Camping Meet, August 2022

 

This year’s camping meet was to combine climbing in Ardnamurchan and Glencoe. We were staying at the Red Squirrel campsite in Glencoe and despite no organisation on our part the two cars arrived within a minute of each other at the campsite which was excellent, but this did double the time taken to decide on a suitable camping spot. Tents were pitch, a fire was built and there was much sitting around with a beer and good chat. In the morning we headed off for the main event: climbing in the long dead volcanic structure of the infamous of the Adrnamurchan crags. There you will find great lumps of Gabbro surrounded by fantastic scenery and views of Isle of Eigg and Isle of Muck.  

We passed a couple of tents on the walk-in find Cameron and Miles who had come on the Friday to catch the best of the weather. The groups set off to climb some big multipitch, the weather was pretty blustery, and this could easily has added a grade to some of the climbs when you were fighting to stay on balance. Despite the wind we got some excellent routes in at the Creag Meall an Fhir-Eoin crag. Vicky and Sas were able to scale a few of the VDiff climbs while Mia was able to lead Yir (VS***) seconded by Hannah. Baptise and Steve concluded their climbing on the excellently named Gretta Gabbro (VS**). After a brief detour to the beautiful Sanna Bay for a quick dip we headed back to the campsite to get some food and exchange stories over the fire, that was until rudely interrupted by rain that encouraged us to head to our respective tents. 

The next morning, we had a relaxed start while we allowed the tents to dry from the over-night rain before packing up before heading towards the east side of Aonach Dubh to scale the scrambling route Barn Wall (Mod***). On the approach there was clear signs of threatening rain but the route was dry and we were optimistic. Despite some steep pitches the route was an enjoyable outing, made so much better for making it to the top of the rock before the rain came and made the route treacherous. We topped out into the start of the drizzle which was sustained for most of the rest of the day. A foggy and damp walk down meant we were back to the carpark pretty quick for an easy journey back home. Thank to everyone who came for the company and making it such an enjoyable weekend.