taken to take the team to the forest path, which was crossed by some Red Deer and then back to the dam and our vehicles. The descent was in much better weather, with only some rain.
Words: Martyn.
Pictures:, May and Stela
Taking part: May, Ged, John, Stela, Duncan and Martyn; prospective members Tanya, Richard and Nicholas.
Cromdale Hills
Catherine, Greg and Hazel enjoyed the autumnal weather (rain and strong winds) to the summit of Creagan a' Chaise, visiting the ruined Lethendry Castle on the way. We enjoyed the shelter of the substantial Jubilee and Coronation Cairns in the brisk summit winds, and crossed paths with Fiona and Mike as we headed back. The weather cleared and we decided to go off-route and continue further along the ridge before heading back down towards one of the many tracks on the hills. This involved a fair amount of grouse-moor bog trotting, testing out the resilience of our footwear. As ever, the walk back along the road provided us with beautiful views of the summit under a clear blue sky.
Words and Photo: Hazel;
Taking part: Catherine, Greg & Hazel.
Sgurr an Utha, Glenfinnan
The third group out on the day travelled down to Lochaber to climb the rocky Sgurr an Utha, 796m.