Last weekend we celebrated the first Torridon Walking festival. This consisted of three days of walking: Saturday was Liathach & Beinn Damph, Sunday was Beinn Eighe & Beinn Dearg and Monday was supposed to be Beinn Alligin.

Saturday and Liathach started well with the groups getting onto the hill and keeping their distances from each other. As the path steepened, the groups started bunching and as we got to the pinnacles, each group and guide tried a different route to avoid getting tangled up with each other.

The weather was great with a touch of cloud which shrouded the tops but regularly cleared allowing magnificent views. In the evening we enjoyed live music in The Stables from Vaguely Rajun who were fantastic.

Sunday and Beinn Eighe started with a bit more cloud but as we climbed, it slowly lifted and by the time we reached the top the sun had come out. There was no wind again and the views were fantastic (see photo). We were able to see not just the hills of Liathach and the local Munros, but also of the Cuillin Ridge above the Applecross Peninsular.

The day continued as it started, bright and sunny, giving all the groups unrivalled views and walking pleasure. As we came off the hill, we were gifted a sight of some stags and hinds in the coires but also three golden eagles floating around the summits.

In the evening we have a pub quiz in aid of the Torridon Mountain Rescue Team with lots of people joining in and having a good laugh at Chris and Rich (especially their costumes).

Monday started poorly we had 50 – 100 mph winds forecast and rain to go with it. We ended up going on two different walks. One group went around towards Maol Chen Dearg and back via Coire Roill. This was a great scenic walk but as lunchtime hit,so did the winds. We were getting hit by huge gusts that swept through the coire.

The other two groups went over to Lower Diabaig and followed the coast round. One started at Diabaig and finished at Alligin; the other started at Alligin and finished at Diabaig. Even though we had poor weather, the groups had a great time, but were also happy to see the Inn when we got back.

We all – guides and guests – had a fantastic time and we can’t wait for the Torridon Winter Walking Festival, 3 – 5 March 2012.

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