The Ochils Mountaineering Club

Hi all

The Knoydart meet opens on Thursday 29th March and I will be co-ordinating it.

There are two companies running boats between Knoydart and Inverie:

1. Max capacity 81. Runs Mon-Fri, twice daily 10.15 and 2.15 from Mallaig. £11 single, £20 return
2. Three small boats, max capacity of each 12. Runs every day including weekends 9.30, 11.30, 16.00, 18.00 from Mallaig. £10 each way.

In addition the latter will do out of hours charters at approximately £70 for a trip, so if there were seven people coming up later on Friday evening, that would still work out at about £10pp. Note, though, that late evening sailings are more weather dependent, i.e. they are less likely to take the boat out after dark if the seas are very rough.

Before booking on, think about what time you will get to Mallaig on the Friday and let me know. If I have that information from attendees, I'll have a go at co-ordinating the best timings, boat and price for everyone.

We have 17 places booked for three nights in the hostel at £15pppn, total £45, plus add £20 for the return boat trip. Despite the cost, this is likely to be a very popular meet as the Rough Bounds of Knoydart are truly fantastic and despite being on the mainland, cannot be reached by road – only by boat or shanks' pony. There are three great Munros:

Luinne Bheinn (939m, Munro 234); Meall Buidhe (946m, Munro 222); Ladhar Bheinn (Larven) (1020m, Munro 111)

and five Corbetts on the peninsula, the last three of which I'm hoping to do over the three days:

Sgurr nan Eugallt* (894m); Sgurr a'Choire-Bheithe* (913m); Sgurr Choire Choinnichean* (796m); Beinn na Caillich* (785m); Beinn Buidhe* (855m)

Plus there are other hills, walks and bothies to visit at Barrisdale and Sourlies.

If that isn't enough there's real ales, seafood, venison and folk music at The Old Forge, Britain's most remote mainland pub. I can hardly wait!

I will be at the club at 9pm on Thursday 29th March to open the meet. I'll produce an info sheet for attendees. First come, first served.

See you there.

Jean

I am just back from Knoydart tonight. I went over on fri and stayed at the community hostel, very friendly welcome and comfy beds. I can recommend it, there are not too many showers but they are good. The kitchen has only 1 cooker but has 3 micro wave ovens. The food in the pub is excellent but expensive and you should really book ahead as it can be very busy.
I climbed a couple of the corberts in great weather, the best I have ever had in the area. There are now some good Mountain bike trails above the village and a bike would be a great advantage if anyone was considering climbing Ladhar Bheinn or Callich. Bruce West Ferry will take bikes, i think it's £5 charge for the bike on top of the £20 for humans, I believe dogs go free.

Last night in the club there was a few people talking about eating in the Old Forge on the Saturday night. It has been mentioned that booking is recommended so I'll book a group table. Consensus last night was for 20:30. If you would like me to include you on the list add your name below and I'll phone and book Friday 4th April.

Andy - add me to the communal meal in the Old Forge Inn please.

All - 11 of the 17 places booked, so 6 still available.

Some car sharing arrangements have been made - possibility of amalgamating some of these or of people who have still to book joining up with those already going.

So far we have the following groupings/pairings:

Andy M, Jean M, Mhairi
Jackie, June
Scott, Anne
Jean, Chris
Dave G, Farrah (potential member)
Tricia added (5/4)
Dave K added (28/4)
Colin C added (28/4)
Simon W added (28/4) AS OF 26/4, TWO SPACES REMAINING

I think everyone above has both the Friday and the Monday off, so no need to charter an evening boat so far. Munro and Corbett plans are being made to maximise the long weekend - oh, and probably the occasional Yeman...

Bruce Watt sailings are at 10.15 and 2.15 from Mallaig. Booking shouldn't be necessary as the boat holds 81. www.knoydart-ferry.co.uk 

For anyone going up on Thursday evening, you could try this B&B, Western Isles Guest House overlooking Mallaig harbour, and run by Bruce Watt's wife: Contact Jeanette Watt on 01687 462320. Don't know prices.

Knoydart SeaBridge sailings are 9.30, 11.30, 4.00 and 6.00 from Mallaig. They are based in Knoydart and use, as required, three small boats with capacity of 12 each, so if you are planning to catch one of these, you MUST book. Please ring on 01687 462916 to let them know. http://www.knoydartferry.com/

Google maps show
Stirling to Mallaig via Crianlarich as 139 miles, 2hrs 45mins
Stirling to Mallaig via Perth and A9 as 172 miles, 3hrs 22mins

I'll be at the club next week (photo comp) to take more names, or contact me direct with your dosh.

Jean

Re accommodation, there is also this place:
http://www.road-t...s.org.uk/sheenasbackpackerslodge.html

When I went to Knoydart in 2009 on the May bank holiday weekend, I travelled over on the Tues ferry. On arriving at Inverie, there were more folk trying to take the returning boat than there were places. Fortunately, I'd been on Skye doing Am Basteir on the bank holiday weekend itself, so I had no problems with transport - others weren't so lucky - you have been warned.....

Andy, put Scott and me down for the meal, ta.

I think we'll go for the 2.15 sailing. I think it will take more than 2hrs 45mins
with tourist traffic and ****** camper vans

Andy put me down for meal and anyone else able to give me a lift up to Knoydart I am off Fri thro to Mon thanks Tricia

Andy please put my name down for the meal as well.
Mhairi

Hi, Andy

Jean and I would love to come along for the meal at the old Forge.

Trsih, you are welcome to have a lift with us. We are booked on the 2.15 ferry out on the Friday and coming back on the 3pm ferry on the Monday.

All the best
Chris