Knoydart Trip

It was an excited small group of Glossopdale Harriers aboard the first ferry of the morning from Mallaig across Loch Nevis to Inverie. Neil and I had spent the previous day on Ben Nevis in excellent weather, Carl and Beryl had been Munro bagging on the the Grey Corries whilst Rod and Ali had travelled up the previous day.

Aware of the forecast for poor weather later in the afternoon, we dumped our gear in the bunkhouse en route for Sgurr Coire Choinnichean, the Corbett above Inverie. After a stiff climb to the top up the ridge, we descended through some giant-size bracken to meet the others arriving on later ferries, before they too embarked on brief sorties prior to the onset of the rain.

After we had examined our nearest and dearest for ticks, there followed some delicate minor surgery by those unfortunately afflicted. At night we were treated to Adele's excellent sausage casserole followed by Alistair's delicious fresh fruit meringue dish as well as John's alcoholic chocolates and liqueurs.

There followed an eventful nights sleep, including an unscheduled visit from the Knoydart Knobbler, (ask any of us if you really want to know more!) In the morning the windy, wet weather dictated lower level runs. This proved to be a 15 mile circuit to the northern coast with two groups setting off on clockwise and anti-clockwise routes meeting near a difficult river crossing. This proved to be impossible the following day when Adele decide to pay a return visit.

A group of us had a meal in the Old Forge at night, the self-styled 'Most remote pub in mainland Britain' with T-shirts and other related memorabilia for anyone interested. The venison stew, the Mallaig haddock and the mussels seemed to be the pick of the menu with Glenfinnan Gold the real ale of choice.

It was a later start the following day until the morning rain relented. We split into five groups, with my group heading up the Mam Barrisdale track en route for some more bracken-bashing, swollen-stream crossings and waterfall viewing. As we crossed the ridge we spotted Julien's group below in Glen Guiserein en route for Ladhar Bheinn. We were lucky enough also to spot a golden eagle and herds of deer during our run. On our return to the bunkhouse, we showered and washed our gear before swapping tales of our respective routes in front of the roaring log-fire. The lounge was festooned with more kit than a Pete Bland stall with every drying space utilised with newspaper-stuffed running-shoes vying for places near the fire. At night we were feasted on Neil's Glossopdale Communal Chilli followed by John and Sheila's moreish cake.

We were all determined to make the best of our last (and best weather)  day in this superb area, with Julien's yellow jersey group going for two Munros and a Corbett, the peleton settling for two Munros, with the grandparents' grupetto heading up Glen Meadail to Meall Buidhe. An unforgettable day was enjoyed by all including a well-co-ordinated meeting between two of the groups on top of the Munro (see picture). The peleton, including the tireless Elsa (pictured), arrived on top some time later having been delayed by several photo stops on Loony Bin.(see picture). An excellent run off down the ridge from our Munro (see picture) was followed by bog-snorkelling in the rice plantations at the bottom of the descent and for some, an impromptu swim in the River Inverie.

These and other highlights were discussed at an end-of-trip bash in the pub, where Dave was presented with a bottle of malt for his superb organisation. Despite the initial inclement weather, ticks and midges, we all enjoyed good running and walking in excellent company with everyone contributing in some way to this never-to-be forgotten adventure in this magical place.

Thanks to Alex, Chris and Matt for their photos.