The Gentian Mountaineering Club’s 2016 spring meet stayed at Badrallaoch Bothy on Little Loch Broom near Dundonnell. Read on to find out what they did with the idyllic views and steadily improving weather forecast.
An extract from The Gentian Mountaineering Club Trip to Dundonnell, Spring 2016. It was a leisurely drive to Dundonnell on 19th May via Loch Lomond and Glencoe. The bunkhouse at BADRALLACH BOTHY AND CAMPSITE was comfortable and well equipped for eight. Mike D was able to sleep in his camper van on the campsite which was ideal. There were the idyllic view across Little Loch Broom and a steadily improving weather forecast.
As rain showers were correctly forecast for Day1, we all did an easy walk to Beinn Ghobhlach 635m on the opposite side of the loch. There was a similar forecast on Day2 so Allan, Chris, Stuart and I restricted ourselves to a Guest, or should I say Corbett, Sail Mhor 767m, ascending directly from the hut by spectacular waterfalls. A short shower was the last rain of the week. The other four drove some distance inland, Munro bagging, and were shrouded in mist for much of the day. Allan and Chris were unfortunately suffering with painful knees, operations impending.
The rest of us chose Monday to tackle An Teallach, one of Scotland’s most majestic mountains. Howard led us over Sgurr Fiona 1060m and Corrag Bhuidhe 1049m, but we skirted the most exposed pinnacles, including Lord Berkeley’s Seat. There can be few better hill walks in Britain. A rest day was needed on Tuesday! Seven departed to the Summer Isles whilst I cycled alone (on my new bike) to Badrallach where we had started Saturday’s walk. It had been a scenic drive but was extremely undulating cycle ride. The walk along the loch made the effort worthwhile.
Howard again led Wednesday’s walk for John, Marie, Mike D and I over Meall a Chrasgaidh 934m, Sgurr nan lach Geala 1093m and Sgurr nan Each 923m, a circuit with 360 degree views on an exceptionally clear day. Stuart divided his time between kayak and bike to (sort of) give his knees and ankles a rest. On the last day Allan, Chris, Stuart and I walked an easy circuit via Shenavall Bothy with fine views past Beinn a Chlaidheimh 916m and Beinn Dearg Mor 910m to a vast area of high mountains beyond, with no tarmac roads whatsoever and long walk-ins for Munro baggers.
Thank you Chris, Howard and Marie for some excellent meals. I had joined the veggie group for the first time on a meet. Nevertheless, my scallops and lamb shank at the Dundonnell Hotel were a considerable improvement on most last night dinners on Scottish meets.
The Gentian Mountaineering Club are a national club with members from all over Britain. They organise trips throughout the year and publish a newsletter 3 times a year. The club stays in bunkhouses, hostels and other mountain clubs huts and cater together. There is always a vegetarian and non-veg option as well as starter, dessert and wine. The club enjoys scrambling rather then rambling and prides itself on being very friendly to new members. To find out more, see their Facebook page or visit their website where you can contact the Membership Secretary to join.
Badrallach Bothy and nearby hostels can be found on our maps of North West Scotland