Am
Basteir - A Final Munro
Once again a large contingent met at NCR in Dundee on a warm sunny Friday evening. This weekend we were heading up to Skye to enjoy a weekend in The Cuillin. This has always been a real favourite of the club, great hills, good boozer (Sliggy Inn) and midges. This trip was however something a bit more special, Keir Gordon had only one Munro left to climb. The best had been left to last in the shape of magical Am Basteir. This was our target for the weekend and plenty champagne and 'malt' had been packed. Gary Robertson was also in attendance, with his trusty pipes - so that Keir (and kilt) could touch the final summit in style.
The minibus left Dundee and on reaching the 'Invergowrie Circle', the sound of Guinness tins cracking open could be heard within the high spirited mini-bus. A few more Guinness tins and sups of malt ensured a speedy journey to the west coast. A quick stop-off at the boozer in Dornie was followed by £16.00+ toll payment on the Skye Bridge. At around 10.00pm the minibus pulled up at Sligachan, and tents were pitched. A few more pints & nips were sunk before everyone headed for their beds. Poor Keir slept very little that night despite the grog - the excitement of finishing the Munros was all too much.
Saturday 20th June 1998
Team photo near Sligachan - Sgurr nan Gillean & Am Basteir in background.
The day dawned warm and sunny - the summit of Gillean and The Basteir were clear of cloud. A perfect day for a slow paced clamber up onto the ridge. The weather was that good a stop off for a quick swim in the river helped clear a few groggy heads. The gang had decided to make a day of it and climb Bruach Na Frithe before the Basteir. This would ensure plenty of photo opportunities on route and give probably one of the simplier ascents onto the the ridge.The summit of Bruach na Frithe was quickly reached and the views across the Cuillin were enjoyed. The route to Am Basteir has many options and these are described elsewhere in this website. One of the most spectacular sight is that of 'The Tooth'.
Keir and John looking up at the Tooth
John and Cliffy opted to climb up to Am Basteir via Naithsmiths Route up and over to the main summit. The rest of gang opted to skirt into Coire Basteir and ascend via the east ridge. Whilst madman Dougie Mac decided to climb up the north side of Am Basteir (not recommended) as he found out later, when he was 'forced' into a descent and missed the party on the summit.
Keir in reflective mood near the top of Am Bateir
On reaching the summit Gary blasted out tunes on the pipes, whilst the champagne and whisky were opened. The sound of the pipes echoed round the Lota Coire and Coire Basteir. Cheers echoed in appriecation from Sgurr nan Gillean, Bruach Na Frithe, Sgurr Fionn Coire and from below. We talked to other climbers in the Sliggy that night who said the sound carried well. John and Cliffy arrived at the summit slightly later, happy at having climbed the Tooth via Naithsmiths route. It was at this point a few years previous that John had been defeated on a Traverse of the whole ridge. He was happy to have finally got passed what is the most difficult part of the ridge (if taken direct).
Gary plays the pipes on the summit.
As for Keir he was delighted to have joined John, Charlie, myself (Cammy), and the late Graham Flatters in becoming another club member to have climbed all the Munros. A fairly speedy descent and walk back to Sligachan was followed by a few celebratory pints before Tea.
Team snap at the summit.
After Tea - you guessed it - back to the Sliggy for more grog and banter. We were treated to a Ceilidh that evening and much foot tapping, and stripping of willows with the locals was enjoyed.
Sunday 21st June 1998
Next morning all plans to go back into the hills were shelved in favour of a leisurely day. Wee Bets was now retiring from the hills after climbing all the Munros. I think not - plans were already afoot for Wee Bets to venture to more exotic places. A stop off in Broadford to 'Mrs Miggins' for a full and highly slappin cooked breakfast was on the cards. The mini-bus now weighed down by 'Mrs Miggins' exotic breakfasts then took a detour to catch the Glen Elg Car Ferry. This has to be a much nicer way to get to and from The Misty Isle and it also costs less than the Bridge. All too soon we were back in Dundee - all except for Dougie Mac who decided to go to Glasgow for a few weeks holiday.
Munro Completers : Register your achievement with SMC
Send details with SAE to :
From July 1996 an A4 Certificate will be returned to all writing to inform the Clerk of the List of their Completions. Munroists already on the list can also write with a reference to their Munroists Number.
Copyright © Cameron Johnston 2003