NUNEATON MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
NEWSLETTER 26 May 2008
Website http://www.nunmc.org/
Edited by Colin Green
PROGRAMME APRIL – AUGUST 2008 Matt
May 3rd Keith H’s Birmingham Balti Night Special.
May 10th Peak District. Wildboar Clough with Keith and Michele.
May 8th – 12th Backpacking to the Glen Carron area of the Scottish Highlands. See David or Matt
May 10th for 2 weeks ish Scottish Highlands. Isle of Skye. Stay for a week or more. See Colin or Ann.
May 23rd 4-5 days Canoeing with Andrew, Nick and Mark in south Wales.
June 21st – 22nd North Wales. Midsummer Madness camping & BBQ with Debra near to Dolgellau.
July 12th – 13th SouthWales. Camping with Matt in the Black Mountain area. (NOT BLACK MTS)
Aug 9th – 10th Exmoor. Camping in the Doone valley. See Michele
November 14th – 16th Tarn Outdoor Centre, Howgills/Yorkshire Dales for another Novemberfest.
Other Events – all welcome!
Sept date TBA Poland High Tatra mountains. See Eileen if interested.
Summer Anyone interested in doing the coast to coast? See Ann.
And there’s much more than this going on. Visit us on a Thursday evening from 8.30pm at Attleborough Liberal Club, Bull Street for impromptu activities, or ring Andrew on 01827 717 648 or Matt on 024 76 758 322 if you can’t get down. And don’t forget our website at http://www.nunmc.org/
PRICING POLOCY Eileen (Treasurer)
The pricing policy for residential events introduced by Matt at last years AGM seems to be working well.
The Novemberfest at the Eagle Bunkhouse made a small profit of £16.40 with 18 members paying £35.00 plus one £10 deposit covered both the accommodation cost of £560 and the evening meal.
The Corran Bunkhouse (Scotland) in February broke even with 12 members paying £56 per person covered the £672.00 cost of the accommodation.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Michele
There is a charity night out on Friday May 2nd. It is an Abba tribute by Abba Revolution and Elvis will also be appearing! It takes place at the ‘Piv’, Stockingford, Nuneaton. Tickets are £7 and it’s all in aid of the Mary Ann Evans Hospice.
Let me know if you can come and join the fun as well as helping a good cause.
BALTI NIGHT Saturday 3rd May Keith H
Keith has suggested having a “Balti Night” in Birmingham. He is going to look into Balti Houses and report back. In the meantime can anyone interested in principle let Matt or Eileen know so it can be passed on to Keith.
LATEST – Saturday 3rd May location TBA.
GLEN CARRON BACKPACKING 8th – 12th May Matt
Matt, David and Ian have booked on to the overnight sleeper train from Nuneaton to Achnashellach arriving at approx 10:30am on 08/05/08. Anyone who requires train details please contact Matt. If you are intending to go by car the hotel one stop down the line will provide a convenient parking and meeting place. Again contact Matt for details.
CANOEING TRIP May 23rd ish Andrew
Mark, Nick and I are thinking of going to south-west Wales canoeing for about 4 or 5 days, starting on or about May 23rd. We might camp or take a bunk house. There are a numbers of good rivers in the area, including the Eastern and Western Cleddau. It would also tie in with walking part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
All welcome. If you are interested, please let Andrew, Mark or Nick know ASAP, even if you can’t commit yourself at this stage.
POLAND 26th August – 4th September 2008 Eileen Walsh
The Poland trip is now all set to go and our basic plan is as follows:-
Seven of us have signed up to go, myself, Keith H, Les, Richard and wife Rita, Ann and Nick. We will be arriving in Krakow at about lunchtime on the 26th August and stopping in the city for a couple of day’s sight seeing, before taking the bus to Zakopane and the Tatra mountains. We will spend 6 nights in Zakopane during which time we will spend time exploring the mountains and may even venture over into Solvakia where I am told the terrain is spectacularly beautiful.
On the 3rd September we will take the bus back to Krakow for last minute sight seeing and shopping before catching the flight back the next day. The flights with Ryan Air from East Midlands Airport have been booked. (Total cost £71.58 p.p. including baggage and check in fees). Accommodation has been booked on a B&B basis at the Kolory in Krakow and the Adria Pension in Zakopane. Accommodation cost for twin bedded rooms is approximately 50 Euro per room per night. Both B&B’s are in the town/city centres so handy for shopping, restaurants and bars.
Details of the accommodation can be obtained on: http://www.staypoland.com/.
NOVEMBERFEST 14th -16th Nov. 2008 TARN OUTDOOR CENTRE Matt
We have booked the Tarn Outdoor Centre in the Howgill Fells for the above weekend. We have sole use of the outdoor centre with space for up to 24 people, so friends and family will be welcome on this trip. The tarn centre is nicely placed in the Howgills, but near enough for a day out in the Lakes if you feel the need. The weekend will follow the usual format with a get together on Saturday night; the only difference this time is that I won’t be in the kitchen. (Hooray!) This year it’s your turn to shine. We will be having a fuddle, as they call it in Leicestershire. You may know it better as an American supper. The club will provide the basics i.e. bread, salads and snacks, and then everyone will bring a dish of their choice. You can buy it or make it and it could be hot or cold. We have very good cooking facilities on site so if you want to show off and do a Prune and Armagnac soufflé for 20 people now’s your chance. Anyway more on that nearer the day. The trip will cost £39.00 per person for the weekend. Couples will have a very good chance of getting a twin room as there are a few on offer. Have a look at the web site below and I think you will agree it looks pretty good. Also have a look at the attached word document it has detailed information on the centre and pubs and restaurants in the area.
http://www.tarnoutdoor.co.uk/ <http://www.tarnoutdoor.co.uk/>
SPICY TOMATO SALSA Chef’s (Matt’s) Special
As eaten at the 2007 Novemberfest Serves 4
Finely chop the following:
2 Large Beefsteak Tomatoes (seeds juice and all)
1 Medium Red Pepper
1 Medium Green Pepper
1 Large red onion
1 – 3 Fresh green Chilli’s (depending on how hot you like it).
1 Small bunch of fresh parsley (Optional but recommended)
1 Garlic Clove
Add to this:
2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive oil
The Juice of 1 Lime (or half a lemon)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Stir well and leave in the fridge to for 15 – 30 minutes before serving.
Serve as an appetiser with tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to grilled or barbequed meats and chilli con carne.
DERWENTWATER YH 11th – 13th January 2008 David
12th January 2008 Colin, David, Mo and Rachel in the Lake District. (Matt, Ian and Les did their own thing).
There was another adverse weather forecast which was not as bad as stated. Parking at Braithwaite we ascended Grisedale Pike. The ground was particularly hard underfoot and was very cold and windy on top. There was a quick detour to Hopegill Head then back over Sand Hill, Crag Hill, Sail and Causey Pike to complete the Coledale Horseshoe. It was only as we reached the end that the cloud lifted and we could actually see the hills. Taking the ice axe and crampons were an unnecessary weight.
The best bit was Mo forgetting to take his waterproof. Luckily David had a spare so we didn’t have to scurry back to the hostel to retrieve it. What Mo did have in his rucksack that he didn’t need was a spare pair of boots! Ed.
1275m 6 hours approx. 9 miles (including the trip to the village pub) a good day for all.
13th January 2008
Colin, David, and Rachel – took in a trip around and over Cat Bells (2 hours). This time the weather forecast was correct with very high winds. It was just as well that we decided to go with the wind direction on top, as those coming up the normal way were taking to sitting down to get over the top. Colin made a detour to Swinside for another bag to add to his list. On collecting Mo from Keswick we went home, being back in time for tea.
LATHKILL DALE 19th January 2008 David
Colin, David, Sheila and Ann in the Peak District
As there was yet another severe weather warning (which did not materialize) we went for a walk commencing at Over Haddon and descending into the valley of Lathkill Dale. The river was flooded, with much of the path being swamped. Colin, armed with his new camera was taking some rather good photos of a small bird to add to his overall total. There were some further impressive sights with the river pouring out of the hillside. There was then a trip into Moneyash, walking past the pub (!) and into the café next door (which was a good move). Following refreshments it was out into the hills just to the north which were a little more wet than before the café with lunch at the head of old lead mine (which was 222m deep) and back to the car. 6 hours 330m.
CORRAN BUNKHOUSE 7th – 11th February 2008 Colin
The accommodation at Corran certainly lifted the bar for all future trips. En suite, TV in rooms and a decent drying room all made it well worth the money. We didn’t have sole use so had to contend with another group but apart from some mumbles about door banging all was well. With a pub next door and an even better one a free ferry ride over the loch all was set for a good weekend.
Friday 8th A wild day. The forecast mentioned ferocious winds, and it certainly was strong. Keith and Michele headed for the forest north of Fort William and eventually to the swimming pool. Colin, Ann, Debra and Steve walked from the bunkhouse up Glen Righ before ascending steeply to Beinn na Gucaig 616m. Here it was unpleasant but rather than take the straightforward SW ridge into the wind and rain a longer route was taken back to Glen Righ. Later it was almost pleasant and the waterfalls near to Inchree on the return journey were worth the detour.
Matt, Ian, Les, Alastair and Kimberley tried for the two Munros of Sron a Choire Ghairbh and Meall na Teanga alongside Loch Lochy. Here the wind was ferocious and at the col between the two Munros no further progress could be made so there was nothing left but to retreat.
Saturday 9th Still not a pristine day and forecast but Keith, Michele, Alastair, Kimberley, Colin, Ann, Ian, Matt and Les set out optimistically for Sgor na h-Ulaidh 994m in Glencoe. The tops were in cloud and there was a steady breeze even in the valley so the steep slopes were tackled more in hope than expectation. Higher up at the 798m col things were more promising but it was a misty and snowy walk to the top of Stob an Fhurain 968m. Thought the descent to the next col was fine the ascent to the Munro proved to be steep and snowy. He descent of this grade 1 snow slope was treated cautiously by most but there was plenty of fun on the lower easier slopes. The rest was just a walk with a little drizzle during the last hour.
Meanwhile Debra had done some damage to her feet on the previous day so with Steve drove down to Oban and went over the ferry to Mull as foot passengers for lunch.
Sunday 10th This was to be the best day so an ascent of the Aonachs was selected. From the gondola station Ann, Debra, Steve. Keoth, Michele and Colin ascended with assistance to the top station and then also on a chair lift to about 920m (£8.25). Here it was quite misty, cold and breezy. The walk to Aonach Mor 1221m was straightforward but there were significant snow patches on the descent requiring caution as with the mist it was close to a white out. At the col a path developed up Aonach Beag but with height a general snow cover created true white out conditions as we approached the summit. The GPS indicated that we had arrived at the summit and with the edge close by no one was keen to investigate further. A hole was dug to establish the depth of the snow and a retreat made down the hill. On the descent we met Matt, Ian and Les who had missed out on the 200m chairlift ride and had been puzzled as to why they had taken so long to catch us up. They continued by following our footprints and proceeded no further than the whole in the snow that we had dug. The two groups rejoined on the ascent of Aonach Mor and we continued together in improving conditions to watch the climbers at the top of the Aonach Mor cliffs. It never did quite clear which was a pity, but it will be there for another day.
Monday 11th This was the day that most people were heading for home so it should be no surprise that there were clear blue skies and bright sunshine. Keith and Michele managed to climb the Corbett Ben Ledi 879m near to Callander and were rewarded with a temperature inversion. Colin and Ann were able to stay on a little longer so on the way to Tyndrum for a couple of extra nights drove to the Inveroran Hotel near to Bridge of Orchy for an ascent of Ben Inverveigh 639m and Meall Tairbh 665m. It was frosty underfoot and very cold in the shade but wonderfully bright and sunny. The route was straightforward but the lower part of the descent in the heather and grass a little tedious.
Tuesday 12th For the final day Colin and Ann returned to Bridge of Orchy for an ascent on the two Munros of Beinn Dorain1076m and Beinn an Dothaidh 1002m. The climb to the col between the two mountains went remarkably easily and the south slopes of Beinn an Dothaidh were ascended first to give the north slopes on Beinn Dorain time to soften up a bit. There were some snow patches on Beinn an Dothaidh but all were fairly soft. Opposite things looked more wintry. Climbing Beinn Dorain the ground was still quite frozen in the shade and the snow was like concrete. Though we climbed some hard snow there were enough grass and rock patches to make the going more comfortable. On top the wind and sun had cleared most of the snow away and we were able to enjoy the view confident in the knowledge that an easy descent could be made. Ann was sufficiently impressed that she started phoning friends and family from the summit. Well it was a very fine location and view indeed.
WINTER TRIP TO SCOTLAND 16th – 20th February 2008 Mo
Saturday 16th
We started out at 1.30am and got to Fort William at 9am. Had a good trip, sharing the driving with my son Daniel. We had breakfast at Morrisons – it was crap! Then we drove to the North Face car park, packed our rucksacks containing our food, four pints of milk, a bottle each of wine and beer, ready for three day stay in the CIC hut. (Yes, the same hut that no-one at NMC wanted to stay at!) Arriving two hours later we dropped off our heavy sacs and, as the weather was so good, after our lunch we decided to go for a climb.
The route we chose was No.5 Gully, grade one, as it was straight up from the hut. There was a lot of snow all the way up the gully and a lot of avalanche debris at the bottom. It was a long way up, and at the half way point we came to the fracture point of the avalanche, which had a two foot step up in the snow. From here on Daniel and I were in the clouds and could not see the top. Nearer the top it got quite steep and we had a great adrenalin rush as we came up over the cornice. On the way down we navigated too far south and nearly missed the half-way lochan. On finding the loch we descended north to the river and the path which led to the car park. It was a long and tiring day but we both thoroughly enjoyed it. On Saturday night we stayed at Glen Nevis youth hostel, where we met my elder son Matthew and his climbing partner.
Sunday 17th
The next morning we drove to the North Face car park for the final slog to the hut. On reaching the hut we found that the door was open, and we went inside to find a French climber who was staying in the hut with eleven more of his party. We were going to be rather snug! It may have been freezing outside that night, but the hut was nice and warm. After dinner we went outside to have a look at the view, and we could see the lights of the climbers high up on the face. Rather them than me!
Monday 18th
After a good breakfast we packed our ice axes, crampons and the rest of our gear and set off to do the Carn Mor Dearg Arete. This is walk that Daniel has always wanted to do. Conditions were freezing, clear and wind free. We soon started taking off layers as we used the axes and crampons – it was hard going. About halfway up when we stopped to take some photos, we could see a blanket of cloud over Fort William and we could see the tops of the mountains in the distance. It was a great sight.
On reaching the ridge you could see for miles in all directions, and twenty minutes later we were at the summit and the sun came out for us. The only thing lacking was snow! We followed the ridge round to the Ben and on the walk up to the summit we came to some good, hard snow where we needed to use our crampons and ice axes again. I found a climbing helmet and donated it to Daniel as his was borrowed. At the summit the sky was bright blue and the weather perfect. We watched snow buntings as we ate our lunch.
Our descent was No.4 Gully, the most straightforward and easiest to find as it has a marker post at the top. Whilst on the gully we spotted some ice climbers on the Smith’s Route, a V5 climb. We found out later that they were our new French friends. The cornice was not large, but a bit scary going over the top, and it looked a long way down. The snow in the gully and all the way back to the CIC hut was excellent. Now for tea and cake before dinner – what luxury in the mountains!
Tuesday 19th
The weather had improved day by day, and this was the sunniest so far. Today we decided to do the Ledge route, a grade 2 climb which is on the Carn Dearg Buttress. In my book it describes the route as ‘probably the best route of its grade on the mountain, with sustained interest and magnificent situations.’ We reached the Ledge in forty-five minutes, and found a group of climbers gearing up. We decided not to hang around and headed up to the next ledge further up No 5 gully. This looked better, with more snow and ice. A slip whilst crossing the ledge would be fatal. After fifteen minutes we reached a large pile of rocks and the danger had passed. We rested, took in the views and had some food. The remainder of the climb consisted mainly of scrambling on the bare rock, due to lack of the white stuff, but was a lot easier than we expected. We arrived on the top all too soon as my son and I were enjoying it so much.
We chose the same route for our descent as the previous day and, as it was still only early in the afternoon we did some messing about in the snow like father and son climbers do! The forecast for Wednesday was that there was going to be a break in the weather, so this would be our last opportunity before returning home.
What a fabulous adventure.
SNOWDON 16th February 2008 David
David, Rachel & Tony. This time we took a trip to North Wales. The weather was very cold but with clear blue skies and although the temperature was below freezing, we could easily walk with just one layer on. From the car park at the bottom of the Watkins path we ascended Yr Aran and then up the south ridge of Snowdon. Awaiting ourselves at the top was a complete eyesore. The new cafe was partially built, making the place a complete mess. We agreed that the same should never have been built. It would have been better just to have knocked down the old one and never replaced it! Another eyesore was the new wall or platform which has partially been built around the top and then to make matters even worse – there were too many people! Lunch was taken further down the hill returning down the south ridge. 6 1/4 hours 1350m.
THE LONG MYND 8th March Eileen
Shropshire’s bleak and lonely ridge. – 12 Miles.
Despite the bad weather forecast, and that England was playing Scotland at Rugby, there was very good turn out with 11 club members (Eileen, Keith H, Debra, Colin, Mark, Tony, Richard, Ann, Nick, Keith K and Michele).
We arrived at Minton to find that there was no parking, despite what I was led to believe, so we drove to Little Stretton, parked by the stream and walked back up the hill to Minton. According to my book, Minton is an ancient settlement dating back to Saxon times and could have been a frontier settlement of Mercia. Passing through the village we crossed the fields, contouring the hill and up the picturesque valley of Minton Batch over the top of the ridge, down to Asterton and on to Wentnor, where we found the Crown Inn, open and welcoming. Having rehydrated, we continued on up the spur of Adstone hill following the main footpath up to the top of the Long Mynd and along “The Jack Mytton Way” to Pole Bank (516 m) our highest point of the day. The bridle path is named in memory of “Mad Jack” Mytton, a skilled horseman who was apparently a drunken but likeable rogue, and was one time MP for Shrewsbury, before an early death at the age of 37 years.
We descended back into Little Stretton via a very fine ridge which runs to the north of Round Hill and gives spectacular views into the valleys of Ashes Hollow and Callow Bottom. Although we experienced strong, gusty winds, the weather stayed dry throughout the walk, it was rather chilly and we kept up a very good pace with few stops, so consequently we finished earlier than expected and headed for to a tea shop in nearby Church Stretton. The first one we tried “Mr Bun the Baker” turned us, and the three people who entered the shop before us, out, as they were closing. This is 4 pm on a Saturday afternoon, so much for customer service. So we made out way to another establishment who enjoyed our custom. Duly refreshed we returned to Nuneaton.
HOLWICK CAMPING BARN, TEESDALE 11th – 13th April 2008 Colin
If Corran Bunkhouse raised the accommodation bar then Holwick brought us back down to earth. Having said that we agreed that we would consider booking this again, but on the Friday it was cool and damp (presumably no usage in the week) and there were a couple of features such as water dripping through the light fitting and a pretty cool shower that could do with upgrading.
Friday 11th Mark Colin and Ann defied the forecast and parked up about 3 miles east of Sedburgh in Garsdale. On the hills opposite there was a covering of snow from about 600m but our objective was Aye Gill Pike 556m. The route was short and straightforward and alongside the stone walls there was enough snow for a decent snowball fight. It was cold in the wind but at least it wasn’t raining and there were some splendid views of the Howgills. When leaving the summit there was a hail shower bu5t otherwise it was quite bright. We returned to the car just before a proper rain shower swept across.
Saturday 12th Ann, Colin, Mark, Keith, Michele and Eileen drove to Langdon Beck in Teesdale to bag a Black Grouse before returning to Hanging Stone car park for the start of the walk. Here Colin realized that he’d left his coat in the camping barn so had to prevail upon Mark (no audible complaint) to drive him back to retrieve it. Upon returning Trevor and Sue Littlewood had arrived to join us for the day from Weardale. With such expert local guides maps were secured in pockets and we set off up the hill. Fendrith Hill 696m was reached easily enough but the mile out to Cappelfell Top was a bit tedious especially as we had to return the same way. It was breezy with hail showers so the Weardale ski station hut was a sheltered spot for lunch. The route out to Westernhope Moor was better underfoot but the snow showers became more frequent. Descending to Teesdale the café at Bowlees was a surprise but with rather more than Trevor’s 3 miles back to the cars and Susan Littlewood setting the pace at the front there were some sore feet and aching limbs by the end. However the silver lining was the walk along the Tees with good views of the waterfalls of Low Force and High Force. 15 miles.
Sunday 13th Ann, Colin, Mark, Keith, Michele and Eileen. From the road end at Holwick on an excellent morning we walked a track until we were north of Bink Moss and then ascended another track and across the moor to the summit 618m. Cross Fell and other hills in the distance had a complete covering of snow while the Yorkshire Dales were in view to the south. The rest of the walk went easily enough and we arrived back at the cars before 2pm for the drive home.
Spring in the North Pennines is a wonderful time for birdlife so I give no excuses for listing the more interesting species seen. Large numbers of Lapwing, Curlew, Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Golden Plover. There were several Black Grouse and a number of Wheatear while there were also Dipper and Grey Wagtail on the Tees. Also there was a pair of Ring Ouzel, Kestrel, Snipe drumming, Redshank and Oystercatcher.
PROPERTY TO RENT IN SPAIN Cyril Deeming
You probably don’t remember me but I was around when NMC first started. I was the first meets secretary. Well a lot has happened since then but I have ended up retiring to Spain. We have been here just over a year now living in the mountains about 50k north of Malaga. We are just buying a house here having lived in a Park home until now. We are now looking to rent out the park home; it is located at Alfarnatejo and is ideally situated for walking & climbing. It is 1.5 hours from Sierra Nevada for skiing, 50 minutes from both Malaga & Granada airports with cheap flights from Coventry. One hour from Malaga, Granada & the beach. Please see attached flyer for more details and maybe you could pass it round to see if anyone is interested in coming here for a holiday. If required we can lead walks and if a large group want to come over then the complex that we live on has other park homes for rent.
YOUTH HOSTEL 13.5m REVAMP From BBC News via David
Youth hostels across England and Wales are to be modernized in a £13.5m programme of investment. The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) said 37 would be revamped, with more staff training to improve services. It said it would also unveil three new hostels, with a £4.3m flagship premises in central London opening next month and others in East Sussex in 2009. But it also announced the closure of three hostels in North Wales, Norfolk and Gloucestershire.
The first 12 upgraded hostels, costing more than £2.7m, will be ready for the 2008 season. These range from the clifftop cottage in Pembrokeshire, at YHA Pwll Deri, to city locations in Manchester and London St Pancras.
The new Sussex hostels will be in Eastbourne and Lewes.
“When we announced a new strategy for YHA two years ago, we made a firm commitment to providing great hostels in great locations,” said YHA chief executive Roger Clarke. “Some people were disappointed when we announced 32 closures two years ago but we promised at the time it was a means to an end. “We needed to close and sell less successful properties to generate the funds needed to invest in the future so it’s hugely exciting that we are firmly on our way.”
Hostels earmarked for £1m-plus improvement schemes include Ilam in the Peak District; Bristol; Pen-y-Pass, in Snowdonia; St David’s, in South Wales; Grinton, in North Yorkshire; Treyarnon Bay, in Cornwall; Windermere, in the Lake District, and Exeter, in Devon. Schemes costing from £82,000 to £600,000 will be at Penzance, Cornwall; Conwy, north Wales and Ambleside, in the Lake District. Smaller schemes are scheduled for Arundel, West Sussex; Coalport, Shropshire; Coverack in Cornwall; Haworth in West Yorkshire; Port Eynon, in South Wales; Salcombe, in Devon, and St Briavel’s Castle, in Gloucestershire. The three to close are at Bangor, Great Yarmouth and Slimbridge.
FROM BBC NEWS via David
Tourist body in mountains gaffe.
A photograph which VisitScotland claimed was of the Cairngorms has been removed from its website after it emerged it was taken in Argyll. The shot, labelled Aviemore and the Cairngorms, showed trees outlined against a misty background with snowy peaks soaring above them. It was part of the website for the Perfect Day promotional competition run by the official tourist agency. VisitScotland described the gaffe as an “honest mistake”.
The picture sparked puzzlement and debate among outdoor enthusiasts who were trying to spot which mountain it showed. Cairngorm ecology expert Dr Adam Watson spotted straight away that it was not taken on his home turf and suggested that it had been taken in the Bridge of Orchy area. Anyone can make a mistake but it’s surprising that a body like that would not find it easy to find good photographs of the Cairngorms
VisitScotland has now admitted he was right and confirmed the snap was taken at Loch Tulla, just outside Bridge of Orchy. Dr Watson said the error was “ridiculous” and expressed his surprise that an attractive image of the Cairngorm area had not been found. He said: “It just obviously wasn’t in the Cairngorms. I know these hills very well, I’ve been going there since I was a boy and I wrote the Scottish Mountaineering Club’s district guide to the Cairngorms. It definitely wasn’t the Cairngorms. “Anyone can make a mistake but it’s surprising that a body like that would not find it easy to find good photographs of the Cairngorms.”
VisitScotland’s Helen Campbell told BBC Radio Scotland’s Newsdrive programme: “It was an honest mistake.
“As soon as we were made aware of the error we took immediate action to rectify it by replacing it with the image that’s up now on the site of Loch Morlich with the Cairngorms in the background.”
SNOWDON RESCUE From BBC News via David
Two walkers rescued from Snowdon on Sunday night have been criticized by mountain rescuers. Night vision goggles were used to locate the tw, before they were winched to safety by an RAF helicopter. Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team chairman Dr Gwyn Roberts said the 19-year-old men from Dorset were “Badly prepared and equipped”.
He said the two were “Lucky” to have escaped unharmed after becoming lost as they tried to walk down the mountain.
“This is a familiar story,” said Dr Roberts. “They had started off late in the day and had decided – to lighten their load they told us – to leave most of their equipment, including their map, in the car.” He said they were dressed in jeans, T-shirts and had no waterproof clothing, no shelter in case they were caught out overnight, no whistle, no food and “Just a little to drink”. They are very lucky that they were unharmed, it could have been much worse.
The men told mountain rescuers they had asked someone else what conditions were like on Grib Goch on Snowdon, but had got lost and had phoned for help after trying unsuccessfully for two hours to find their way down.
“We tried to talk them down, but when that proved unsuccessful we rang the RAF for assistance and they managed to winch them to safety,” said Dr Roberts.
He said 16 rescue team members had assembled at their base camp in case low cloud prevented the Sea King helicopter reaching the two men. “Luckily the cloud lifted and the helicopter got to them, but it meant that 16 members of my team gave up their Sunday evening,” he added. Dr Roberts said the men told rescuers that they had prepared for the trip by “Researching on the internet”.
“That is clearly not enough preparation, and people should have a map and compass and the ability to use them at least,” he said. “People should use their common sense and not take on too much, which had clearly happened in this case.
“They are very lucky that they were unharmed, it could have been much worse,” he added.