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Day 6, the challenge continues...

April 8 2023 – Day 6


The HQ commander was successful in gaining dispensation from attendance at the local Easter Sunday service and so Cr282 was able to continue its own crusade in Glencoe with an almost religious fervour and devotion to the cause. While seeking guidance from …..( Enough religious metaphors – The Editor). The route today was through the Lost Valley ( See above – The Editor ), but seriously this is what the valley is called! This leads to Stob Coiire Sgreamhach – PEAK of the DREADFUL CORRIE – lost valley, dreadful corrie – cheery place then? There was considerable snow cover on the ascent route but Euan was able to manoevre his way around it as he gained the summit ridge. He then moved on to Bidean nam Bian – PEAK of the MOUNTAINS – obviously COHN was having a routine sort of day and so resorted to a very routine names. The steep descent taxed the knees but the shorter days, lighter loads, improving hill fitness and various medical remedies to the diagnosed painful medial collateral ligaments all were proving beneficial.

Cr282 returned to its local home of Kinlochleven ice factory carpark. Further rest and recuperation at the Tailrace Inn where a very late lunch was enjoyed before retiring for the night.

Today’s route went through the site of the Glencoe massacre where over 30 members of clan MacDonald were killed by government troops led by a Campbell. In the massacre, women and children died because the clan failed to pledge allegiance to the new Scottish monarch William III and Mary II. A toxic mixture of a king fearing a Jacobite rebellion, clan rivalry, religion, politics, power and money resulted in these needless deaths. It is the sign of an insecure leader that they feel the need to demand an oath of allegiance and in this case massacre to secure it.



April 9 2023 – Day 7


Upping the potential Munro count to 3 today, Cr288 made its way to Glencoe once again where Euan packed some lightweight wet weather gear for the forecasted rainy day ahead. The commander continued his diligent work by charging up the laptop in Ballachulish Visitor Centre Café – full charge took a large americano worth. Reluctantly leaving Ballachulish, Cr288 over to today’s RV, a small parking space at the top of Loch Creran via another narrow single track road. Heavy showers and occasional blinks of sun was part of a typical Scottish spring day. COHN’s choice for hill names was an eclectic mix with all interests catered for –

Sgorr nah Ulaidh – PEAK of the TREASURE

Beinn Sgulaird – HAT SHAPED HILL

Beinn Fhionnladh – FINLAYS HILL

These mountains are not naturally linked from a walking point of view so this was a tough day. During the day, Euan saw 2 ptarmigan and “hunners” of deer (colloquial term for a large number – The Editor). The stats for the day include 23k of travel; 3 Munros bringing the total to 19 in total in a time of 7hours and 49mins. CR282 parked up for the night on a lovely site next to Loch Creran.

Over dinner, an interesting conversation took place in Cr282 – one that our readers may want to emulate at your next dinner party if the conversation stalls despite the best efforts of the host. (Unsure if our readership fits the profile of dinner party hosts, please accept our apologies if we assume wrongly – The Editor). The inspiration of our lively conversation was the following sight along this singletrack road.

What could only be apprentice gamekeepers approx. 8 in number on electric bikes who were cycling in convoy along the road. They were very smartly dressed in traditional ghillie outfits – tweeds, brogues and deerstalker hats although some trendy ones opted for a modern bush hat. (Tilley brand?) What we mused would be collective noun for a group of gamekeepers? Suggestions included in no particular order – a clutch, a covey, a bag or a brace x 4. Perhaps the readers may come up with a more fitting name in a competition with prizes. (Competitions are not in keeping with ethos of CH282 and furthermore there is no budget heading in the finance speadsheet for prize money – The Editor.)


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4 Comments


kmasson2
Apr 19, 2023

Correction on my post, ur name incorrectly typed, insert Euan

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kmasson2
Apr 19, 2023

I have read the blogs up to date 12 and found them enthusiastically interesting. They have made me laugh at times, is this a natural talent of the Editor. Warm congratulations to Ewan in covering so much so far, to the support team (if there is one) and to the Editor for providing the blog update. Look forward to further reading. Finally, Ewan fantastic effort, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter as each day ends. Bydand

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margaret.ludgate
margaret.ludgate
Apr 14, 2023

What about STALKERS for a group of gamekeepers?


Keep them coming! Margaret

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margaret.ludgate
margaret.ludgate
Apr 14, 2023
Replying to

Second attempt - E-STALKERS

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