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Isle of Arran, Scotland - Maxi-METHS + AGM 2019

32nd Annual Reunion - Tuesday 27th to Saturday 31st August 2019

Venue: The Lagg Hotel, Kilmory, Isle of Arran

Participants

Gill Adams	Tony Adams
Kay Black	Sue Graveling
Stewart Halliday	Jenny Horrocks
Martin Horrocks	Miriam Horrocks
Nigel Horrocks	Lindsay Kelly
Rhoda Leslie	Mike Macklin
David McMullan	Mike Petzold
Verena Petzold	Ester Ratsma
Rupert Roschnik	Sally Roschnik
Eric Scott	Valerie Scott
Antonia Tolhurst	Peter Tolhurst
George Wallace	Val Wallace
Janet Woods	Lloyd Woods

Appearance

Pauline Ward

Stephen Ward

Tue. 27 Aug. 2019

Having all arrived safely on various ferries, etc. we settled down to dinner at The Lagg Hotel with those who were not staying at the hotel joining us. Stewart welcomed everyone and requested that everyone let the hotel know their choices of food for each evening. The programme was dependent upon the weather which proved to be necessary as the inclement weather set in.

Wed. 28 Aug. 2019 – Three Beinns, 14 km circular walk

Participants: Stewart Halliday (Lead), Lindsay Kelly, Rupert Roschnik, Janet Woods, Mike Macklin, Tony Adams, Gillian Adams, Peter Tolhurst, Ester Ratsma, Miriam Horrocks, Martin Horrocks, David McMullan, George Wallace, Stephen Ward.

13 of us set off from The Lagg Hotel car park to Glen Rosa campsite where we were joined by Stephen Ward. We headed up the glen in dry weather with good views of the local scenery and soon we were climbing up onto the ridge approaching the first Ben, Beinn Nuis.

Once on the ridge the weather was closing in with wind and rain showers. The conditions were getting rather unpleasant and 3 of our party decided to turn back before reaching the first peak. 11 of us continued with a close eye on the weather. Our stop was brief before continuing along the ridge to the twin summits of the second Ben, Corbett Beinn Tarsuinn. The weather was starting to clear and en route to the third Ben, Beinn a Chliabhain, we enjoyed great views over Brodick Bay and Holy Island. Following a “team” photograph opportunity, our descent was uneventful and we met up with the 3 who had turned back just before we reached the car park at the campsite.

While the tigers were tackling the Three Beinns the remainder went on a gentle stroll on a circular from Brodick back to Brodick. It was intended to walk through the Brodick castle country park but unfortunately part of the route was blocked off. Not to be thwarted, out came the mobile phones and Google Maps came to our assistance and provided an alternative route which was enjoyed by all.

Thu. 29 Aug. 2019 – Machrie Moor Stone Circles, 4.25 km

Participants: Stewart Halliday (Lead), Eric Scott, Valerie Scott, Rhoda Leslie, Lindsay Kelly, Miriam Horrocks, Mike Macklin, Martin Horrocks, Neil Horrocks, Jenny Horrocks, Ester Ratsma, Rupert Roschnik, Sally Roschnik, David McMullan, Verena Petzold, Peter Tolhurst, Antonio Tolhurst, Sue Graveling, Gillian Adams, Tony Adams, Valerie Wallace, George Wallace, Kay Black.

Due to inclement weather conditions, our proposed walk on Holy Island was cancelled and the decision was made to take it easy with a walk through the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. 23 of us departed from The Lagg Hotel car park and reached the car park where the walk started. It was a very easy walk and we took our time wandering through the circles. The weather was windy with rain showers. When we arrived back at the car park, some of us went off to LochRanza whilst others went to Blackwaterfoot to enjoy our luncheon and a drink.

All times on Isle of Arran are defined in “ish” terms so the METHS A.G.M. was held at The Lagg Hotel at 17h30 ….. ish. The usual business was conducted and awards handed out for the number of METHS Meets that members had attended. It was unanimously decided that next year’s METHS Meet and A.G.M. will be organised by Nigel Horrocks and will be held in the Snowdonia region of Wales. Watch out for communications from Nigel on this and book early to avoid disappointment!

Fri. 30 Aug. 2019

With the weather continuing to be unkind to us with rain and wind, and some wanting to do a more strenuous walk than others, it was decided to split the party with some going up to LochRanza, led by Neil Horrocks whilst those wanting an easier walk doing the Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves in Whiting Bay.

Report of the walk of the ‘Lochranza – Laggan Circuit’

Distance 11.6 km/7.5 miles; height ascended – 330 m/1080 ft
Starting Point Grid Reference: NR937506

Participants: Nigel Horrocks (Lead), Janet Woods, Martin Horrocks, Miriam Horrocks, Peter Tolhurst, Antonia Tolhurst, Ester Ratsma, Mike Macklin, Rupert Roschnik.

After parking close to Newton Point on the northern shore of Lochranza, we set off following the shore for 1.5 km in a broadly SE direction; the weather was dry and fair with a strong following breeze.

At Narachan we turned NE following the gradually climbing wild moorland path, now propelled and buffeted by a fierce blustery wind making it difficult to stay on one’s feet! On reaching the head of the pass at 263 m/1080 ft, we were rewarded with spectacular views of the Clyde Islands and then, with great relief, descended out of the wind to the abandoned settlement at Laggan on the NE shore of the Island – for lunch.

Feeling very pleased with ourselves at having avoided the rain we stowed our wind/waterproofs and set off along the remaining 6 km of the coastal path for Lochranza. However, this turned out to be no ordinary coastal path, more like an assault course: due to the rocky and bouldery nature of the path and the now driving rain. The path is a Geologist’s paradise and is part of the newly designated Arran Geopark. We did stop and admire some of the many geological features, including Hutton’s Unconformity but we were now ‘walking on water’ in our boots and too soaked to the skin to afford the various features the attention they deserved; our sole focus had become – to end our saturation a.s.a.p!

Despite the soaking, the team all returned in good spirits, safe and sound, after a really enjoyable and memorable walk.

Nigel H

Report of the walk, Glenashdale Falls and the Giants' Graves, Whiting Bay, 4.75 km

Participants: Eric Scott (Lead), Stewart Halliday, Lindsay Kelly, Sally Roschnik, Valerie Scott, Jenny Horrocks, Rhoda Leslie, David McMullan, Sue Graveling, Verena Petzold, Gillian Adams, Tony Adams

Having set off about 10h30 …. ish, we parked up in Whiting Bay and started to walk along the good path through the woodlands. Due to the foresters cutting down some trees, the circular route was cut off so the first port of call was the Giant’s Graves after a steady climb. The views were wonderful over Holy Island with many photographic opportunities.

Onwards to the magnificent Glenashdale – double – Falls where some took advantage of a light luncheon and enjoying the views of the Falls from the viewing platform.

Our descent was through the woodlands/forest where we were sheltered from the rain but the last part along the road back to Whiting Bay got us soaked. The cafe in Whiting Bay was full so most of us decided to take shelter at a cafe in Lamlash before returning to the hotel.