Rannoch Mountaineering Club 

www.climbrannoch.co.uk

Ben Uchoose

Article by Rhona (1/02/04):

Attempt on Ben Buidhe was abandoned on the Saturday due to massive snowfall which resulted in Bish getting comprehensively lost on the local 200 footer and the closure of the smaller access roads eg Glen Lyon. Plan B swung into action - Ben Chonzie by Glen Turrett.

Click for full image (back-button on browser to return to this page)>>> (Images courtesy of Shaz)

Plan looked doomed as snow continued and temperatures plummeted. Not to be outsmarted, the A-team were up before dawn pulling off planned rendezvous before others were even conscious. Fresh snow and freezing roads put Plan B in jeopardy but we set off in the Compact Pussycat, Penelope at the wheel. Sadly the Pussycat was not up to the challenge and after slithering sideways for several km on the brink of a precipice we opted for Plan C. Even the sheep looked relieved as we slithered back down passed them.

Plan C -same hill but different approach - longer road but looked flatter, piece of cake- foiled again after 10cm. Luckily we are blessed with finer intelligence (than ordinary Rannoch members) and were able to swing Plan D into action - breakfast. This was followed by quick dash up the A9 - in the rain - and a sprint up Ben Brackie. Set off with Shaz adopting curiously mincing gait once again (despite undergoing surgery as previously advised) - all zips checked out ok. Problem this time was tongues - tongue was in when it should have been out - very uncomfortable but easily rectified. Ok now Shaz?

Blistering pace demolished any hill challenges, even caused a few parties to turn back in dismay. Were picked up by one bloke twice but reading from the Rannoch Social Skills manual version 2, managed to ditch him quickly. Top was Himalayan whiteout - good job we were navigationally competent. On the way down we decided that size doesn't matter after all (collective sigh of relief) it's quality that counts (oh no) and that a tick was a tick. Girls done good and stand in solidarity with the B-team for achieving more than a long lie. All that and still made the Celtic Connections for 8pm. Bookings for next weekend's mystery tours now being taken.

Image from Shaz