From the Cairn Ban Archives...
The Beginning Bob Gardner
'Bastard', Alan's one word, just after stepping over a low wall, catching his toe on the top, stumbling and kneeing the wing of his mini, just the other side, with the result that it now had a large dent. Despite this event we had had a good day on the hill. Read more...
The Bowline Jim Marshall
I too can cite the Bowline's charm
To pull the body out of harm.
But, dallying long, I cannot find
The little poem in my mind.
The Big Grey Man of MacDui Jim Marshall
In the darkening light on Cairngorm
With threat of wild oncoming storm,
I hurried on o'er Macdui's crest
And quick descended mountain's breast
Spectre Jim Marshall
Ae New Years Day on Beinn a' Bheitheir
I saw a man who wasn't there
Not in the normal sense I mean,
Intangible, but could be seen.
2003
Killer ants and Spittal Burgers Ian Collinson, 6 July 2003
With weather too good to hang about a late night decision on the Friday saw us head north early on Saturday morning to take in Beinn Iutharn Mhor and Carn an Righ from Spittal of Glenshee. Read more...
The Mullardoch Ring Bearers Ian Collinson, 6 December 2003
The Fellowship consisted of:-
Alan Forsyth - as a slimline Frodo Baggins
Kenny Lowe - as (Sm)Elrond
Ian Collinson - as a (sp)Ent (force)
Brian Wallace - as Gimli/Porn Star
Steve o' Brien - as Borromir
Adventures of the Knights of Dessary Ian Collinson, 10 December 2003
Team: Ian Collinson, Alan Forsyth, Kenny Lowe, Douglas Collinson, David Gray, Alex Haken,Andy Park, Richard Park
Picture the scene: glorious Friday afternoon with temperatures more akin to May or June than November, you've left work behind for the weekend, civilisation is left behind as you head up towards the shores of Loch Lomond. Read more...
2004
Cryogenics at Culra Bothy Ian Collinson, 7 February 2004
The weather was too good to miss, the memsahib was off to a girlfriend’s with the nipper for a couple of days, I took the opportunity to catch up on some of my outstanding bags. Brother Douglas and I left work on Tuesday night, dropped the memsahib and nipper off at the airport, drove up to Dalwhinnie and cycled into Culra Bothy. Passing the Boathouse the track goes across the moor which was frozen and hard making for good progress. Read more...
Cycle Night George Hamilton, 6 June 2004
The cobwebs were dusted off the trusty steeds last night for the annual Cairn Ban cycle. Bob, Tony, Campbell, David Gray and George all set off from the Scout hall towards Lochwinoch by way of the cycle track. The track is now totally tarmac'd so the cycle is pretty easy going. Read more...
Ossian vs Homer Simpson Ian Collinson, 17 July 2004
Team: I. Collinson, D. Collinson, B. Fish, J. Finlayson. Doh! - 1 The West Highland Rail route really is a treat with magnificent views and no caravans barring progress. The train splits at Crianlarich, one half going to Oban the other north to Fort William. Having put the bikes and myself in the wrong half of the train a quick shift about was required at Crianlarich. Read more...
Ledgowan & the Rolling Raspberry Rockers Ian Collinson, 27 July 2004
For the 2nd weekend in a row the weather forecast was absolutely pants and, fair to say, Heather did not let us down. It has to be said that driving as far north as Torridon is a long and sometimes painful experience... the tell tale sounds’pssssshhhhhtttt!’ started about Stepps and Kenny and Douglas plied themselves with bottles of Rolling Rock and a punnet of Raspberrys. Thus the weekend of ‘The Rolling Raspberry Rockers’ commenced. Read more...
Douglas' & Billy's Big Plan Wash Out Doug Collinson, 13 September 2004
Due to last week's bad weather we (BTF and myself) cancelled our planned trip to Strathfarrar and Cannich in fear that Karl, the whisky pickled boat man, would get us lost on a gale swept Loch Mullardoch. So, wanting to salvage something from our weekend we opted, last minute, for a quick raid in Glen Lyon, taking in Meall Buidhe and Stuchd an Lochain. Read more...
2005
Winter Weekend in the Fannaichs and Strathcarron Ian Collinson, 6 February 2005
A few notes from this weekends trip:- ‘pppssssshhhhhhhhhht!’ - Bankfoot, nr. Perth - Dry Blackthorn... Campbell, George & Hugh would have been proud of us. Friday night and after a long drive the Aultguish Inn served us some decent pub grub and surly service as the Bar Man took great delight in constantly advising us how uncomfortable the Bunkhouse would be. Read more...
Billy's Romp in the Swiss Alps Bryan Fish, 15 June 2005
We started off rock climbing in Leysin on the stunning limestone tors (2300m approx), with a local practising the (alpen?) horn and yodelling - fantastic. Second day we headed around to Moiry Glacier and did some brief ice climbing and glacier rope work. Stayed up at the Moiry Hut approx 2800m, great accommodation, dinner, breakfast and wine! Read more...
To Alder & Beyond... Ian Collinson, 22 October 2005
It took 3.5 hours to get from Clarkston to Pitlochry on Friday evening due to incredibly busy traffic, crap weather and accidents at Perth. Billy, Douglas and I met up with sister Jennifer who'd been up the Tarmachan Ridge at Killin and Alex who'd battled similar traffic from Edinburgh. Read more...
2006
Knitting & Yarns Alan Forsyth, 1 January 2006
Myself, Bob, Campbell, George, Stewart and David Gray met up at at Crianlarich, amidst snow-clad peaks and clear-ish skies... looking quite promising! We plumped for Ben Dorain, so set off up to Bridge of Orchy. However, as we drove over the hill from Tyndrum, the cloud level lowered and the snow seemed to peter out somewhat. Read more...
Camp 'n' Climb on Beinn a'Bhuird Alex Haken, 8 January 2006
Friday night walked into Slugain Lodge (2hrs). Small amount of snow lying on the paths. Very icy, temp minus 6 deg C. Had to hammer tent pegs into ground with ice hammer! Saturday was very misty so decided not to attempt anything too serious so went up Beinn a'Bhuird via a 150 m grade I snow gully. Full winter conditions - whiteout on top. Read more...
Moonlight and Spectres on Sgor na h-Ulaidh Ian Collinson, 15 January 2006
The weather forecast gave us the prospect of howling gales for Sunday’s outing so noticing a window of opportunity on Saturday a determined gang of 7 set out on the Saturday instead. Jimmy Wilson, Alan Wade and Campbell's nephew David joined in with Campbell himself, Ian, Billy and Douglas. Leeman's Lunar Logic held true as a full moon lit up the darkness as cars headed north to GlenCoe. Read more...
Mamores - Club Sunday Bob Gardner, 29 January 2006
10 of us parked at the foot of the Mamores(Kinlochleven) on Sunday the 29th January. It was a very dull grey day. Starting from sea level it means all the hills are a full day’s climbing. Read more...
Rory's Slimy Passage & Other Cioch Misdemeanors Rory Kennedy, 5 May 2006
As part of this year's annual Skye trip, Stewart, Alex, Bob, George, Campbell, Ally MacSween and I decided to attempt the Cioch Stone, while blessed with unseasonably fine weather. As the ever enthusiastic Stewart Michie put it, ‘we would have been criminally insane not to!’ The initial route involved picking our way up one of Sgurr Alasdair's gullies, past a disturbing amount of fresh rock fall. Read more...
First Snows On The Cobbler Bob Gardner, 19 November 2006
Club day out, 7 of us ventured out in spite of the forecast. As you will see from the photographs we were on the Cobbler. Because of the short car journey we arrived nice and early. Once up on the Buttermilk before the climb on to the Cobbler it became apparent that there was a good lot of snow, once on the ascent up the face, George did his masterly impression of a snow plough on some very steep slopes. Read more...
2007
Grey Corries Traverse Doug Collinson, 24 March 2007
Getting up the day after a 3am start and 10hr day on the Ben was never going to be easy and when the alarm sound at 7 o'clock my suspicions were confirmed. I was gubbed! Alex had arrived the night before and given the great forecast and after browsing through my snaps of Tower Ridge from the previous day he was full of enthusiasm for the day ahead. Mine unfortunately was still lying snoozing in bed. Read more...
Ling Hut - Torridon John McGill, 27 April 2007
Andy, Doug, Dave, John and Steve headed up to Ling hut in Torridon. Ling hut is situated in Glen Torridon 1km away from Liathach. We arrived as the sun set and in the growing gloom the vast dark bulk of Liathac loomed over us.
In the morning Dave set out to climb the Corbetts Sgur Dubh and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine. The rest of us tackled Liathach, positioning a car at either end of the walk before starting. Read more...
Ironing on the Cobbler's Anvil Flash Gordon, 28 May 2007
With only 14 hrs before the end of the world (the bank holiday) and being forced to return to work, Ronnie managed to save the day by ironing his 'back to school' kit just in the nick of time. Read more...
Santa-stic Shortest Day Ian Collinson, 21 December 2007
December is party and excess time. I've had 3 seperate works nights out this week - two curry nights and one very long lunch. Suffice to say, come Friday, lethargy and bloatedness abounded. Jerome suggested a wee trip up the cobbler to blow away a cobweb or two. What? On the shortest day? Looking out into the murky freezing fog it did not look terribly appealing but off we set. Read more...
Coire Sneachda Ian Collinson, 29 December 2007
‘Run To The Hills' was the title of the email sent through by Jerome complaining of post Crimbo Turkey Over Stuffing and the need to hit the hills. After the initial mental image of the awful Iron Maiden tune of the same name the image Jerome painted was of a trip to Coire Sneachda at Cairn Gorm, a winter camp, then some early morning gully climbs onto the Cairn Gorm plateau. Read more...
2008
Taxus on Beinn an Dothaidh Steve MacLuskie, 12 January 2008
My first ‘proper’ winter climb and a stunning, sunny, still and snowy day. The thermometer in the car read -7 when we set off from the car park at 8:30 but we quickly warmed up on the 2 hour trek to the base of the climb with heavy rucksacks loaded with ropes and climbing gear. Read more...
The Long Way Up - Tower Ridge Alex Haken, 16 March 2008
On Sunday 16th March Alex, Billy, Alan, Steve and Steve's friend Chris set off 'Alpine Start' from Fort William on what proved to be an epic ascent of Tower Ridge - Ben Nevis. The weather forecast was good, light winds, clearing skies and cold. The snowline was well below the base of the Ben and by the time we reached the CIC hut it was snowing lightly. Read more...
2009
Stravaigin' In Sutherland - Carbisdale Caper Ian Collinson, 8 May 2009
Folks: Twenty Five Cairn Ban'ers hit the haunted Castle that is the grand daddy of all Hostels - Carbisdale Castle near Ardgay. Excellent weather on the Friday made for a most pleasant trip up the road with a variety of pitstops being made. For those who partook of a Curry at the Inverness Riverside restaurant they were even rewarded with a free dram from the owners - must have been our patter! Read more...
Invergarry Weekend - John's Big One! Bob Gardner, 23 October 2009
On behalf of CBMC - Congratulations to John McGill on completing The Munros, 24th October 2009. The Saddle via the Forcan Ridge. Despite the weather forecast for high winds and heavy rain, we ventured out on the Saturday, leaving earlier than we would normally, to try and beat the worst of the weather. Read more...
2010
Campbell's Last Munro - by the Bagger Himself! Campbell Crombie, 21 February 2010
Dear All: It’s a month on from Ben Lomond and I would just like to thank all that came and climbed with me and how say us off and return. See report below and some pictures attached. Read more...
30th Anniversary Trip to the Italian Dolomites Stuart McKie, 30 June 2010
After the wait the trip was on. Twelve hardy souls met up at Edinburgh International Airport geared up and ready to go. Right on time our flight took off and landed in what seemed a very short time at Marco Polo Airport in Italy in glorious sunshine. Read more...
2011
Alan Wade Conquers Everest!!! Alan Wade, 22 May 2011
Just in case anyone has not yet heard the news Alan Wade became the first Cairn Ban member to summit Everest on 16th May and is now safely back in base camp. A copy of the Jagged Globe report is attached together with a clip of a 2008 summit day by the South Col route. Read more...
Glen Etive Campbell Crombie, 13 November 2011
Four souls left for the hills: Catherine Bloomfield, John McGill, George Hamilton & myself Campbell. There was a unanimous decision to go west to get away from the low cloud. It was decided a Crianlarich to go down Glen Etive to do Beinn Maot Choluin (a John Corbett) but we would add on two Munros. Read more...
The Cobber in all its Alpine Glory Doug Collinson, 18 December 2011
Hi all, it was late on Saturday night and I was sitting thinking about the last few presents to buy and the hordes of shoppers when Billy's text came through... ‘Cracking weather forecasted – let’s go for a walk!’ It didn't take long to convince me and the plan was formulated pretty quickly to leave town at 5:30 and get to the top of the Cobbler for sunrise taking in central gully on the way. Read more...
2012
Wee Buachaille Stuart McKie, 15 January 2012
Nine out on a gloriously sunny day. Destination Buachaille Etive Beag from Glencoe.
After suiting and booting in the new extended car park, in pretty cold conditions, it was off up towards the first Munro of the day. Following a fairly new laid path, which was like a bit of a staircase, we reached the bealach in fantastic sunshine. Read more...
Thrills and Spills on Stuc a’ Chroin Sheena McKie, 20 January 2012
The eightsome today consisted of Stuart, Campbell, John McBarron (his 99th Munro), John McGill, Dave, George, Graham, who joined us for the first time today, and myself. We decided to follow the weather forecast and cast our eyes east to the peaks of Ben Vorlich and Stuc a’ Chroin. Read more...
Loch Quoich - Stu and Sheena Stuart McKie, 27 May 2012
What a weekend!! Pity you couldn't join us but it looks like you had a grand day on Ben Lomond. Have attached a few snaps from Sat/Sun on Sgurr a' Mhaoraich, Gleouraich and Spidean Mialach, three new hills for us. Was an incredibly tough round, not down to the hills but purely the heat!!! Read more...
2013
Ben Nevis - Orion Direct Alex Haken, 3 March 2013
I managed to sneak a late winter 3-day weekend climbing with a friend who I met in the CIC hut last winter. 2 days in the Cairngorms and one day on Ben Nevis. Read more...
2014
Four in Knoydart Sheena McKie, 22 July 2014
Saturday saw four of us, Stuart, Stas, Sue and I, drive up to the sleepy hamlet of Arnisdale. Beautiful trip with fantastic scenery. First objective was Beinn Sgritheall. Off and running its pretty much straight up from the road and I mean straight up!! Read more...
Graham on Skye George Hamilton, 8 September 2014
What a fantastic weekend, and here I thought doing a Graham would be an easy outing, far from it. A full horseshoe walk taking in Glamaig at the finish made for a very enjoyable, energetic and tiring walk. Read more...
2015
Jet Skiing on Seanna Bhraigh Stuart McKie, 20 July 2015
Long awaited comeback on a leisurely trip to Seana Bhraigh ! Drove up the road from The Oykel Hotel and left the car at the bothy at Duag Bridge. Good decision, midges were horrendous and a wee change of clothing inside was very welcomed at the end of the day. Read more...
2016
John in Dessary John McBaron, 6 May 2016
Beep beep beep. It is 05:30 time to move. All my walking clothes are out, a quick wash cereal and coffee. I am the car and away before 6:00. I have planned a long day, I would have gone up the night before but things did not go to plan. So I have a 2 hour drive to Fort William where McDs will provide a coffee and a sausage and egg McMuffin. Read more...
Stuart and Sheena's last Munro - Stob Ban Stuart and Sheena McKie, 18 June 2016
Dear All, Just a quick thank you from both of us. Yesterday was a day which we will never forget. We are proud to say that there isn't a single member of Cairn Ban whom we haven't walked, trekked,climbed or cycled with over the years. That probably means more to us than completing our Munros. Read more...
Clinton or Trump? Stuart Young, 18 September 2016
Decided to get some pre-winter fitness in so quick run up Curved Ridge, not a soul about, no one up top, it was great. Now in 27 years of mountaineering I have never been up/down the main path on the Buachaille but decided to come down it today. Those of you who know it will know that it is a major highway, a very clear path. When getting near the bottom I heard this American voice shout out ' Am I on the right path to the top?'. Read more...
Newbies on the Aonach Eagach Stas Burek, 2 October 2016
The first outing of the winter season. The weather forecast was looking good, and excitement rippled through the membership when it was mooted that the Aonach Eagach should be the target for the day, especially among those who hadn’t yet experienced the delights of the scramble along this fabulous ridge. Read more...
Return to Inverey George Hamilton, 28-30 October 2016
It’s been said before and it’ll be said again, Fan Bl00dy Tastic, how else could you describe a weekend away with the Cairn Ban Mountaineering club? Some weekends are remembered for being wild and riotous, others for just being plain brilliant, good weather, brilliant walking and the company of some very special people. This weekend came into the category of the latter. Read more...
2017
Dangers at Kinlochleven Stas Burek, 3-5 February 2017
The venue for this year’s CB Burns Supper extravaganza was the Blackwater Hostel at Kinlochleven. The weekend started early for some, with a visit to the ice wall at the Ice Factor on Friday afternoon. Over the course of the evening the troops assembled, wine was drunk and plans were made for the following day, all ‘weather dependent’ of course. Saturday dawned, true to the weather forecast: low cloud, rain showers and a light wind – nothing unusual, just a typical Scottish winter day. Read more...
Steall Hut 25 years on... Stas Burek, 26 March 2017
And so, twenty five years after Cairn Ban descended on (ascended to?) Steall Hut, George organised another visit. We gathered at Morrison’s car park in Fort William, last-minute provisions were procured (‘a bottle of whisky and a pint of milk, please’), bags were packed and re-packed, and carbohydrate taken on board (the fish’n’chip shop or Wetherspoons). The weather forecast was on-off all week, but finally MWIS gave an unprecedented ‘almost certain’ chance of cloud-free Munros for the weekend, so anticipation was high as we drove up Glen Nevis in the dark. Read more...