Stob Coire Sgriodan - A Final Munro
Another weekend meet to look forward to as we all met up at NCR once again. This weekend had a bit more purpose than the usual however. Geordie Ewan had only 2 Munros left to climb, in order to join the clubs growing number of Munro completers. Stob Coire Sgriodain which sits aloft Loch Treig, along with its partner Chno Dearg had the honour of the final ascent to complete his 10 year Munro campaign. Geordie had previously attempted the ascent of this fine pair of hills, but poor weather put paid to his original plans. Hopefully the elements this weekend would not put paid to the planned celebrations.
As with many of the previous Munro campaigners, Geordie had undertaken a final few trips in the previous weeks leading up to the big weekend. The plan was to stay at Roy Bridge where a good bunkhouse and pub were some of the ingredients to ensure a good weekend. Despite the time of year the weather had other plans according to Heather the Weather, but nothing would put Geordie off completing his task this weekend.
Our arrival at Roy Bridge was soon followed by a few pints in the local bar, the usual banter also followed back at the Lodge. A late night all round ensured a few tired bodies the next morning, but enthusiasm always ensures the hills get climbed when required.
Saturday 20th July 2002
Team photo at Fersit
A good hearty breakfast all round ensured we were all well fuelled for what could be considered an average sized day on the hills. As with most of our final Munro parties the pace was not to fast, this due to the fact that a larger than normal group were on the hills that day. A few laughs were had on our way in shape of Gary launching boulders into a stream as everyone crossed - magic! some things never change. The day had started mild and sunny but even down at Fersit we could barely see the tops of our target summits that day. A few stops en route for a bite to eat were followed by a final long plod up the steeper slopes of the large bulky mass that is Chno Dearg. The summit plateau greeted us with mist and drizzle which had the compasses out to ensure no problems in reaching Geordies penultimate Munro. A good bite to eat again, allowed time for everyone to regroup at the broad summit of Chno Dearg.
Geordie reaches his final goal !!
Geordies final target could not be seen at this point, it was difficult at time to remember it was July. A short contouring descent led to final bealach below Number 284. The summit ridge of Stob Coire Sgriodain is fairly knolly and consists of a few false summits. This ensured we took our time to make sure Geordie did not miss his target. Gary Robertson gave a good blast on the pipes on arrival at the summit. The weather was foul but this did not stop the high spirited celebration, as we all congratulated Geordie on his fine achievement. The usual whisky and champagne were consumed and enjoyed on this cold damp summers day.
The long weary descent in the mist was followed by a brighter sunnier trudge, across the peat hags above Loch Trieg. By the time we arrived back at the the car park most of the gang were ready for a few beers and some grub. Geordie was very pleased with the day despite the mist and drizzle, having climbed all the Munros he could now take things a bit easier on weekenders in future.
A good meal for everyone was followed by the traditional beers and nips all round. Late beer fuelled plans to climb The Grey Corries were hatched, but as the beer poured down so did the rain along with the plans. This in effect put paid to any big plans when everyone awoke on Sunday morning. A great weekend all round for both Geordie and the club as another club member achieved the goal of climbing all 284 Munros.
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