Newsletter –16thJan2017 /
Christmas Meeting at the Greenpark Centre
What’s Been Happening
Sunday 08/01/17 – Ben Chonzie
Nine members and Bracken the dog enjoyed the first walk of the year up Ben Chonzie from Invergeldie. The day was generally overcast with low cloud and a cold wind at the summit. Even so, it was good to get out and do something and it was a new munro for Alexander.
Sunday 15/01/17 – Falkirk Wheel
Twenty seven members, friends and some new faces met at The Wheelhouse Restaurant, Camelon, for a low level walk and lunch. Twenty headed off about 10am and did a circular route past the Falkirk Wheel and up into the Canada Woods. The weather stayed dry and we had an excellent lunch. Thanks to Janet for organising the lunch, never an easy task with such a big group.
Future Walks
Sunday 29/01/17 – Beinn Dorain & Beinn an Dothaidh
This is a double munro high level walk at Bridge of Orchy. The CM munro book lists a time of 5-7 hours, starting from the car park at the Bridge of Orchy hotel. Travel time each way is approximately 1hr 40mins. The walk schedule lists the meeting time as 0745hrs. It is suggested this should be amended to 0645hrs. If we start walking at 0900hrs this will allow six hours with spare time before it starts to get dark. Winter conditions may slow progress, however, there is the option to do just one of the munros. The forecast will be checked nearer the date and circulated. Meet at 0645hrs at the Greenpark Centre car park.
Sunday 05/02/17 – Devilla Forest near Kincardine
This is a low level walk around Devilla Forest. It will be approximately 8 miles on generally level ground taking us round four small lochs in the forest. The route will be muddy in places. The Walled Garden restaurant at Righead Farm is nearby which is recommended for lunch/snacks. Meet at 0845hrs at the Greenpark Centre car park.
Sunday 12/02/17 – Beinn Bhuidhe (Glen Fyne)
This is a single munro high level walk in Glen Fyne. The CM munro book lists the hill as
4-6 hours. Approximately 1hr 45mins each way. Meet at 0745hrs at the Greenpark Centre car park.
Other Items
Christmas Night – Wed. 21/12/16
Thanks to everyone who attended the Christmas night. It was a great turn-out with 22 members and friends enjoying the evening. Special thanks to Norman Easton who produced another great music quiz on his guitar. The raffle raised £55 towards club funds. Thanks again.
Club Weekends
Cannich16th – 19th June 2017. Organiser – Gordon Ferrier
Staying at the Bearnock Country Centre Loch Ness Hostel. Going so far - Gordon Walker, Gordon Russell, Gordon Ferrier, Jim Beveridge, Janet Kelly, Linda Mackintosh, Andy Govan, Elsa Yates, Irene Leckie, Norman Easton, Dougie Gardiner, Philip and Jamie Sim.Contact Gordon Ferrier for more information if you are interested ()
Inchnadamph 14th – 17th July 2017. Organiser – Linda Mackintosh
Staying at Inchnadamph Lodge Hostel. Accommodation booked for following members:- Elsa Yates, Janet Kelly, Liz Morrison, Amanda Campbell, Linda Mackintosh, Les Mackie, Irene Leckie?, Gordon Walker, Andy Govan. Contact Linda Mackintosh for more information if you are interested ()
Skye13th – 16th Oct 2017. Organiser – Andy Govan
Staying at the Old Inn, Carbost. £20 per night. Going so far - Janet Kelly, Liz Morrison, Linda Mackintosh, Anne Davidson, Elsa Yates, Amanda Campbell, Gordon Ferrier, Gordon Russell, John Kelly, Les Mackie, Norman Easton, Andy Govan.Contact Andy Govan for more information if you are interested ()
Additional Events
Speyside Way – Jim Beveridge is organising a trip along the Speyside Way leaving on 20/04/17 from Buckie to Newtonmore over six days.Eleven club members and friends are going to date. Jim has collated a lot of information about the route and accommodation. Contact Jim at you are interested ()
Lairig Ghru – Ann Davidson is organising a trip along the Lairig Ghru on Sat. 23/09/17. The trip is to celebrate Liz’s birthday and will be a charity fund raising opportunity. We plan to walk from Braemar (Linn of Dee car park) to Aviemore (End of path at Coylumbridge) on the Saturday, stay overnight in Aviemore and return home on Sun. 24th. Anne has already booked accommodation and there will be minibus transport provided at each end.We are up to 15 members and friends committed to this challenge, however there may be one space available. If you are interested get in touch with Ann()
Via Ferrata (Kinlochleven)
Something to consider for summer.This unique and exciting activity runs beside the third biggest waterfall in Scotland, The Grey Mare's Tail, situated behind Kinlochleven. Equipped with fixed cables, staples, ladders and bridges, this route allows users to access this spectacular environment. You will be permanently clipped on to the continuous safety cable. £55 per adult with Vertical Limits. Contact Andy Govan if interested.
Alternative Club Activities
If you have any ideas about alternative activities or social events which club members might be interested in then let us know. Some suggestions -
- Summer BBQ – To be confirmed.
-Summer Ceilidh – To be confirmed.
- The new Queensferry Crossing is scheduled to open in May 2017. No specific date as yet and details of how it will be opened not yet published. When opened this will be a non-pedestrian route. If during the opening ceremony there is an opportunity to walk across the bridge, we should consider it. The two road bridges would make a nice circular route. If any of you hear anything, let us know.
Club Meetings - Training
The following items will remain on the list and we can decide where we want to focus our time.
Navigation – ** We managed some practical work while climbing Ben Chonzie**
Hillside Emergency (Theory/Practical)
First Aid Training
European Club Week 2017
A group booking to Champoluc, Italy from Wed. 16th August 2017, has now been made by Gordon Russell. An account is available at the Barrhead shop to pay in money towards the cost. This can be recorded separately against each person travelling with receipts issued.
Club nights
18th January 2017 and 15th February 2017at the Greenpark Centre, Polmont at 19:30hrs.
Andy Govan
Club Secretary
16thJanuary 2017