Mill Cottage reverberated to the sounds of CMC’s SWM (Snoring Week Meet) this year. Such were the nocturnal vibrations that any local pine martens were soon warded away – despite the pungent attraction of the mackerel mix that Mark had laid out for them on a nearby tree stump in full view of his remote camera. The shots he gathered are still a closely guarded secret. Anyway he did win the hotly contested Sleeping Beauty award for the week, though failed to collect the prize – a kiss from the Meet Leader.

The meet started with a dash of late Spring weather. Temperature was up and the snows were virtually gone, with barely a route to be scratched out of the northern corries. A cool northerly wind was the only reminder of the winter season. Arriving a day early Richy, Lee and John traversed Creag Dubh near Newtonmore to be rewarded with fine views of the Spey valley and sights of rock climbers on the impressive cliffs of the colloquially known ‘Creag Death’ (though no such adverse consequences occurred fortunately).

Sunday’s weather forecast was abysmal (for winter climbers), superb for hillwalkers, so a team of 4 (Richy, Lee, John and Tim) set off across the Cairngorm plateau from Glen Feshie on a long ‘there and back again’ route for some puerile Munro ticking (such is life) involving 29km and 1500m of ascent. A big day but surprisingly straightforward in the conditions, despite Rich losing his sole (boot that is) on the way back. For a time (about 30 seconds) they were accompanied by Paul Watson who was out testing his new boots to destruction. He failed in that endeavour but succeeded in a big round over Mullach Clach a Bhlair and Sgor Goaith then returning to the hut hours before anyone else (naturally). Elsewhere Carn Dearg in the Monadh Liath fell to a party of James, Rich B, Martin, Andy M and Andy L who covered only slightly less a distance but struggled through more classic Scottish boggy terrain. Meanwhile Nobby was adding to his tally of Corbetts stumbling over tree stumps on Carn Dearg Mor in Glen Feshie.

With a deterioration in the weather on Monday time was largely taken on gathering in provisions, restocking supplies and upgrading gear in the retail metropolis that is Aviemore. Plans were laid and then executed for a trip on Tuesday to the bothy Ruigh Aiteachain where bacon butties were cooked up and eaten. This bothy is possibly the best maintained in the Highlands (think PCU without the leaks) as the estate looks after it well and stocks it with firewood. It comes complete with Monarch of the Glen picture (having Landseer associations) and resident tree dwelling photographer for those Instagram snaps you just have to have (actually he was really an estate worker gathering pine seeds for regeneration from an 800 year old tree if you must know). John and Martin – having biked in – were able to extend the round through a suitably challenging ford higher up the glen.

Now the season changed back to a more classic Scottish winter and snow returning to the higher tops. With challenging conditions on the plateau, Lee, Martin, and Rich B set off and did the Fiacaill Ridge in Coire an-t Sneachda, whilst James and Tim headed via the Chalamain Gap for Braeriach. All good practice for the navigation skills (in Rich’s case) rope coiling skills. A classic winter day out in whiteout conditions and bone chilling temperatures on the tops. Conditions on the Corbett Garbh Bheinn near Laggan chosen by John, Paul and the 2 Andesys were suitably more benign, the main challenge trying to keep up with Paul. Richy and Mark came as well to inspect the bothy (Melgarve). A trip rewarded with sightings of golden eagles, highland cattle and copious hordes of red (and one white) deer. Wednesday evening was the communal meal – a lamb beef curry – superbly cooked by meet leader Richy (after some direction by Paul) with logistical assistance on the seating plan from Andy M (who dismantled and reassembled the dormitory table to get it downstairs).

Thursday was an easier day for most after the winter tussles, with local explorations made. Nobby went cycling the Speyside Way, Martin and John took bikes to assist in a round of Carn A Chalamain, an hour’s drive away. Phil and Tim G, having arrived the night before, had a day out on a Munro (Mullach Clach a Bhlair) from Glen Feshie. Paul got in some rope practice at Inverness Cathedral.

Friday was a resumption of efforts on the white stuff, with a party of 4 – Tim S, Nobby, Martin and John heading into Sneachda and plumping for Aladdin’s Couloir (Jacob’s Ladder was already busy). Phil and Tim G had an outing on the Fiacaill Ridge, Andy M and Paul (this time testing his new mountain boots) went to Cairngorm summit. James and Lee had started earlier and found several teams around on the easier routes so plumped for a harder one instead, doing Just a Spot o Sightseeing grade IV., although Lee found he barely had time or effort to take in the views!

Saturday was departure day and get back for the rugby if you could. A meet characterised by good company, great craic, 2 nice barrels of beer, broken chopping boards and an absence of pine martens – although one did try to cross the A9 in front of John on his way home then thought better of it.

Attendees: Richy Fahy, Mark Whelan, Lee Cresswell, John Buckle, Paul Watson, Andy Lafferty, Andy Muir, James McDowall, Nobby Wright, Richard Barker, Martin Bell, Tim Stott, Phil Moore, Tim Gould