Walk don’t run!

Last weekend Kilmarnock Harriers hillwalking group headed north to Kinlochewe to celebrate Harriers stalwart Ronnie McCormacks 70th birthday. Ronnie started hillwalking when the mountains of Scotland were still in black and white but continues past his 70th year with regular trips up some of the countries highest peaks. Now for some members of the Harriers the idea of heading off into the country at “walking pace” would be abhorrent but sometimes its worth slowing down to enjoy the fabulous landscapes Scotland has to offer.
Ronnies choice of his birthday hill was the classic Beinn Eighe with its two munros for the baggers in the group. Being in the middle of a Scottish summer rain and wind was forecast, but not deterred the party of 13 set off in good conditions for a gentle start between the peaks of Beinn Eighe and the battleship like Liathach to head for the back of the hill and the formidable climb up a scree slope beside the 1000ft vertical cliffs called the triple buttress.

From the top of the climb the whole complex mountain could be seen….but not for long as at this point the expected weather was moving in. After a short climb to the first summit and descent back to the bealach we surprised the birthday boy with a cake and champagne and, scarily for the other walkers on the hills, everyone in the group wearing “Ronnie” masks!!
By now the views had disappeared into the cloud…not uncommon for regular hillgoers, as we continued the route round Beinn Eighes ridge. With a few scrambling sections (where hands are needed for support) and some more climbing the party finally reached the second summit….with only just enough room for all to sit at the cairn for the official photo!
Now the only way was down and after a few hundred feet of descent we appeared out of the cloud to great views of Glen Torridon below.
With no running involved we all returned to the Kinlochewe Hotel and bunkhouse aching and satisfied with the effort of 12miles and 4000ft of climbing!……and then the celebration of the bar and restaurant!!
Happy birthday Ronnie.