GORDONSTOUN SCHOOL - DUFFUS HOUSE

Duffus House Expedition

The West Coast was the venue for the Duffus House expedition. In spite of a rather gloomy weather forecast spirits were high as 21 students and three staff (and two Collies) set off for Torridon. Friday evening was rather wet but, with exemplary camp craft skills, tents were pitched and food prepared. The following morning the party awoke to blue skies and warm sunshine and after a hearty breakfast made the short journey to the foot of Ben Eighe. The three mountains which form the Torridon Hills are widely regarded as one of the finest ranges of small hills anywhere in the world.

As our ascent progressed the Scottish Highlands in all of their majesty were revealed - the seemingly impenetrable fortress of the mountain that is Liathach out to the left, a pair of Golden eagles cruising the thermals overhead and below a small herd of Red Deer scurrying across the hill. After some airy scrambling the first Munro which, from a starting point at just about sea level was a climb of over 1000m, was successfully reached. After a pit-stop for lunch we swept on along the ridge before descending via a precipitous gully to take us below the famous triple buttress and onto the stalker's path for our return. The walk was completed in 8½ hours and it was with very tired limbs that we returned to the sanctuary of the campsite. That evening we were treated to a wonderful firework display from the Torridon Hotel away across the loch.

Breaking camp the next morning was a rather leisurely affair and a suggestion that we run up the mountain was greeted by a mutinous silence! On the journey back we stopped at Rogie Falls and the sight of the Windmill girls seemed to put a spring back into one or two flagging steps. A stop at Burger King further rejuvenated our intrepid but weary band and, by the time we reached school, it was almost possible to convince them that they had had a good time! Plus est en Vous.

Mr Steve Brown