CRAINLARICH MEET (MAR 2008)

A total of eight Club members met at Crianlarich Youth Hostel on Friday 7th March 2008 for a weekend of hillwalking in what turned out to be quite ferocious weather conditions.

On the Friday, one Munro, three Corbetts and a Graham were ascended by various members of the Club. Andy ascended the Corbett Beinn Chuirn from Tyndrum Lower Station. Gregor and Kasia ascended Ben Vane from Inveruglas. Leslie not satisfied with climbing one Corbett, drove on to climb another Corbett and then drove on again to climb a Graham - Meall nan Subh, Beinn nan Imirean and Fiarach. Weather conditions experienced - heavy rain, blizzards and thunder and lightning!

Videoclip of summit conditions

On the Saturday, despite an even worse forecast (70mph gusts), seven of eight members set off from Kirkton Farm in Strathfillan to ascend the Munro Ben Challum.

The initial slopes of the hill were very wet underfoot. The wind on the lower slopes was certainly bearable, however, as the group got higher and higher so did the wind-speed. The group eventually got as far as the South Top of Ben Challum. By this time I estimate the wind was averaging 70mph (not gusting to 70mph) - mobility nearly impossible and literally being blown off one's feet. The narrow section leading from the South Top to the North Top was corniced and would have been very dangerous in such high winds, so the group agreed to get off the hill.

Half the group set off for home on Saturday afternoon as the forecast showed no improvement for Sunday.