Mini-METHS, Ullapool, Scotland
– 27th June – 4th July 1998
When
the Arran meet had finished on the Saturday morning a few of the members moved
on to Ullapool for the mini-METHS.
A
large house had been rented for the week with 8 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 4 loos,
but unfortunately no houseboy.
The younger
members of the party were banished to the ground floor flat with the dinosaurs
taking over the rest of the house.
The
weather as usual was the deciding factor as to what mountains were to be climbed.
But sad to say that the weather was a
mixture of mist, low cloud and some rain (a typical Scottish summer). Several attempts were made by Socks to climb
Stac Pollaidh, a scramblers paradise and eventually the low cloud lifted enough
for Socks to spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Canisp
was also climbed but again the mist didn't clear off the tops, thus denying our
overseas visitors fine views over to the Summer Isles, Suilven, Cul Mor, Cul Beag
and of course Stac Pollaidh. Polevault
who had been there before attempted to describe the views. As it was getting a bit parky, after taking a
compass bearing we headed off the mountain to the pub. On the Thursday the three peaks walk was held
with three peaks in the Fannaich range being targeted. This was led by Axeman as Polevault had
succumbed to a bad cold.
The
mountains climbed were Meall a' Chrasgaidh, 934m (hill of the crossing), Sgurr
Mor, 1110m (big peak) and Beinn Liath Mhor Fannaich, 954m (big grey hill of
Fannich). Again, the mist and cloud were
on the tops but on the ascent of Sgurr Mor the top was clear and at last the
members were able to enjoy some sunshine and a terrific view to the south and
east.
The
catering arrangements were as usual superb with Rhoda and Socks having prepared
excellent meals for the nights that we did not go to the Morefield. The meals were so good that Rhoda is now known
as Cordon Bleu.
(Write-up taken from METHS 47
circular)
© WDYFO, 1998/2018