In these early days we stayed with Mrs. Marquee who ran a small B+B in Killin, with the aid of a number of cats. "Catwomen" we nicknamed her.
She often had workmen resident, employed on some water project or other.
On at least one occasion we slept on a settee in her lounge. The last contact we had was when we arrived late one night and spent the evening at the local, before phoning her after midnight at which time she wasn't for having us, and couldn’t hear properly because of the noise.
On that occasion we slept in the car
Chapter 6. 1983 Adventures
Includes 35 Munros. Glen Lyon, Carn Liath, A9 Munros, Ben Lawers range again, Cruachan, Alder, Mam Sodhail, Sgorr Ruadh, Strathfarrer.
In which a tie is worn for modesty, our alcohol is washed away, we find a fawn and skinny dip. Compass directions on a pound note cause a problem and we try to pay our way in crowns.
February 19th- 21st, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
Starting with...
February 19th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
4 Munros, 1 Top
Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg, Creag Mhor
(Glen Lyon)
We parked by the River Lyon just west of Invervar.
It was a hot day, not a cloud in the sky and no breeze whatsoever. Views were superb and there was between 2" and 6" of snow underfoot all day.
It was possible to strip to the waist, which we did, retaining a tie/ compass for decorum.
Munros bagged were Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor from whose summit we took the southwest ridge down to Invervar.
11 1/4 miles. 4450ft. 8 hours.
From the Col back to Ben More we enjoyed some good snow sliding down to the Benmore Burn.
Some of us had axes and this was one of the first days we had used them. We agreed that Crampons were something we all should have.
5½ miles. 4300ft.
February 20th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
2 Munros, 3 Tops
Carn Liath, Stob Poite Coire Ardair,
(Loch Laggan)
Our start point was from Loch Laggan on the Spean Bridge to Kingussie Road at Aberarder.
We headed steeply up Na Cnepanan to .623 and soon had crampons on. I was unsuccessful with mine as was to become par for the course.
Carn Liath was our first Munro. From here westwards took in three Tops, including one we had to use ice axes to climb over.
Our second Munro was Stob Poite Coire Ardair. At one point we had to wear goggles as spindrift protection.
We located the way down and were soon bagsliding. On the way out we passed some snow caves and followed ski tracks. It had been fine all day, and fairly calm. The snow walking was good and crisp on the whole. Views were good.
Rock climbers above Coire Ardair looked cold, as the sun never hit them. These cliffs are famous for their ice climbing.
10 1/2 miles. 3350ft. 6 hours 30 mins.
February 21st 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
2 Munros
A'Mharconaich, Geal Charn
(A9)
From the A9 we parked up 4 miles south of Dalwhinnie near Dalsporran Cottages.
We took the long flank southwest leading to A'Mharconaich, which we anglicised to Macaroni, then gentle northwest then northeast onto Geal Charn.
There was, again, snow underfoot all day, icy at times. Although cloudy there were good views, especially of Loch Ericht.
7 miles. 2400ft. 4 hours 30 mins.
May 21st- May 23rd, 1983
Mal, Geraldine, Ian
May 21st, 1983
Mal, Geraldine, Ian
3 Munros, 2 Tops
Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh, Meall a Choire Leith,
(Ben Lawers, Loch Tay)
We stayed at Mrs Maquees last night. On one of our stays here she persuaded her regular workmen residents to give up their rooms so we could use them, no doubt squeezing them in elsewhere.
She always sat at breakfast with us, though not eating, and refilled the large tea cosy covered teapot whilst TV News provided a background, along with a number of rather sickly looking cats.
This was Geraldine's, (Bean's), first trip with us, although she had started her Munros in earnest approximately a year ago on the Easains and Mamores, (when Malcolm attained his 100th).
Today we started from the settlement of Lawers on the north bank of Loch Tay and headed up the east bank of Lawers Burn before striking up right for the summit of Meall Greigh, our first Munro of the day.
As we followed the ridge to Meall Garbh (3280ft) we experienced some rain, sleet, and light snow. Despite this, it was not cold, and we did enjoy intermittent views.
Purple Saxifrage and Ladies Mantle grew along the whole ridge. From the second top after Meall Garbh, Ian and Geraldine took off for Ben Lawers, whilst Malcolm and I dived down then up on to Meall a Choire Leith before dropping down to the high point on the minor road from Tay to Lyon.
10 1/2 miles. 5750ft. 7 hours 30 mins.
According to Geraldine's diary we stayed at the Clachaig (Killin), so perhaps we stayed there last night also. I remember being charged 10p to fill a flask with boiling water.
Alpine Gentian
May 22nd, 1983
Mal, Geraldine, Ian
2 Munros, 3 Tops
Stob Diamh, Ben Cruachan
(Cruachan)
Heading off in two cars we started from the head of Loch Awe, following the Allt Mhoille for a short while before taking Cruachan's East Ridge to the “top” of Sron an Isean, a short distance from Stob Diamh 3272ft, the first Munro.
The ridge was interesting and we were lucky to have good views despite continuous snow and sleet.
Two other tops were included, being Drochaid Glas and Meall Cuanail, besides Ben Cruachan itself.
We descended to the Power Station on Loch Awe, and I did a slight detour to try to view the spectacular Falls of Cruachan.
8 miles. 4250ft. 7hours 45mins.
The weather cleared to a lovely evening and we had a meal and a drink at the “Tight Line”
The crags were intricate and interesting before we moved on to Beinn Tulaichean. It had continued warm and sunny all day and we enjoyed good views, including Nevis & neighbouring Stob Binnean, throughout.
We finished with a river crossing near Rob Roy's house.
9 miles. 3700ft. 6hrs 30mins.
Mountains of Crianlarich: Stobh Gardh, Cruach Ardrain, Beinn A'Chroin, An Caisteal
Killin Falls of Dochart
May 23rd, 1983
Mal, Geraldine, Ian
2 Munros, 1 Top
Cruach Ardrain, Beinn Tulaichean
(Balquidder)
We parked at the Car Park at the very end of Balquidder, on a beautiful clear, sunny, day, then followed the Inverlochlarig Burn northwards to its source, before turning left onto Stob Garbh, and an interesting loose scree scramble onto Cruach Ardrain.
Cuckoo flowers were in abundance at Inverlochlarig
July 8th- 11th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
.......
July 8th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
We motored up and camped at Killin.
Ian at Killin
Alder Bothy in the background
July 9th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
2 Munros and 1 Top
Ben Alder, Beinn Bheoil
(Alder. Loch Ericht)
We had obtained permission to drive up the private water works road to the dam at the south end of Loch Ericht, from Bridge of Ericht on Loch Rannoch.
From the dam we walked in the 5 miles to Ben Alder Cottage. Had we known that the bothy was so good we may have left tents behind.
As it was we pitched camp on a hot, sunny day. We cached our reserves of cans in the Alder Burn, and set off up Ben Alder by way of following the stream to the col with Sron Coire nah-Iolaire.
It was scorching hot and a thunderstorm developed. The thunder was very close and a little unnerving. We dropped quickly to the col, then made for Beinn Bheoil, taking in the extra top as we went. This was a pleasant ridge. Heavy rain was interspersed with bright sun.
When we arrived back at the tents we found that they had been far from waterproof, and worse still, the Alder Burn had swollen to 10 times its original width, and we could kiss goodbye to our beer supplies which would by now be well and truly washed away.
I was not the only one suffering from sunburn, especially on knees and calves, the result of wearing shorts and no sunblock. Those whose sleeping bags had not been kept in a plastic outer had a damp night.
12 1/2 miles. 3700ft.
July 10th, 1983
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
4 Munros and 1 Top
Beinn Eibhinn, Aonach Beag,
Geal Charn, Carn Dearg
(Alder. Loch Ericht)
We followed a good path up the Alder Burn, crossed the Uisge Labhair and took the left flank of Coire a Charra Big to a col on the ridge.
Here we went left to collect Beinn Eibhinn, then tracked back for Aonach Beag. It was only a short walk to Geal Charn and then a long but pleasant walk out to Carn Dearg.
In the morning I saw a young deer snuggled under a boulder. Apparently the mothers often leave the young unattended, but hidden, for several hours.
Although it was still very hot we encountered much snow on northfacing slopes.
The same day. Snow banked northern slopes in July !!
It was a long walk back to camp from Carn Dearg.
17 1/2 miles. 4500ft.
Back in camp we enjoyed a skinny dip in Loch Ericht. Those pictures have not been included!
July 11th, 1983
Happy Birthday to me. 44 today.
Mal, Ian, Dave Hill
2 Munros
Sgor Gaibhre, Carn Dearg
(Alder. Loch Ericht)
We packed camp and walked out towards the southwest corner of Loch Ericht.
We carried a large bag of empty cans and rubbish as we had not catered carefully enough and were hampered by an excess of packaging on the food and drink.
Todays plan turned into a roasting plod out to Sgor Gaibhre, where Dave decided to call it a day as he was suffering a bit from the scorching heat.
Malcolm, Ian and I pushed on for yet another Carn Dearg (418661). It was very, very, hot.
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
October 15th-23rd, 1983
Mal, Ian
........
October 15th, 1983
Mal, Ian
1 Munro
Meall Ghaordie
(Killin)
Following a "Poppy Dance" on the Friday night at the Glenshee Hotel in Blackpool, which we all attended, we had a Saturday start.
What we called the 'Poppy Dance' was in fact an event run by the Royal British Legion for which I was Chairman of Blackpool Poppy Appeal... and it went on into the early hours of the morning.
Still, we drove to Killin and up Glen Lochay as far as Duncroisk.
We took Meall Ghaordie straight on and were lucky with the weather. Winds had been gale force on our way up, but now abated, and as soon as we regained the car there was a vicious hailstorm.
We had somehow slotted our walk in between.
4½ miles. 2950ft. 2hours 50mins
Mal by Nev's 7 seater Peugeot family estate that had a number of trips to Scotland.
Tree benefits from a pint of best bitter, courtesy of Ian.
From here we headed to Cannich were we had taken a large chalet for the week.
Ian appears satisfied with his accommodation booking.
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
October 16th, 1983
Mal, Ian
3 Munros
Carn Eighe, Beinn Fhionnlaidh,
Mam Sodhail
(Affric)
We took the Glen Affric road to its (then) end a mile from the west end of Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, parking at the same place and starting on the same route as when we did Toll Creagach and Tom a Choinich two years ago. Boots were on at 10.40.
We followed the level going along the Gleann nam Faidh to Loch Llaine, then steeply up onto Carn Eighe. The going here was slippy with a thin, loose, snow covering. By 3pm we were on top.
Threequarters of an hour later, in sleet and snow, we were on Beinn Fhionnlaidh from where we had to backtrack towards Carn Eighe.
Instead of reascending to the top we opted to skirt along the contours to the west, eventually hitting the col just before Mam Sodhail whose summit we reached at 5pm. It was a windy place today.
We continued a short way down the ridge south looking for the path down. When we found it there was a severe cornice stopping us using it and we had to cast around for a while to find a safe way down the first hundred foot or so.
Our way out followed the Allt Coire Leachavie, and then alongside, but 500ft above, Loch Affric. Not that we could see the loch as it was now quite dark.
One sidestream had to be crossed by using a tree lying across it, as melting snow was providing plenty of slush and wet underfoot. At 8pm we regained the car, and it had long been dark.
18 1/2 miles. 4900ft. 9hours 15mins
A few years later, when Mal, Ian & I were Corbetting on the south side of Affric while Dave Southern led Dave Hill and Karl (the Article) up Carn Eighe.
As he wished to collect the outlying Fhionnlaidh, he wrote the route and compass bearings on the back of a pound note, gave it to the other two, and sent them on towards Mam Sodhail to find a stalkers route down.
Not surprisingly Dave Hill and Karl took a wrong turn and ended up miles west. As we were about to call out the Mountain Rescue, they turned up, about three hours late.
Ian has retained the pound note as a souvenir.
Sgurr na Lapaich, Affric. Once was a Munro, and still needs doing as at 2001 (April)
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
October 17th, 1983
Mal, Ian
2 Munros
Sgurr nan Ceannaichean, Moruisg
(Near Gerry's Hostel)
Up to Garve, and then west to Achnasheen and Glen Carron, to park at 12.15 near the Alltan na Feola which we followed upstream for a while before taking the nose right up a steady pull to the summit of Sgurr nan Ceannaichean for 2.30.
(This was one of the newly promoted Munros). It was a cold day with good views and wintry showers.
As we left the summit we lost a plastic bag which was caught by the wind and swept away over 100 yards, to be blown backwards and forwards for some considerable time, like a kite, only for it to fall to ground at our feet in due course.
Amazing considering the strength of the wind at this point. Our bag antics had been observed by others for we were almost immediately accosted by a stalking party who were less than pleased with our October appearance.
After a ticking off we climbed gently over Moruisg (3.30), and sat a while to avoid a second stalking party who were quite close.
We descended to Loch Sgamhain and walked the railway line back to our car, arriving back at 5.10pm.
8 miles. 3300ft. 5hours.
Of course, we called in on 'Bloody Beryl'. Find out more about her in my YouTube podcast 'Munro Mumble 1' which you can access from my 'Oldest Munro Blogger?' Blog
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
October 18th, 1983
Mal, Ian
Rest & Planning Day
We'd allowed for a rest day and the advent of torrential rain made us take the opportunity to start planning the Ultimate Challenge for next year. Follow the link for more on what the Ultimate Challenge is... and how we got on.
It had been Bean's idea (Geraldine), but sadly she was to be unable to take part, due to its being in term time and her being a teacher. The stream at the rear of the chalets was rapidly becoming a river.
Several nights at this chalet we visited the Affric Hotel. One night we watched a slide show here, and another night joined in a wedding dance when I, quite literally, was left holding the baby. But that's a whole other story on this website called A Crown arouses a Viking!
For a change we went down the road to another inn at Struy and followed a rabbit in our headlights in the early hours. Ashamedly, I must report that we laughed more stupidly than the rabbit's attempts to take two hops forward, rather than getting off the road. Every time we thought it had gone... it came back into our path. It was a long trip home.
Glen Moriston. Typical of many a Glen
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
Mountain Pansy
October 19th, 1983
Mal, Ian
2 Munros
Sgorr Ruadh, Beinn Liath Mhor,
(Achnashellach near Gerry's Hostel)
Another trip past Bloody Beryl's, this time to park at Achnashellach Station.
Taking the path north we followed the River Lair. It was too deep to cross lower down so we continued past Loch Coire Lair, and continued upriver to the watershed lochan.
We circled left to capture Sgorr Ruadh from which the views were excellent despite sleet showers.
A mile northwest then a drop right to a valley and up again to Beinn Liath Mhor with hail, sleet and rain showers. Although not much is marked on the map, there were some tricky ledges.
The long summit was good walking but the descent was not easy, and the rain set in.
10 1/2 miles. 4300ft. 7hours.
Sgurr Rhuadh
Beinn Liath Mhor
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
October 20th, 1983
Mal, Ian
This was the last day for the stalking season. Hurrah!!
4 Munros and 1 Top
Sgurr Fhuar-thuill, Sgurr a Choire Ghlais
Carn nan Gobhar, Sgurr na Ruaidhe
(The Strathfarrer Hills)
Passing through the private gate that guards Strathfarrer at all times we headed up Glen to park just over a mile short of Loch Monar.
Boots were on at 10.15. There was a thin covering of snow, between 1/2" and 1".
For most of the day it was sunny, allowing great views, but we had the odd snow shower to add variety.
We set off at a good pace alongside the Allt Toll a Mhuic, and an easy path soon had us up a height. By 12.20 we were atop Fhuar-thuill and lunchstop was short at 1.15 on Sgurr a Choire Ghlais.
It was a pity that this was the only part of the day the clouds were down as it was my 150th !!!
A brew on Carn nan Gobhar, with views restored, and we left Sgurr na Ruaidhe at 3.10, Ian running back down to retrieve the car, scattering deer as he went. Malcolm and I hit the road at 4.25 and sunbathed on a boulder whilst the youngster (Ian!) made himself useful.
13 miles. 5100ft. 6hours 10mins.
Me, Nev on Fhuar-thuill
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
Beinn Liath Mhor
October 21st, 1983
Mal, Ian
2 Munros and 1 Top
Meall Gorm, An Coileachan,
(Fannichs)
We had obtained permission to drive up to Fannich Lodge, and this saved a 7 or 8 mile walk (each way).
We parked at the lodge at 12.30, and took the southern arm of Meall Gorm on a good path There were some views early on with clouds slowly dropping from 3000ft to 2500ft, at which height there was some snow cover.
The summit proved to be windy and spindrift made hard work. A compass was required for the next hour along the Tops.
"Desperate" appears on my notes, a word not often used. As we descended from the second Munro the clouds lifted and the summits were all in view for the first time.
We reached the car at 4.20pm
7 miles. 2900ft. 3hours 50mins.
Refreshment was sought in Inverness.
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
Beinn Liath Mhor
We offered to pay in "Crowns". See the full story of what this lead to elsewhere on this website at 'A Crown arouses a Viking!'
Our route was by way of the Allt Coire a Mhaim then along the south east nose of An Socath. It was fine but we were in cloud by 2500ft and it was getting windy.
12.30 saw us at Munro, and by 2.15pm we were on the second, the most northeasterly of An Riabhachans Tops. We missed one Top by a matter of yards. Will we live to regret this?
The route and the high level ridges gave excellent walking, a pity about the views. A brief break around 4pm gave glimpses of lochans but that was it.
By 5pm we were leaving the final Munro, and after Ian had jumped into a bog we arrived at the parked car at 6.30pm.
13 1/2 miles. 5900ft. 8 hours on the hill.
The Affric Hotel again received our trade, and our boatmen accosted us for another "Crown". They were the sort of people you would not want to get on the wrong side of. Fuller Crown story here.
Progress was slow but steady and we were safely offloaded two thirds of the way down the loch at a stalkers hut on the Allt Socrach.
October 22nd, 1983
Mal, Ian
4 Munros and 1 Top
An Socach, An Riabhachan, Sgurr na Lapaich,
Carn nan Gobhar
(The Mullardoch Four)
We had arranged to be taken by boat down Loch Mullardoch by the Danish boys who stalked and gutted around Mullardoch House.
Parking the car by the dam we boarded gingerly as a fresh wind was blowing.
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
Beinn Liath Mhor
October 23rd, 1983
Mal, Ian
We headed home via contemplating a bridge.
Before setting off for home we drove down Loch Quoich, in steady rain, to examine a bridge which Ian thought might be suitable for a nights accommodation under a visqueen sheet on the forthcoming Ultimate Challenge Walk.
In the wind and the rain we debated the pros and cons of different gauges and grades of plastic sheeting and, wisely and firmly, kicked the idea into touch.
Returning, and rejoining Dave, we aimed for where the Cam Chriochan Burn passes under the Alder track.
Never one to miss the opportunity of a shower on a hot day, Ian was tempted by the cool rushing water and was soon wallowing, affording the camera man yet another record for posterity.
15 1/2 miles. 3050ft.
Beinn Liath Mhor