©Andrew Lawson
Last updated: 28/06/08

Long Weekend in Skye
2-4 May 2008

After a 5am start from Aberdeenshire, Andy and Marj climbed Garbh Bheinn and Belig on route to Portnalong, while Ian and Jim made the traverse of Glamaig on their way over. The clear sunny weather was unexpected but very welcome. They were joined in the Croft Bunkhouse during the course of the evening by seven others, and a couple staying in a cottage nearby.

Saturday morning started off a bit windy, wet and cloudy, but cleared up into a nice day, and various summits were reached with spectacular views to be seen. These included Sgurr nan Gillean via the south-east ridge (Amanda and Donna), Sgurr nan Eag from Coir’ a’ Ghrunnda (Andy, Marj, Peter and Kes), Garbh Bheinn and Belig (Ken and Lydia, plus two eagles) and various explorations of Coire Lagan and Glen Brittle Forest (Mike and Sandy, Ian and Jim).

Sunday dawned with the first accurate forecast of the weekend, i.e. dreadful, but with the hope of improvement in the afternoon. Three of our number headed home, but a group of five headed optimistically up towards the Black Cuillin Ridge from Sligachan in horizontal rain and wind. All were beaten back at different stages. Lydia was blown off her feet, and all Goretex garments were severely tested. Andy led up the way up into Coire a’ Bhasteir for his sixth time, and eventually he, Peter and Ken found their way to the Bealach over scree and snow and in impenetrable mist: they did not venture further once re-exposed to the wind (and no sign of the “improvement”). On the descent, paths were indistinguishable from burns, and burns from the ground generally, and afterwards the Sligachan did a roaring trade in food while we dried out by the roaring fire. Wisely, the Bryce brothers spent the day across the bridge to Glen Shiel and managed to get to the top of Sgurr Mhic Bharraich in better conditions.

By Monday morning the weather had changed yet again, into glorious sunshine. On our journey home, Andy, Marj and Bryce Bros climbed Sgurr an Airgid above Shiel Bridge while Ken, Lydia and Peter climbed Sgurr Mhic Bharraich dead opposite.