Scotland, Roybridge 11/2/23 Report

A not so wintery week didn’t stop a 14 strong Castle contingent ticking off 15 munros between us with ice axes and crampons being used sporadically on most days.
Day 1:
A unusually early castle start of 7:30am at Creag Meagaidh car park. We split into two groups to make the ascent, one group opting for Easy Gully while the others took on Raeburn’s Gully. From there parties split and either descend The Window or carry on for the full round of munros (Creag Meagaidh, Stob Poite Coire Ardair, Carn Liath).
Day 2:
We made the most of the best weather and did an anti-clockwise round of The Ring of Steel, finishing off crossing the wire bridge under torch light even though we’d made another pre 8am start! Munros covered – Sgrr A’Mhaim, Am Bodach, Stob Coire A’Chairn, An Gearanach
Day 3:
Some decided on a rest day and explored the local cafe while the majority headed up Stob Ban (the little one). Whilst 3 brave souls decided to climb the wet, greasy & slimy Castle Ridge which had zero snow & ice – it was a long day getting back to the digs at 10pm.
Day 4:
A rest day for all (although a few did opt for indoor climbing at Kin Loch Leven).
Day 5:
3 parties today, 8 went to do the Easains which consists of 2 munros. A really interesting route although everyone was bored of trudging through bog for the last 5 miles. A party of 3 headed a little further east and summited Creag Pitridh and Geal Charn. Two others headed over to Appin in search of snow but only found wet rock an the ascent up School House Ridge to Sgorr Dhonuill & Sgorr Dhearg.
Day 6:
A train day for some, others over slept and missed it! Those who did get up early enough took the train to Corrour and either summited the munro (Beinn Na Lap) or the corbett (Leum Uilleim) only 29m lower. Later in the evening people visited the Fort William Mountain Festival taking in lectures from Tom Patey and 6 films in the running for the adventure film awards.

Thanks to everyone that came and made it a very enjoyable week, lets hope for some snow next year!

Kial