Attendees – Gareth Williams, Jess Bailey, Andy Lewtas, Jake Fletcher, Sam Rodger, Joe Dugdale

On Wednesday Andy Lewtas decided to bag Moruisg to add to his Munro collection, while Jake and I had a “strategic route planning” meeting at the Midge Bite café, and Sam went for a run to break up the drive up. We arrived at the charming, if basic, Ling Hut with views across a lochan and over to Liathach. An 800m walk from the road with a toilet, electricity for lighting and phone charging supplied via car batteries, but no fridge or shower, and water needed to be boiled for drinking.

Thursday bought torrential rain, so we all thought it was a great idea to embark on a 3-hour walk-in around the back of Sail Mhor to the base of Morrisons's gully! I don’t think anyone’s waterproofs managed to keep them dry – all 6 layers I had on varied from drenched to damp. At the base of the gully Andy, Sam and Joe decided to turn back due to the conditions. Gareth, Jake and I went for it and approximately 100m up the torrential rain turned to wonderful snow as we made our way up a very pleasant and long grade 1 gully. At the top waterproofs, rucksacks and axes were covered in verglas. We continued along the Beinn Eighe traverse ticking off Sail Mhor, Coinneach Mhor and Spidean Coire nan Clach, before a wonderful 300m glissade down to the snow line.

On Friday all but Joe set off to do Liathach winter-ish traverse in wonderful spring sunshine. An axe was required for parts, but we didn't get our crampons out. Gareth and Sam went for a Munro tops to the east while Jess, Andy and Jake prioritised snacks. Once we got to the end of the main traverse, everyone descended apart from Gareth, who wanted to bag Meall Dearg munro top which is normally approached from below. He set off with a small rack, 40m rope, crampons and axe and traversed along the top until a long descent down a steep snow gully, some more traversing steep and chossy ground led to a steeper and rockier section which he abseiled down to the col. It was then an easy scramble up to the Munro top. The advanced descending party drove to Sheldaig to stock up on essential snacks and were tempted by a fishing boat returning to port with fresh langoustines but concluded that it was a dodgy proposition without a fridge to keep them cool.

By Saturday Jake and Joe decided on an easier day, with Jake prioritising finishing his book and Joe going for a short walk from Kinlochewe. The remaining 4 set off for Fuselage Gully. A Lancaster Bomber crashed into the side of Coinneach Mhor in March 1951 leaving large debris, including a propeller, blocking a narrowing in Far West gully leading to becoming known as Fuselage Gully. A detailed write up of the crash, subsequent recovery attempts and the start of mountain rescue teams in the UK can be found in this article https://hillcraftguidedwalking.com/2017/08/14/227-coire-mhic-fhearchair-and-the-beinn-eighe-air-crash-1951/. In gale force SW winds and despite the walk-in traversing around the north and east side of Sail Mhor, strong winds and big gusts big enough to knock you off your feet persisted throughout. Before we even got to the gully there were large sections of the Lancaster Bomber scattered around. The snow only began where the gully narrowed and provided pleasant grade 1 ground, and after taking the left hand arm the narrowing which captured part of the Lancaster bomber came into sight. The narrowing provided a snow-less steep step which was the only element requiring a rope, with the lead been taken on by Sam out front. Once at the top of the step, Sam belayed everyone off from the propeller of the plane which provided reassuring rattling and creaking sounds every time the wind gusted! There was a short finish to the top and out into the ridge where the cross-wind really showed its strength and Gareth nearly lost his cap while all of us struggled to stay on our feet! We repeated part the Beinn Eighe traverse, where I decided my legs had enough altitude in them and descended before Spidean Coire nan Clach. Andy and Sam bagged the Munro before descending, and Gareth chased more Munro tops (Sgurr Ban and Sgurr nan Fhir Duibhe) before returning to the hut.

On Sunday everyone but Gareth drove south, as he was staying up from the week, and he bagged three Corbetts (Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine, Sgurr Dubh and Sgurr a Chaorachain) the first two from directly behind the hut and the third after a drive towards Applecross.

We all really enjoyed Ling hut and would recommend staying there, especially in winter where the lack of fridge doesn't pose a problem (not to mention the lack of midges!).

This 4-night meet is only available for KMC full members and associate members. Those wanting to join should have some winter experience and adequate hill fitness. The Torridon area offers winter mountaineering, climbing, walking and possibly some skiing if you are lucky!

We have reserved 8 bed spaces in the Ling Hut. Note that this hut is a little more basic than most and you have to carry all your gear (and food) half a mile from the car park to get there. More details about the hut at the SMC website.

Hut fees are £20pppn for the full 4 days (£80 total, no option for fewer than 4 nights), payable upon booking onto the meet in order to confirm your place.

If you’re keen to come along please click the Add Me button to express your interest. Your place will be confirmed once you've paid hut fees (for more details please contact the meet leaders Jess B and Gareth see handbook for contact details).

NOTE: Only under exceptional circumstances will cancellations be refunded.

As ever, you should remember the participation statement applies (http://www.karabiner.org/meets/) and acknowledge that you are ultimately responsible for your own actions and involvement.