Over The Hill

I will start with an apology to the statisticians who like to browse over the route data - My SatMap had a bit of a techno-hitch and I have no Profile nor Stats for today's walk - It did however produce the route map, so that is available as usual.

The only sure thing about the weather forecast for today was that it would be windy and cold; otherwise there was the possibility of some heavy showers, or some low cloud, or even some bright periods. I guess we would just have to wait and see what transpired as the day went on.

It was certainly a bit blowy and cool as we started off from the small parking area just beyond the "Green Hut" as was evident from the fact that we had already donned our heavier tops, no tee shirts today then! A few steps along the old track leading towards the maze of shielings scattered around the lower levels of Airigh a'Choire Ghlais and we took to the open hillside and up the heather and grass slopes towards the fenceline at the 774m minor top.

The grassy ridge then makes for an easy climb alongside the fenceline towards the second minor top at 842m before dipping slightly and crossing the flatter ground to the north of Lochan an Tairbh-uisge. Beyond the lochan, the ground rises again for the final climb towards the summit of Meall nan Tarmachan. A little like wandering nomads we spread ourselves over the broad grassy slopes as each of us picked our way up the final 200 metres of ascent to the cairn on the 1044m summit of Meall nan Tarmachan.

A quick summit photo, and we were hastily looking around for a sheltered spot for lunch as a rather strong, and cold wind was whipping around the tops making the last day of August seem a little more like a winters day. Thankfully at least, the rain stayed away and the cloud base, although grey and bleak, was at least above the tops, meaning that the whole of the ridge ahead was cloud free and clearly visible.

The ridge boasts three 1000m tops of which Meall nan Tarmachan, at 1044m is the only one to gain Munro status, whilst our next two summits, Meall Garbh, 1025m and Beinn nan Eachan 1000m, are classified as Munro Tops. There is a well defined path along the ridge, and we made quick work of the short hop from Meall nan Tarmachan to, what is arguably the more impressive top, of Meall Garbh, with its sharp rocky summit where three's a crowd, unlike that of Meall nan Tarmachan, where you could hold T-in-the-Park on its sprawling top.

Beyond Meall Garbh the ridge narrows somewhat and presents a short section where a little care is required to cross before it again opens out on a broad slope descending to a second obstacle, a rather steep and awkward scramble down a section of crags. My previous experience on this section was an ungainly slide and tumble down the rocks. Today, with the guidance and experience of my fellow walkers, I at least managed to get down in a reasonable fashion, albeit, still a bit awkward - I guess I just have to keep practicing!

From the crags there follows a short descent and then a winding ascent as the path contours and climbs around a number of humps and outcrops as it makes its way towards the summit of Beinn na Eachan, and our final top of the day. Now whether it was just tiredness, or the cold wind dulling the senses of one of our group, but there was almost a riot at one point as we had ourselves a short break on the summit. Lawrie had been appointed "Tablet Monitor" for the day, Jim having very graciously delivered his usual box of the said nectar for Lawrie to guard, defend and distribute to us weary walkers. All was going well until a voice was heard incredibly asking for "Seconds". As far as I can recollect, it went something like this: .....

Please, Lawrie, I want some more.'

Lawrie is a fair and healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the nearest rock. The men were paralysed with wonder; the ladies with fear.

'What!' said Lawrie at length, in a faint voice.

'Please, Lawrie,' replied Mr X, 'I want some more.'

Lawrie remained calm but I think it was Ian who aimed a blow at Mr X with his Leki; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle.

Later, in the Bridge of Lochay Hotel, the board were sitting in solemn conclave, when one of the fair ladies rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the high chair (who, at that point, was tucking into a scone with cream and jam) and said,

I beg your pardon, sir! Mr X has asked for more!'

There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance.

'For MORE!' said the gentleman in the high chair, while still eating his scone with cream and jam. 'Compose yourself, my dear lady, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the square allotted by the dietary?'

'He did, sir,' replied the lady.

'That man will be hung,' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. 'I know that man will be hung.'

(..... with accreditation as due to to C. Dickens)

..... The remainder of our walk, as we returned via the easy grassy ridge was conducted in a rather subdued manner, I think most were still in shock at this outrage that had taken place before their eyes, "Seconds" - Indeed!

I hope you all enjoyed the walk, I certainly did - Great company - See you all again soon.

Thanks - John