Raasay Rock Climbing

Day 9 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Helping the group gear up

Today was the day I was looking forward to the most. Once again we were to be joined by Russell Zenthon and other staff from Kushi Adventures. The plan was to spend the entire day climbing and abseiling on Raasay's sea cliffs. The weather was once again on our side: overcast and not too warm. A short drive north, followed by a short walk down to the shore at Brochel. While Russell got the kids sorted out and gave his intro to rock climbing, the other instructors set up a few top ropes and an abseil. Martin and took the opportunity to explore the cliffs a little and we were soon bouldering a short distance away from the rest of the group. After getting pumped we headed back to join the group, where a massive chalk fight had broken out! After blazing up the 4 roped routes, we had a spot of lunch. The kids all seemed to really enjoy the climbing, particularly the girls.

After lunch it was time to see who would cope with the abseil :) The whole group managed to 'step over the edge' without much fuss. Obviously there was the odd tentative step and the usual shrieking from some of the girls, but no-one hesitated very long or 'froze'. We were really impressed by the confidence and ability showed by every member of the group. Thanks to Russell et al for an excellent day on rock.

After dinner, the very nice lady came by the hostel and spent a good hour giving a Gaelic lesson to the kids. To be honest, I didn't think they'd be very interested but it turns out they loved it and didn't stop talking about it! I just shows you that there's a great deal to be said for the spirit of the local 'Islanders' in Scotland.

Rhododendron clearing

Day 8 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Martin: man at work

Today was a chance to give something back. We headed down the road to Inverarish where we had arranged to meet a couple of the locals. The plan was to help clear some Rhododendrons from a communal picnic area. Rhododendrons were brought to Raasay as part of the gardens in Raasay House and have since overrun parts of the island. The day was overcast and quite muggy; it was a nice change from the relentless sun we had been experiencing over the past 7 days.
Everyone got stuck into the massive task at hand. The Rhodies were everywhere! Some of them were more like medium sized trees with thick trunks. It was clear that nothing else was able to grow there and that nothing would until the Rhodies were cleared. I had read about the problems that Rhododendrons could cause in woodland areas but, until now, had never experienced it first hand. I'm not sure I'll look at a Rhododendron in the same way again! Apparently, Rhododendrons cover the woodland floor in a blanket of shade; where nothing can grow. To add to that, they also turn the soil very acidic; making it harder still for other plants to grow. The plan of attack was a simple one: staff would use saws and loppers to cut down the offending bushes and the kids collected them and piled them high in one huge pile. It was hard work but great fun and the kids had a ball.

It was nice to talk to some of the local legends and get a feel for the place and the background. One of the women kindly offered to come and teach the kids some Scottish Gaelic one evening. After lunch we cleared some more and then some more. We had now amassed a huge pile of Rhodies in the picnic area car park. There was only one thing for it; a fire! And a rather large bonfire it was too, much to the delight of the kids. For some, probably the highlight of Projects so far.

Dun Caan

Day 7 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Looking towards the Crowlin Islands
from Dun Caan

We woke to another glorious day... El Scorchio! The warden at the hostel was telling us last night that it hadn't rained on Skye for 6 weeks! Time for the suncream kids...

We set off down the road; it was a nice change not having to drive anywhere first thing. We headed into Raasay Forest and made our way up the track to the old mines. Here, the old railway line is clearly visible and runs back down towards Suishnish. The path was faint and the going was quite tough but everyone was in great spirits. It was clear that this route hadn't seen much traffic in recent years. Around the west side of Loch na Mna, through the Bealach Ruadh and a brief pause at Loch na Meilich (Raasay's water source). Then a short, steep slog up the switchback path to the summit of Dun Caan. What a day... and what a view. Clear as far as you could see; from the Cuillin to Applecross. After lunch we headed back down the path and continued west to reach the road, just above Loch Eadar da Bhaile.

The bay at Bagh an Inbhire

As it was only early afternoon, we decided to head north along the road and make our way down to the beach at Bagh an Inbhire. A lovely secluded cove at the end of a short track through the forest; a great spot to chill out. With the kids happy enough, Martin decided to go for a dip in the sea. Meanwhile, I had my rock shoes in my bag and had my eye on the small stack of rocks at the shore... time for some bouldering :)

As tea time approached, we headed back along the road to the hostel for some grub. Another great day on Raasay. Later that evening, one of the boys decided it would be a good idea to juggle a football in the middle of the cattle grid outside the hostel. Amazingly he didn't break anything, as his leg disappeared between the metal slats, and he only suffered a bruised ego as his peers and I doubled over with laughter. Something for the risk assessment perhaps?! Indeed, this was the same lad who had to dig out a tent pole from deep in the ground a few days earlier. A pattern emerging perhaps? The mind boggles :-S

Kids: Don't play football on cattle grids. That is all.

Raasay

Day 6 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Approaching Raasay. Dun Caan is
the highest point you can see

Today we left Achininver and Sutherland behind. This marked the end of the very successful first week of S3 Projects 2008. However, the adventure was far from over as we made our way south towards Skye. Our first target was Sconser; were we would catch the small car ferry to the Isle of Raasay.

The drive was quite uneventful but gave us time to reflect on the first week and how successful it had been, how lucky we had been with the weather, etc. All in all, good thoughts and feelings all round... now bring on the second week!

Skye Cuillin from Raasay

We arrived at Sconser mid afternoon and boarded the ferry for the short journey across the sea to Raasay. I had heard that the usual landing spot (the pier at Churchton Bay) was being refurbished. Sure enough, the ferry landed at the pier at Suisnish. All that remained was the very short drive up the road to Creachan Cottage (Raasay Youth Hostel). Once again, a great hostel in a breathtaking setting.

We spent the evening outside in the sunset, looking out to Skye and the Cuillin.

The Crew at Creachan Cottage

Cam Loch Canoeing Exped

Day 4 and 5 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

This morning, we were slightly shocked to see clouds in the sky, as we had been totally spoiled by the weather of the last few days. But an overcast day was perfect, as it meant that the kids wouldn't be frazzled by the sun in the boats today. We had briefed the kids on what they would need the night before, so all they needed to do was to pack their bags for the adventure. As usual, this was easier said than done and there seemed to be an endless amount of faffing before we were eventually on our way and on the road to Elphin. Our guides for the next two days were to be Kushi Adventures.

Packing up the boats near Elphin

We rendezvoused at the bridge just north east of Elphin where we were introduced to Russell and his crew. The kids then decided (or rather... tried!) if they would rather be in a Canoe or a Kayak. This seemed to almost cause tears for some of them, even though we did our best to explain that they would be experiencing both!

Double Kayak action

Once we had overcome this dilemma, kit was handed out and boats were loaded up with equipment and belongings. Then it was time for the put in. After helping the kids get safely onto the water, Martin and I suddenly realised that we had forgotten about sorting out our own transport. Russell then pointed to the boat trailer and our eyes lit up immediately. To our delight, the only boat that was left was a blue, two man Kayak... result! This meant that we could steam off and scout out possible camping spots while the kids got to grips with the basics.

Our berth for the night on the shore of Cam Loch

We quickly made our way up the shallow river and out on to Cam Loch and then north westward via the small islands of Eilean an Tighe and Eilean na Gaoithe. I had seen on the map that there was a natural bay on the north shore not to far from Creag a' Chaise. I was pretty confident that we'd find some decent ground there to set up camp, so we headed there but only after doing a complete circuit of the loch! I was amazed at how fast we could go in this thing; it was awesome! We landed at the beach at the natural bay on the north shore and had a bit of a look round; it was grand. I high patch of ground with a flat plateau of dry heather to sleep on. We headed back to inform the rest of the group of our successful scouting mission... and to soak some of them too, of course.

Due to it being such a still day, the group was coming along nicely with their skills and had moved onto some games; which they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying. A few soakings later, we all headed towards our campsite for the night. What a setting it was; with Suilven looking down over us. The group unpacked the boats and started to put up their tents. A young lad, Duncan, then made one of the biggest school boy errors I had ever witnessed. He was slacking and watching the other boys in his tent group hard at work and while standing there, was leaning on an assembled elasticated tent pole. He noticed that the ground underneath was very soft, and so the pole went into the ground with ease. However, instead of realising the error of his ways, he continued to push the assembled pole into the ground. Chuckling as I saw what was happening, I went over to him and informed him that he was going to have a hard job getting that back out of the ground. Obviously he knew he was smarter than me and disagreed entirely and proceeded to pull at the pole in the ground. Obviously, I said to him, that's not going to do anything except break the elastic, and you don't want that to happen because then you're really in trouble (I had suddenly become my father!). He just had a stupid grin on his face as he realised just how annoyingly stupid the situation was.... and so he began digging to retrieve the pole from the ground; much to the amusement of the group.

The kids then settled down with the Trangias to cook up a brew. After showing them the basics and easing our concerns that they weren't going to burn down their tents, my attention was drawn to the small crag overlooking the camp; Creag a' Chaise. The rock was catching the last of the evening sun, as if it was trying to get my attention. It worked, and I snuck away for a quick bouldering session, making sure I didn't attract any unwanted attention from the kids. Not the best example to be setting!

As the sun started to go down, we got the disposable BBQs on and it was time for burgers, hot dogs and marshmallows - yum. We then lit a fire on the beach to keep the midge away due to the still air. It was a beautiful night on Cam Loch. The kids settled in their tents for the night and Martin and I decided to bivvy on the beach under the stars. Magic.

The morning brought mixed weather. Drizzle in the morning as we packed up camp and loaded the boats, followed by glorious sunshine for the paddle back to base. The kids swapped over so they had tried both Kayaking and Canoeing. A very worthwhile trip for all of them with a great sense of adventure. More pictures of the Cam Loch trip.

Definitely a V3 problem

We headed back to Achininver, with a van load of weary 14 year olds, to reflect on the events of the past two amazing days. Once again, oh so lucky with the weather in Sutherland. We had a slight problem when we got back: we had been locked out of the 'staff' building. Not to worry though, I managed a V3 move through the VERY narrow open window so we could get in and get a well-deserved hot shower.

Conival

Day 3 of GWC S3 Projects 2008

Taking a breather looking up at Conival

We awoke to another stunning, bright sunny day in Achininver... 3 days in a row... wow!

The plan today was to attempt Conival and perhaps Ben More Assynt. We had an early breakfast and set off in the van for Inchnadamph. After the high temperatures yesterday, we gave the kids strict instructions to sun cream it up today, as a couple of them were sporting 'Scottish Tans'! As we waited in the car park for some of the group (last chance for a toilet stop!), one of the girls managed to sit down right in the middle of a tick nest... brilliant... After a few moments privacy with a pair of tweezers, all was well and we set off following the track eastward into Gleann Dubh.

Crew

The going was good along the track and I really longed for my bike. After a couple of kilometres, the track branched left to a path that continued to follow the river Traligill. This stretch felt loooong in the sweltering heat, as the path seemed to rise and fall relentlessly. Needless to say, the kids were less than impressed by this. I tried to take their minds off the slog by getting them to watch out for the limestone pavements... but I don't think it made any difference :-S

Na Tuadhan

We stopped for a breather at the foot of the Allt a Choinne Mhill burn and took time to gaze up at the quartzite scree slopes of Conival. We knew that the next leg up to the bealach between Na Tuadhan and the summit ride would really test the group. As we climbed up following the burn, there was plenty evidance of recent path building. Again, I tried to take their minds of things by explaining the method of building the path an the use of one tonne bags brought in by helicopter. Not much of a response, as I expected. Eventually, we reached the col and took another breather. Undetered by my earlier failures to capture their attention with geology, I attempted to explain and point out the Moine Thrust Belt. Thankfully, a little more enthuthiasm this time, but I got the feeling they were merely humouring me!

Looking along the ridge to the summit of Conival

The summit of Ben More Assynt from Conival

A few more zig zags up the scree led us to the summit ridge and we were treated to magnificent and clear views of Sutherland in every direction. The kids quickly spotted the patches of snow that still remained on the northeast face, and they found it hard to believe that it was still there with such high temperatures over the last few days. An univentful 500m took us to the summit of Conival and its large circular shelter. There was no need for shelter however, as the air was perfectly still. We ordered all to be quiet for a moment and take in the surroundings and the silence. A few minutes later while we were snacking, a fighter jet flew through the valley below us with a great rumble. The kids thought this was amazing; to be above the flying fighter! Great to see the enjoyment in their faces, especially after a tough walk in and a steep climb.
We decided not to push on to Ben More Assynt, as we hadn't moved as fast as we had hoped and time was getting on. Instead, we headed back down via the route of ascent. The heat was still sweltering and relentless. This made the walk out, back towards Inchnadamph, a neverending slog for the group. A great deal of energy was expended by the staff in trying to keep the kids positive, eventhough the staff were feeling the same! Arriving at the van with weary legs, we reflected for a few moments with the group on another very successful quality day in the hills. I explained to the kids that you don't get many days like that in Scotland, and we had been lucky enough to get two in a row!

Deer!

We drove back into the sunset towards Achiltibuie to cap off another fantastic day of Projects.

Ben More Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir

Day 2 of GWC S3 Projects 2008.

We woke to another glorious day in Achininver. Sunshine and blue skys... plenty of suncream I thought! A couple of minutes drive down the road to the parking lay-by just before Culnacraig and we were there. It was a nice change not to have a long drive and a long lie in the morning.

Martin and lead the group up the Allt a Choire Reidh and then traversing along the slope to follow the Allt nan Coisiche. With the ground being rather dry, the going was steady. The initial steep incline was a great first test for the group. They coped with the complex ground fairly well and it was useful for us to access their confidence and fitness levels. We decided to attack Ben More Coigach from the north so we started up the steep slope to the bealach between Ben More Coigach and Garbh Choireachan. It was a bit of a slog in the blistering heat and the lacking breeze. The group was stretched as we paused and looked back down the slope. Kids finding it tough but doing well.

The group slogging up the slope from the Allt nan Coisiche

As we gained the ridge, I forgot about the effort and feeling tired as the view was revealed before me; magnificent. The narrow ridge led to views in every direction as far as the eye could see.

The group on the summit of Garb Choireachan

Ptarmigan on the summit of Garb Choireachan

It was then an easy walk along the ridge to the top of Garb Choireachan, and then back again to the east to the top of Ben More Coigach. The weather was fine indeed today. Warm in the sun and only a slight breeze. Up there in the isolated Coigach horseshoe, taking the time to look around the landscape and reflect on the surroundings; it reminded me of pictures I had seen of the surface of Mars! A very unique place.

Approaching the summit of Ben More Coigach

Garb Choireachan from Ben More Coigach

Martin and I heading towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir

A short decent to the north led us down to the plateau and easily towards Sgurr an Fhidhleir. On reaching the summit, we were treated to stunning views of Stac Pollaidh and further north to the other Sutherland peaks. It was impressed that most of the kids recognised the hill from the previous day's adventure.

Martin and I checking out the view over the north face of Sgurr an Fhidhleir!

Stac Pollaidh, Beinn an Eoin, Cul Beag, Suilven and Cul Mor - not a bad view!

We didn't bother with the spot height of 648m, as time was getting on. Instead, we headed straight for Beinn nan Caorach, then on to Cairn Conmheall to complete the circuit. At the final summit we had excellent views over the Summer Isles to the west.

The Ben More Coigach ridge from Beinn nan Caorach

The Summer Isles from Cairn Conmheall

Heading back down

All that remained was the steep decent down to the van via the northwest slopes. The group had made a great effort for the first full day on the hill and we now had a good idea of their abilities and tolerance. A full on day by any standards so the evening meal back at the hostel was a very welcome one! Another good day.