Morvich weekend - 12-14 Dec 2025

Friday was the best weather of the weekend. Hugh and Janusz got down to Dornie early to climb Beinn a’ Mheadhain, a fine viewpoint, despite its modest 414m height, overlooking Glen Elchaig and the (shorter) Loch Long. Dan & Irene took in Meall Dubh in Glenmorriston, following tracks through the wind farm before ascending heather to an exposed summit with wind capable of supporting a good lean! Robin and Jim I enjoyed a short walk up Cnoc a'Mhadaidh Ruaidh at Kyleakin on Friday afternnon. Following the Anavig Trail they climbed through mixed woodland above the edge of the village, getting rewarded with great views over the Skye Bridge, Kyleakin and the Skye Cullin.

By the evening the rain had set in and the remaining participants arrived at the NT bunkhouse to play Car Tetris, rearranging vehicles to allow a flat campspot for a van. The evening passed off chattily in the warm lounge, catching up with friends and making new ones.

Saturday

Saturday morning dawned calmer than expected, but the wet and windy weather was due to arrive fairly briskly from the Southwest. Hugh, Dan and Irene headed for a pair of HuMPs (Fireach Ard & Avernish Hill) overlooking Loch Alsh. Although small they proved tough going, battling tussocks, steep heather, brambles and felled forestry to reach each summit.

Mel, Martin, Stela and Greg set off in the half-dark (just after 8 am) to make the most of the day before the rain arrived, following tracks up through Inverinate Forestry, heading for the Graham of Carnan Cruithneachd above Glen Elchaig. The plan played out effectively, with the rain only starting in earnest near the summit. Greg and Stela got to appreciate a deer-mown low-tussock pathless Graham, and the views opened briefly from the perched summit rocks. Descending into the increasing wind followed the slope of least resistance, some steeper than we’d ascended as Martin’s mental compass drifted a little. Once back on the landrover track the going became easier underfoot, bar a steep section in the woods where Greg went down when he was concentrating on his sausage roll. The group were back by 2pm, dripping, but happy.

Plockton village played host to Jill, Chris, Dawn and Sherine, providing craft shops and a café or two, dodging between the showers. Richard and Robin headed up Glen Licht through a reported wind-tunnel, although presumably wind assisted on the return journey. Lindsay, Fiona and Mike had a local runs at different times, while Jim and Janusz remained as hut warden and pastry chef, respectively.

In the evening Maz joined the group, as club chefs provided a three course meal. A choice of soups or Bruschetta to start, was followed by a choice or venison stew, lasagne and a tasty nut roast with roasted vegetables. For those with room, an apple crumble, cakes, meringues and pastries were in abundance throughout the evening as everyone chatted happily away.

Sunday

On Sunday the group dispersed, with many heading directly back to Inverness. Richard, Jill, Christine and Dawn made it halfway up Sgurr an Airgid (the peak of silver) from Morvich, in the rain and wind. The going underfoot was inevitably wet and slippery which coupled with the west coast weather made it an unpleasant climb. They reached 440m, the halfway point before agreeing that as no-one was enjoying themselves it would be prudent to retire for coffee. It was thoroughly enjoyed before the wet drive home.

Martin and Mel set out for Sgurr a’ Gharaidh behind Lochcarron, being buffeted by rain and wind, with a few patches of sunshine and rainbows to light the spirits. The final stretch was a real head-down push up a hill full of character. On the lower slopes views towards Torridon hinted at what could have been on a better day. Taking a more direct descent than the twisting ATV track ascent, saved some time, but necessitated avoiding streams in spate across rough ground. White water was a feature across Glen Shieldaig, providing an accompanying soundtrack to the final slopes.

All in all teams made the best of the challenging conditions, while enjoying a sociable group meal in the spacious hut. Especial thanks go to Sherine for coordinating the food, to Richard, Sherine, Dan, Fiona & Mike, Jill, Janusz and Greg for all their making and baking.

Taking part: Christine, Dan, Dawn, Fiona, Greg, Hugh, Irene, Janusz, Jill, Jim, Lindsay, Martin, Mel, Mike, Richard, Robin, Sherine, Stela, and joining later - Maz.

Words: Martin, Jim, Dan; Photos: Janusz, Dan, Martin, Mel