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Ullapool, Scotland. 14-21 August 2004

This year the residents off Ullapool were subjected to an influx of Meths members. Thirteen and a half hardy souls turned up for a week of survival training in the harsh conditions of the North West Highlands.

The first day's training was a gentle 20km hike into the Beinn Dearg range, the plan being if the conditions allowed, to climb Meall nan Ceapraichean, a 10Km walk in with 970m of ascent. The mist by this time covered the summit but cleared enough for some views of the surrounding mountains.

So far this had been easy but the Scottish weather showed it could turn nasty with a short burst of rain, approx three minutes. This does not sound a long time but when the rain is of a slushy texture and freezing cold it gave our southern members a taste of what the weather in the Highlands can be like.

On Monday Stac Pollaidh was climbed. This little mountain gave the members a fine opportunity for some scrambling.

On Tuesday an attempt to climb the Quinag was aborted due to the low cloud covering the mountain, so it was decided that we would climb Canisp instead. This had been clear in the morning but as we headed up the mountain the weather started to close in with the cloud base slowly descending. It was decided to carry on to the summit in true Meths tradition — ie Fools rush in etc, etc — that when the summit cairn was reached the view was obscured by the low cloud.

Wednesday was a day off with everybody doing their own thing. The oddest pursuit was that of Polevault, who went kipper hunting.

Thursday arrived with the same mixed weather that we had been having and another attempt was made to conquer the Quinag. This time we were successful with strong winds (not the Harpic variety) making the climb up interesting.

Our last walking day arrived and again as always the weather was dire, low cloud and rain showers. A low level walk into the Fisherfeild Forest was decided — this was from the Corrie Halle car park through Gleann Chaorachain with the intention of reaching Shenavall Bothy, approx 6km. This was again frustrated by the bad weather, the mist clearing slightly to give a tantalising glimpse of the mountain scenery.

A great, but damp time was had by all, with excellent company and good food.

Members attending: Polevault & Mrs, Stuart & Rhoda, Peter & Antonia Tolhurst, Mike Mossford, Gladys & sprog, Jonathen, George & Val Wallace, Jack Bannister & Maureen Wilson

Click here for an account of the last Ullapool meet.


© WDYFO, 2004