Leaving Newcastle on a windy and rainy Friday evening we headed north to Roybridge with a quick stop at Dalkeith for a takeaway and supplies for the weekend although Josh forgot the cheese. Arriving late at Aite Cruinnichidh bunkhouse we had a singalong before heading to bed ready for the walks the next day.

Arising on Saturday morning we set off for the end of Glen Roy to take on two of the Glen Roy corbetts Carn Dearg (815m) and Carn Dearg (768m). Parking near Brae row lodge we set out through the small woodland and across the quaint Turret bridge before heading up glen turret where we encountered a large herd of deer as we traversed across the snowy valley side and then dropped back down crossing Allt Eachach by the bridge down by the old ruined chimney. Before heading up the steep slopes of Teanga Mhor entering into more powdery snow as we reached the flatter plateau. After finding some large icicles on some of the rocks we continued on over the snow covered bog land which made it rather pleasant despite the close cloud cover. We stopped for lunch just below the summit and then headed up to the snowy summit of Carn Dearg (815m), the first corbett of the day, where the clouds masked the views from us.

We then had an enjoyable descent to the 572m bealach with some snowballs thrown and some fun sliding on the snow. Before ascending the powdery slopes of the second Carn Dearg (768m),the second corbett of the day, in the cloud before reaching its summit. As we descend down into Glen Roy the clouds lifted giving us postcard views down Glen Roy and up onto the high, snowcapped ridges of the Grey corries and Aonach Mor. Descending down the hillside we all stopped to throw snowballs at Harry before descending below the snow line and returning back to the vans along a lovely track in on the floor of the glen. An overall lovely day with some tired members after 14km and 8hrs of wonderful snowy Scottish walking.

On returning to the bunkhouse, after some had taken a short detour to the shops in Spean bridge, we relaxed and enjoyed its comforts whilst we ate Jacobs delicious chilli. After dinner games were played, songs were sung and alcohol was consumed before members retired to bed to recharge for the walks planned on Sunday.

After tidying up the bunkhouse on Sunday morning we left just after 9am and headed for Creag Meagaidh national nature reserve carpark. The sky was clear affording amazing views of the Lochaber munros as we drove up the glen along Loch Laggan. Upon arriving at the carpark we split into two walking groups one of which, lead by a rather hungover Harry, beat an honourable retreat and took in a short woodland walk visiting Loch Laggan whilst the other group headed up into the snow. After leaving steep ascent through the birch forest we headed up to Na Cnapanan all the while marvelling at the views as we sweated in the morning sun. As we continued to ascend up the side of Carn Liath when the clouds periodically parted we were afforded amazing views of the Creag Meagaidh cliffs topped with beautiful white snow and the view through the ‘window’ (narrow bealach between Creag Meagaidh and Stob Poite Coire Ardair) backed by a brilliant blue sky was spectacular. Continuing on up the gradual incline up to the rounded summit the cloud closed in and despite a couple of small icy patches the snow thankfully remained powdery as we reached the summit of Carn Liath (1006m) the first munro of the trip. Whilst we ate our lunch by the summit cairn the cloud blew in and out affording brief glimpses of the mountainous scenery northwards. Descending by the same route as we ascended afforded us time to indulge in a few snowball fights and even build a small snowman. When we reached Na Cnapanan Sam and Adam decided to have a wrestle. In high spirits we descended back into the glen passing through the woods before arriving back at the vans after a thoroughly enjoyable walk. We then returned to Newcastle with another stop at the Dalkeith takeaway rounding off a great trip. – Josh

Above: Carn Liath summit

Below: Glen Roy from Carn Dearg

Above: Walking on Carn Dearg

Below: Carn Dearg summit