AVIEMORE – 21st to 23rd FEB 2025

Aviemore was the chosen venue for the first Club Winter Weekend of 2025. The hostel was in popular demand, filling up quickly after we had secured three rooms. Fourteen club members were booked into the hostel plus additional members making their own arrangements so a big weekend away was in prospect.

Over the weeks previous to our trip the weather was cold and stable and although there was no significant snowfall, had given very good conditions for climbing. The timing of the deteriorating forecast brought rain, wind and mild weather over the days immediately before out trip. The significant change to conditions led some of the group to cancel and, thankfully, we were quick enough and able to secure a refund from the hostel for one room that was no longer required.

The remainder of the group had made their way by various means to the hostel. Some had been in Scotland for several days on courses or engaging in nomadic van-life. Others drove directly or took the train. We all congregated in the hostel on Friday evening, topping up reserves with a glorious sausage stew created by Ewart. Liquid reserves were also topped up as we discussed our thoughts and plan for Saturday.

Saturday was in the eye of the storm with relatively light wind and no rain. Climbing was out of the question so everyone opted in for a full-team walk towards the south end of Glen Feshie and an ascent of Mullach Clach a Bhlair, a Munro of 1019m. It was a pleasant, sociable day out with two cars and a van gathering at the Auchlean car park to start our walk and all nine stalwarts making easy work of the 15 mile route. We achieved countless river crossings and a Munro in the bag as well as a first visit to a bothy for several members of the group.

On returning to Aviemore there was time for shopping culture, pub culture and rugby six nations culture before the main cultural event in the Tamanna Indian Restaurant. A splendid late afternoon and evening with Steve G and Bev joining us at the restaurant. The cultural experience continued later into the night where more topping up of liquid reserves may have happened.

On Sunday most of the group headed south towards home. The weather was due to deteriorate again. Dave M, Alex D, Phil H and Charlie T were staying until Monday so decided on a short, low level walk to explore the area between Inverdruie and Lochan an Eilein. The area was well shetered from the elements but the force of the wind was witnessed when at the summit of Ord Ban, all of 428m altitude.

A leisurely, late lunch was taken at the Barn in Rothiemurchus. The benefits of the legendary Cullen Skink were repeating all afternoon when we engaged in a successful shopping mission in town. At risk of our priorities for the winter mountaineering trip appearing to be slightly misdirected our conclusive act for Sunday was dinner at the Old Bridge Inn. Luckily it was well protected and definitely worth three stars.

Thanks to everyone for heading north and making the most of the weekend. It was a shame about the weather but at least we managed to salvage a fun and sociable weekend. Hopefully Alex was able to find some snow for his winter skills course at Glenmore Lodge that started on Monday. Fingers crossed for a big freeze before the next winter trip!

Cheers!

Dave M