September 2010, Invergarry Lodge (in the Great Glen between Fort William and Fort Augustus).

Group at top of Gleouraich

Way to go: looking towards Spidan Mialach

Sunday cruise: the 'Royal Scot' at Fort Augustus

View of Loch Quoich

BSA Scotland's 5th annual Walk n Talk weekend has again proved to be a great success. Eighteen people, from as far afield as the Netherlands and London and as near as Drumnadrochit descended on Invergarry Lodge on Friday 10th September. The group comprised a great mix of people who stammer, friends, family and three speech and language therapists. This year we attempted two Munros (hills over 3000 feet) - Gleouraich and Spidan Mialach.

On Friday night after welcoming each other and enjoying dinner together, we all took part in a pub quiz - albeit in the hostel. After some challenging questions, some puzzling, discussions and conferring, the outright winners were an international team featuring members from Glasgow and the Netherlands - worthy winners of the Tunnocks Snowballs prize.

Saturday morning started wet and overcast, but the walkers' spirits were lifted by the smell of a full Scottish Breakfast cooked to perfection by Darren Tree of the Aslaich Bed and Breakfast, Drumnadrochit. Filled with a hearty breakfast, fourteen of us set off along the road to Kinloch Hourn with the skies getting darker and the rain gradually heavier.

Thankfully the mountain gods were smiling on us and, right on cue, the rain stopped and clouds lifted to the summit height as we arrived. After tackling a steep climb for 20 minutes, we were rewarded with spectacular views over Loch Quoich. The higher we climbed on a more gradual incline, the better and better the views became - the summit of Gleouraich crept up on us and we were there before we knew it.

Second summit

After a break for lunch and a group photograph, we set off along the ridge towards Spidan Mialach - assisted by significant amounts of tablet expertly made by Mrs. McAleese of Bishopbriggs. The clouds hovered around us - sometimes lifting to afford great views of the valley below and the adjacent Munros.

The climb to the second summit, Spidan Mialach was a little more challenging, but most of us achieved it assisted by mutual support, Lucozade and some delicious home baking! The cooling breeze at the summit refreshed us after our efforts and also kept the clouds moving so we could marvel at the scenery.

Two Munros 'bagged' we set off down the hill, buoyed by our achievements. The rain, which had set in, did little to dampen our spirits and we all agreed that we had been very fortunate with the unpredictable Scottish weather. Thanks must go to Carolyn Allen, an expert in all things over 3000ft, for selecting and leading our walk.

A group choosing not to climb the Munros spent a very interesting day at local castles before heading to the pretty village of Plockton then onto the 'misty isle' of Skye.

Back at Invergarry Lodge, we settled in for the night with a selection of curries for dinner then stayed up into the wee small hours chatting, laughing and singing the occasional song before going to bed.

On Sunday morning, in typical Walk n Talk weekend style, the sun came out. Most of us headed up to Fort Augustus for a cruise on the 'Royal Scot' around the southern end of Loch Ness. Unfortunately no monsters were seen but the cruise was a fantastic way to relax after all the exertions on Saturday. After disembarking, we had Sunday lunch together in Fort Augustus before saying goodbye and heading our separate ways.

As usual, a number of participants raised sponsorship for the Munro climb. Thanks to the efforts of: John Mann, Nicole Manners, Stephen McAleese, Robin Jones and Darren Tree a total of around £520 was raised for BSA Scotland - a considerable portion of which will receive uplift with the GiftAid scheme.

Feedback from the weekend was mainly very positive - over 80% of survey responses said they considered the weekend to be 'very good' overall. In addition, everyone said they would consider coming on a future Walk n Talk weekend.

Some feedback from participants:

"it's a great way to meet new people who have the same problem, but there's no pressure at all to talk about it. I really loved it and I hope I can come again"

"as usual I had a great time and it was great to meet new folk and see some more if Scotland"

"it was very enjoyable! Cheers!"

"Good weekend - very friendly and well organised"

"Excellent Very well organised. Great company, excellent hostel and excellent value for money"

Richard Perry, September 2010