Boggy and breezy on Callums hill

Getting prepared as the rain hosed down so a good test for the new jacket. Not such good news for an ascent that already has a reputation for being boggy. 

Dreich beginning hill hidden in the clouds

However, the forecast was for it to dry up around noon but with strong 30mph winds, a narrow ridge, the joys.
We walked through the farm which surprisingly has two graveyards, one newish, well attended and attractive and the other very run down with some ancient headstones. Interesting tales in there no doubt. 

Religious site

There was a priory on the site and the map shows 'Priests Well' behind the farm so religious connotations.
We managed to negotiate the railway line and on reflection did not hear any trains during the walk. Still a sound idea to look and listen before crossing.
The good news was that the constant rain had eased considerably and the sky behind was brightening from the west.

Mud and the fence

The bad news was that it was really boggy in places, deep sucking black gloop, glad I had put on my gaiters.
This is a popular hill so navigation is not an issue during the main section for two reasons. Firstly there is a muddy track to follow and secondly the fence is a constant until almost the first summit.

First summit cloud clearing

There are two deer fences to negotiate. The first is a walk through but the second is a high stile, not the most robust construction.

Looking down the steeper section

It is a long trek albeit with a good easy going gradient before you reach the hardest section up to the first summit. The views as you rise are great particularly across to your right where from Ben More south the whole Munro collection standing out.

Crianlarich Munros

Whilst on the very steep pull the winds were at their fiercest making walking really difficult, glad I had brought my poles as the extra anchoring points were needed at times.
Now on the first top where navigation is required in poor weather as there is a narrow ridge to cross with a big drop off.
Today's concern was not a case of seeing where we were going but in these winds the issue was would we walk or crawl across?

Final climb

Thankfully we walked and did not get blown off. A short descent before the final pull up to the summit and its cairn. As you would expect the views are extensive. Nearby all the Tyndrum hills. 

The Ridge and ben More behind

Looking east and close by Glas Maol and partners. As mentioned earlier the full Crianlarich Munros and plenty more besides.

Heading back over the ridge

However, not a day for lingering as the wind is still blowing strongly so back over the ridge and sheltered for lunch.
It was simply a case of retracing our ascent route but greater care required as easy to slip and my tendon was now giving me some grief. 

Descent, Ben Lui and companions

Almost all the way down when my foot went into a hidden grassy hole and badly twisted the already sore tendon. Luckily the poles kept me from further damage but it was the last thing the ankle needed.

New graveyard on descent

Overall what was not a promising weather start became a very good walk with views to remember.
As we changed cars were constant heading south so no doubt a very slow drive around Loch Lomond lay ahead.

Walk: Ben Challum (note OS 1: 25000 has a slightly different spelling Challuim) (Callums Hill)

Category: Munro

Height: 1025m

Wildlife: Pied Wagtail; Meadow pipit.

Ascent: 947

Distance: 12.4km

Time: 5.32

Two not so eye catching Drumochter Munros

Walk: A’ Bhuidheannach Bheag (936m); Carn na Caim (941m)

Type: Munro x 2

Height: 824m

Walkhighlands: ‘The east side of Drumochter pass is bounded by a steeply rising moor, riven by gullies. Surprisingly given its unimpressive appearance, there are two Munros on the plateau above. The hills themselves lack interest but this walk gives a real feeling of space. The tops are the haunt of dotterel and ptarmigan’.

Yesterdays marathon seemed to have helped stretch the tendon, in any case I decided it was good enough to tackle my two planned hills. As I am on my own today anyway there was no hassle if I turned back. I also knew that after the initial section all the walking would be on soft surfaces.

Parked at the normal layby start and managed to safely cross the A9, the only dangerous part of this walk. In fairness at this time in the morning not much traffic around.

The start, the track can be seen in the middle

Head north a bit and track stands out. I could see 4 figures heading up, more about them later.

The estate track is the typical stony affair and not the most pleasant walking. Tendon starting to throb on this stuff, not a good sign. It is simply a case of head down and plod on. The trudge up lasts for about 500m. On a good day you could stop and take in the views, today was not one of those.

I had noticed the 4 regularly looking back and they slowed so much I had to pass them, commenting that youngsters like them should be ashamed letting an old guy come past them. They did laugh.

Funny how after that they never strayed far from me!

I decided to follow the Walkhighlands route so turned left at the quarry junction, certainly not much of a quarry. With the benefits of hindsight I would have done the other one first.

Reached the top to the gloom

The winds were stronger than yesterday and the first of a few heavy showers hit so waterproofs on. As I stopped the 4 youngsters went by but then stopped not long after, waiting until I passed, you know what was happening.

The clouds had descended so no long views but there is an old fence to follow if in any doubt of your navigation.

I picked up the pace on this relatively flat ground, if you avoid the hags. Over a hill I deviated from the normal route going cross country for a bit and guess what the kids had upped the pace and so did they. No doubts now that they were following me rather than following their own route.

Carn na Caim, well did you expect a spectacular top?

Rain eased off, clouds lifted and I got a view of the way ahead and before long the small cairn appeared. The very boggy area was ok today.

Not a day to hang about, cold and windy with minimal views. Meall Chuaich was close to the north and looked a significant climb, some people add this on to this route but you really need a car at each end unless you are super fit or just plain daft.

Ben Alder range in background

As I passed the kids one commented that I had not stayed long which meant they did not either as they clearly wanted to keep me in their sights.

Trekked back the same way moving quickly, not because of the kids but the weather. This section was probably the best view as the clouds lifted enough and I had the Ben Alder massif directly ahead.

The track is clear even if the summit looks kind of flat

At the junction the track now does a few ups and downs before reaching the white stone cairn indicating the left turn. I could see some walkers in the distance heading up the grassy slopes so the route was obvious.

Looking back the kids must really have run to have caught sight of me with these up and downs and then they stopped. I would not have minded helping them but it was annoying that they just followed with no conversation or acknowledgment.

Munro number 2, A Bhuidheannach Beag

There is a faint grassy track to follow, which differs from the Walkhighlands GPS. That seemed to go straight into the peat hags so I stuck with the line of sight track. As expected the kids followed me.

Featureless terrain

Up top some more boggy peat terrain to negotiate but just a short walk to the cairn which was in the gloom. Looking around this is a true high level moorland terrain and although you are not going to fall off anything in bad weather it could be easy to lose your bearings. Not the place to be in a winter white-out if you cannot navigate.

Looking west, not much too see

The kids are heading my way for the last time

As I headed back the kids passed, all heads down, no eye contact made, clearly aware that I knew what they had been doing. Sad no acknowledgment but maybe that's just that generation.

Dalwhinnie down below

Wind and rain accompanied my descent. The weather window opened a bit to give good views across to The Fara and over Dalwhinnie and the hills beyond.

Almost back when I met a guy starting out. Looking back, more blue skies, I commented he might just be getting the best of the weather. He said he hoped so as in the morning he had done a Graham at Newtonmore and in his own words ‘he was lucky to be here’. He had followed the Walkhighlands GPS route and found himself cragfast and just managed to get over it. I have also found that before by following a GPS route without thought can take you right onto a drop. A sobering reminder, hope he told the kids when he passed them. They had now slowed down and were a good bit behind me, presumably as they could see the cars.

Thrush

As I descended a large flock of thrush were on the ground and singly flew into the trees and pylon when I passed, exactly the same as yesterday. As I drove home another big group flew over so there must be a big arrival from Europe. Apart from them, just like yesterday wildlife non existent.

It is not often that a Munro can be tagged as non descript but that is what this pair are. That's not to say the walk was not enjoyable but it did not feel like Munro bagging.

A super weekend with five new Munros and a Graham. Time to rest that injury as a very busy period coming up.

Wildlife: Meadow pipits aplenty; Dunnock; large flock of thrush.

Distance: 19.14km

Ascent: 834m

Time: 4.41

The big fitness test.....Beinn a'Ghlo

Walk: Beinn a’ Ghlo….Carn Liath: Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain; Carn nan Gabher

Type: Munro x 3

Height: 1239m

Well today was the big test for the Achilles the demanding full round of Beinn a’ Ghlo. I had been looking forward to this since it was cancelled last year.

Adam Watson , the ecologist and author described Beinn a’ Ghlo as one of the most beautiful and mysterious hills in Scotland. Not sure about the mysterious but I certainly go along with the beautiful part. The hill has 19 corries and it is said a rifle could be fired in any of them without being heard in another.

Obvious track up Carn Liath

A small group, social distancing if you can do such a thing on the hill set off. I had prepped them that I would decide after the 1^st Munro, Carn Liath, whether I would continue or descend by myself. Fair to say I was aware of it with every step so time would tell.

Plenty of cars already parked up early this morning, this was a busy place today.

A half hour walk in before we reached the wooden hut where the imposing landscape scarring track of Carn Liath is evident.
Initial problems my camera would not recognise the SD card, it did yesterday! Of course the spare is at the bottom of rucksack and it would not recognise it either so mobile phone pictures only today.

Even at the bottom levels they have been working on improving the track but it is on the slopes of Carn Liath where the work is evident, they have done a cracking job.

Looking down from Carn Liath track

The sky had got gloomier but it the major factor was the wind. Trying to put a jacket on about half way up was a major challenge in itself, body twisting and turning trying to find that second sleeve, what was it going to be like up top?

The track is great but care still required as easy to trip on the irregular stones that have been laid. Anyway an ascent of head down, plod on and take in the grand views. Before long the first summit is reached just after the cairn. Fabulous views particularly across Glen Tilt, easily one of my favourite glens.

View of Braigh (summit peaking out on right) from Carn Liath

Fitness wise I was feeling really good and the Achilles was no worse than when I started so decision made to head on.

Better view of ridge, Gabher hidden in cloud, not the hill on right that is it's spur.

The ridge ahead looks stunning as it meanders but the final and biggest Munro, Carn nan Gabher, looks a long way off and a lot higher.

Back the ridge to Carn Liath

Looking back to Carn Liath the ridge walk looks fantastic, one to remember.

The ridge meanders before descending to a bealach. Time for food as the next climb looks steep. A couple of runners pause briefly to chat to one of the group that they know, 4 hours is their target time, wow.

The reality for the next climb was that a good steady pace saw peak number two conquered. Really pleased with my hill fitness.

A steep grassy descent took us down to prepare for the final assault.

Now for number 3, Gabher

The weather had been coming and going but apart from one small shower we had escaped getting wet although the wind had not relented.

One of the 19 corries looking to the eastern Cairngorms

Another steady climb took us up to the summit plateau. The views are superb as you climb giving a good reason to take a breather and soak it all in. Walkers descending had all commented on how strong and chilling the wind was up there, great.

When you reach the first big cairn is this it, nope. Then the trig, nope. Yet another big cairn was further on, the top of Carn nan Gabher, an 1100+ Munro. This plateau was extremely rocky/stony and by far was the biggest test of my tendon. The walking was difficult, the stones moved, sore!

Very stony Carn nan Gabher summit

However the views were magnificent particularly of the eastern Cairngorms, no words or pictures can do this justice. Even The Lomond hills in Fife were clear.

Whilst the wind was fierce it was not as cold as indicated by the descenders.

In many ways the hard work had been done but this is a round that does not let you off easily. The cars are a long way away between 2-3 hours walking.

Boggy Glen, Carn Liath highest peak

The descent into the glen was straightforward but it did get very boggy at times before we crossed the burn onto a slightly better track which eventually became the restored track.

Before you jump for joy the height lays out the track ahead, surely that is not our route, of course it is.

The long walk out still an hour to go, looking back summit of Gabher is small peak behind the the spur on the right

Although it is an excellent track this was the hardest section for my tendon, the longer strides were obviously having an impact.

Still we got there and as you circular your first Munro of the day take stock on how good it was. One of the finest ridge walks in Scotland.

Processionary moth caterpillar, do not touch

A hard day but the company was excellent, lots of good chat and banter, brilliant views and a workout, exactly what a day on the hills should be.

A bit of pain and stiffness but hopefully an overnight rest and it will be good enough for the solo walk I have planned for tomorrow.

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Processionary moth caterpillar.

Distance: 23.2km

Ascent: 1615m

Time: 8.13

A ligament test on the hill with two names.....Mealna Letter aka Duchray Hill

Walk: Mealna Letter

Category: Graham

Height: 702m

Walkhighlands: ‘Mealna Letter - alternatively known as Duchray Hill - divides Glen Shee from Glen Isla, and is a fine viewpoint. It lies to the north of the much better known Mount Blair’.

Today was a big test for the achilles/tendon before the big weekend, if I did not pass this I would not be attempting them. I picked this hill knowing it was pretty much grass all the way, the tussocks would twist and turn the foot so a real test without the hard ground.

The weather had changed en route from the miserable damp start to the day the weather front was passed as I entered Perthshire even some blue skies, they still exist.

Mealna Letter

It was a lovely drive and but pleased to get parked up and ready to go. The last time I attempted this a shoot was on, large guns, so advised not to risk it!

After a dozen strides the pain was intense as the boot was tight on the Achilles. Back to the car, thankfully I had my leather boots for tomorrow so changed into them and thankfully much better but for how long?

I knew that the initial stages would be boggy and this proved right. Indeed some of the tree planting meant hidden holes, almost up to my knee in one, care required.

The temperature had risen and in these humid damp conditions the flies surrounded my head by the hundred, please some wind.

Butterflies were out in numbers including ringlet, fritillary and small heath.

Bog over ridge ahead

No navigation problems up the side of the treeline, then turn east and follow the stone dyke all the way.

After the boggy section there is a faint track in the grass which made walking easier.

Superb views

Taps aff then back on again as when I crested the ridge the wind was blinking fresh. However it was compensated by the magnificent views up the Spittal of Glenshee and to the Munros beyond.

The big gate is the section that opens!

At one stage there is a new deer fence. Although there is a gate it is substantial and would take at least two people to lift. So a climb over required. The wooden straps are not substantial I can see them broken before long, stupid, why no walkers gate?

Cairn spotted across the way

There is some remote land out there and as I enjoyed the view a large shape rose into the sky. Even with the naked eye the size meant a Goldie and the binos confirmed. A few low level swoops across the moor then it found an updraught and spiralled higher and higher until it disappeared.

Loch Beanie down below

Before long I reached the top and soaked in the beautiful panorama. A sweep from the Cairnwell hills, Lochnagers cairn prominent and the steep sides of Mayar & Driesh take it all in, stunning.

Looking down, the small Loch Beanie looks a good brown trout water, I suspect it does not get many visitors.

The sun was out but time to get back down.

Descent, Mount Blair on left

On the descent super views of Mount Blair. On the slopes a couple of workers were still planting the new trees. It will be a few years until they block any views.

Back at the car and although I was in some discomfort I was pleased. Now a case of seeing whether it stiffens up in the morning.

Wildlife: Golden eagle: Buzzard; Wheatear; Flock Thrush; Meadow Pipit; Fat voles; small brown lizard; Common blue; Ringlet; Small Heath; Green fritillary.

Ascent: 409m

Distance: 8.2km

Time: 2.35