Attendees: Paul Lonsdale, Matt Walisewski, Becca G, Andy Stratford, Steve Graham, Jess Bailey, Dan Irons, Will Fitzmaurice, Gareth Williams, Lucy Williams

The meet was well supported by the enthusiasm and endeavour of the attendees who made the trip despite the sub-optimal outlook in regards to the weather (thank you all). The late summer sunshine and dry rock did not come to fruition. Despite this, the team set out with somewhat altered objectives.

Friday morning saw Becca and Matt up and out for an early start to traverse the Aonach Eagach ridge before taking up residence in the Clachaig for several hours waiting for their ride back to the hut. Jess and Andy took on Ben Nevis via a reportedly sopping wet Tower Ridge and down via Ledge Route. Myself, Dan and Will decided to try and chance our luck slightly further North in the Grey Corries, Devil’s Staircase, Stob Ban, provided some excellent slab scrambling on damp rock and lichen.

Plans were hatched for Saturday morning as a very ambitious Steve, Andy and Jess took the Corran Ferry to Ardgour and walked for 2 hours in the rain to confirm their crag was certainly wet upon arrival and the climb was abandoned for the Fort William High Street. Becca decided on a solo walk from the hut, taking in a couple of Munros (Na Gruagaichean and Binnein Mor) departing from the hut and returning for a wild dip in the Loch. Dan, Will, Matt and I all decided Ben Nevis was the place to be on Sat in slightly improved weather than the previous and split in to two pairs. Dan and Will opting for Tower ridge while we instead chose Castle Ridge. Gareth and Lucy drove to one end of Aonach Eagach, completed the traverse and successfully hitched a lift back to their vehicle.

Camp fire vibes were brought to the hut by Jess in the form of s’mores, to the amusement of some persons as they indulged in a new discovery, who knew toasted marshmallows spread on chocolate biscuits was so incredible.

Sunday was always going to be a somewhat smaller day, with the journey back home looming, walks were scheduled in the Trossachs but the persistent rain on this day was enough to dampen the spirits of the already exhausted team who abandoned the Munro bagging in favour of an early return home. Gareth being the only exception to the trend in that he was up a Corbett (Mam a Gualainn) and back at the hut drinking tea before I even emerged from my sleeping bag.

Thanks again to each and every member who turned up and contributed in every way, looking forward to the next one!

UPDATE: 10 KMC bed spaces taken - KMC members booked as FRCC members 2 - KMC spaces remaining 4

Waters Cottage, a regular haunt for KMCers during the winter climbing season, this time we will make the journey North with high hopes of late summer sunshine and dry rock.

Waters Cottage belongs to kindred club the FRCC. It was their first Scottish hut and is perfectly situated in the heart of Lochaber. Here we will have easy access to Glen Coe, Ben Nevis and the Mamores all within a short drive.

Personally, my main intention will be the multi-pitch rock routes, but if the weather dictates there is more than enough amazing scrambling routes in the high hills to satisfy those seeking exposure. Still, please be prepared for the eventuality that we may be consigned to hill walking. Always happy to get the miles in and bag a few Munros/Corbetts. For those who wish to come with plans of hillwalking only then that’s perfectly fine also.

Those wishing to partake in the climbing and scrambling should be competent in seconding traditionally protected rock climbs and have prior experience on mountain rock routes. Whatever your ambitions get in touch for a chat.

I have space in my car for 3 passengers with climbing equipment and hut kit. Will travel after work on Thurs evening, make the most of Friday and Saturday and hopefully get in two big days. Sunday maybe have a smaller walk or climb single pitch/roadside before setting off back to Manchester in the afternoon.

With the current no of booked spaces I have made further enquiries and we can have up to 14 persons accommodated at the hut on this meet.

Paul Lonsdale