Reservoir track meets Windfarm track eventually meets hill..... Carleatherarn

Hill: Carleatherarn (The fort by the swamp)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 485m

Carleatherarn had been on my to-do list for a year or so but today it was chosen more as a guide to fitness for higher and longer rambles.

About 3 weeks ago I had severely strained my right medial calf muscle and boy did it hurt. I found that I could cycle with medium pain but walking any distance was a no no without severe pain and that muscle tightening again.

In a few days I had a planned long distance ramble that I needed to know whether I had any chance of completion or whether to pull out.

There are two options for this hill basically from the north with the possibility of cattle, a short steep ascent followed by bog and peat at the higher levels heading for the summit. Or from the south with a longer ramble but mainly along hard picked water board and wind farm tracks.

I needed to test that leg muscle endurance so the south option was chosen.

To get there involved a final section of single track roads that rivalled anything the highlands has to offer. Beautiful countryside by the way when I had the chance to look sideways instead of praying that I wasn't meeting anything coming my way.

Surprised at how much water coming down the falls but reservoir controlled and they might have been releasing water

I didn't meet any traffic and reached the start at the Earl’s Burn waterfall. So much for avoiding the coos who were on the grass near the start but the herd were happy sitting chewing the cud and ignored me.

Just knew a wee stone or three would get into my boots

The track up to Earlsburn Reservoir 1 was hard going on a stony hard packed surface. Calf muscle was already complaining and I wondered how far I would get.

Not sure but think it might be juvenile Stonechat, saw adult pair on the way back

I had considered cycling the two reservoirs but a locked gate at the fishing club would have scuppered that. When they spotted me the barnacle geese headed out to the centre of the reservoir.

The track was still hard on the feet until I reached reservoir 2 and a short section on rough wet/boggy ground where it was not hard on the feet but on my achilles.

Carleatherarn to the right of the turbine

So I opted to change my planned route and headed up to to the nearest visible turbine (No6 as it turned out).

This detour meant a longer walk on the hard packed wind farm roads.

Windfarm ramble

Weather good, birds singing, calf sore & tight but not worsened, life could be harder.

A solo cyclist broke my solitude but that changed big style when a convoy of 5 vehicles came roaring up from behind creating a dust storm.

Looks dilapidated but that's often deliberate to reduce curious walkers taking a peek.

I had a brief chat with them, all the workers had English accents, so much for these unsightly utilities creating local employment. Then continuing up the track to meet the grouse butts. I was surprised at how many there were over the landscape. They were well kept but despite their numbers I neither spotted nor heard any grouse.

Fine stone mound

Seen better here

A rough track led to the huge ancient cairn and trig of Carleatherarn. This is the highest point on the Gargunnock Hills but is also included within the Campsie Fells region. No surprise that this was a valued hill, the views were superb all round. It is said 100 miles plus on a clear air day. 

View back to the reservoirs

Sub2k of Stronend highest point on the left

Today was mot such a day but still the Firth of Forth was glittering in the distance. I was on mainly paths bit looking around it is easy to see how the hill got its name.

Earl's Seat right of pylon

Back to real walking

I was pleased that my calf had got this far but it was far from normal and I had a couple of hours walking back on the same terrain.

Common Sandpiper

Stonechat (m)

As such I simply backtracked with the highlight being spotting a Common Sandpiper. Walked back to the car in a much hotter temperature than the ascent. With 2 reservoirs and a burn plenty of opportunities to top up the water. 

The final stone section after the last dam was difficult for me but although it was throbbing I was glad the calf had passed the first test, so long as it doesn't tighten up overnight.

Another ramble in a new part of the country so all good.

Ascent: 293m

Distance: 14.8km

Time: 3.35

Wildlife: Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Red Kite; Raven; Carrion Crow; Common Sandpiper; Stonechat; Barnacle geese; Pied Wagtail; Wood pigeon, Curlew; Chaffinch, Swallow; House Martin;

A fine day for an outstanding hill.....Beinn Resipol

Hill: Beinn Resipol (Homestead)

Type: Corbett

Height: 845m

This was my 4^th attempt to bag this cracking hill which has been on my to-do list almost since I started hillwalking. On the other occasions my free day had been wet and/or cloudy but I was holding out for a clear weather day as I knew that the views would be spectacular and today was one such a day. The SMC book describes the view from the top as ‘ one of the finest views along the West Highland coastline’ so not too be missed.

There are two options for the ascent and I chose the one from Resipol caravan site which is arguably tougher, longer with a greater ascent as starting from sea level. But, you do have the conical view of the hill whereas from the eastern approach the summit is of the flatter ridge and not quite so scenic.

I had been warned that the walk from here could be a bog fest but I was confidant that after these weeks of no rain the going would be ok.

Lovely view down Loch Sunart at the start

I was aware that the caravan park had changed hands and was not sure about parking but good for them they have left space for about 5/6 cars for hill walkers.

It was a very quick boot change as the midgies were in full biting mode, wow, should I get my head net out?

Headed off through the beautiful oak woods full of birdsong and thankfully no midgies. A short open section before hitting a mixed natural wood, there was good shade for a while. I was struggling to get a good walking/breathing rhythm as the track steepened.

The boggy (dry) section

Out on the hillside I now had a view of the hill which it looked quite steep from here. This middle grassy section was the bog fest and although it had dried up considerably there were still many unavoidable boots in mud sections but a lot better than it might have been.

Then onto rougher ground following the right hand side of the Allt Mhic Chiarain where it enters a nice narrow gully. The track is very narrow at times and is easily lost particularly as the ascent steepens sharply and slight hands on sections add to the interest.

Looking ahead I could not see any obvious route but the as I gain height the track does begin to head towards the bealach on the left of the summit. It looked very craggy but I was sure a route would be there.

Large cairn is up there

A slight plateau is reached and you could head up at any spot as there were a few narrow grassy sections between the boulders.

Views east Ardgour Corbetts forefront Mamores behind

Loch Sunart

But I continued on the rising plateau until it almost drops away before making my meandering route upwards through the boulders to the top.

Loch Sunart to left Loch Shiel on the right

A short easy scramble leads to the top and its huge cairn. Then a wee scramble up the stones to the wooden pole marking the summit.

Loch Shiel back to Glenfinnan

The SMC description did not mislead. The views, despite the slight haze, did not disappoint. Quite stunning a widespread as the snaps show.

Back down via the lochan

Sadly up top the midgies had returned now supported by clegs, I killed two of them before deciding to down by the same route.

Eigg on left, Rum behind

Back at the car I was delighted to find that there was a breeze and it was midge free, yippee.

Today was a top ramble to a fine peak and I was so glad that I had waited for that blue sky day. Also worked up a good appetite for the taster menu at The Kilcamb Hotel which was only a few hours away.

Ascent: 868m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 4.56

Wildlife: Mistle Thrush; Greenshank; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Cuckoo (h); Woodpecker (h); Willow Warbler;

It's a long walk to a very remote Munro.....Seana Bhraigh

Hill: Seana Braigh (The Old Height)

Type: Munro

Height: 926m

This Munro would not have a lot going for it other than it is one of the longest walks to bag a single Munro. It can be accessed from Inverlael or Oykel and a bike can be used from Oykel but this route could involve a scramble that a lot of walkers might not fancy.

The SMC book describes it as ‘occupying a remote position in true wilderness’, spot on.

Both routes are long walk ins/out. I joined the majority and hiked in from Inverlael.

It was another cracking blue sky day and although I was travelling as light as possible the rucksack still felt too heavy. Well laden with fluids, liquid rather than food today's priority.

Cairn to turn off spot bikes hidden behind tree

A couple of miles of fairly flat walking and then there is the steep section that gained height quickly and got my lungs and heart working hard. Leaving the trees behind and out into the open, exposed to the sun, moorland. 

No hazard today. Bikers just ahead.

The route guide mentioned the possible hazard of a swollen water crossing which thankfully today was negligible, minimal water flowing.

Seana Bhraigh summit on left, a few more hours before reaching it

Another dried up burn, heading up through the boulder field

After a couple of hours of walking on a good ascending gradient we stopped for refreshments at a small dried up lochan. The summit target had been briefly sighted but it would be quite a while before we saw it again.

Then we headed to cross the pathless section which despite some small cairns could indeed be very difficult route finding in bad weather. Indeed not all the cairns lined up together, not good in bad weather and one possible route leads to crags not marked on the map.

SB summit on left route goes right of gully

Cracking view down the glen, Coigath prominent

Then there was the unwanted descent which gave a good look up the ascent route up the side of the impressively steep north facing cliffs of Cadha Dearg.

Impressive crags

Wider shot into the glen

Looking over it was a long way down into the barren ground of Glen Douchary.

Ptarmigan in summer gear

They were nor sure where to go when they ran off as a walker on the summit

A track of sorts took us up to the rocky slopes from where you can go all the way up to the south top. But we contoured the slopes where amongst the rocks a Ptarmigan appeared. By the time I got the camera out it had moved but luckily just snapped it when two heads appeared in the photo on the ridge. It was a pair of red deer hinds, the 1^st red deer that I have seen for yonks.

Another track was stumbled across which took a short descent before heading up the final 70m of ascent to the summit. Always the hardest part that final ascent.

The cairn is sited at the edge of the precipitous cliffs of Luchd Choire, be very careful, looking straight down was not good for my vertigo.

View from cairn Assynt peaks magnificent

Panorama back over Beinn Dearg group with Fannichs behind on right

Panorama with An Teallach on left

The views north to the mighty peaks of Assynt and Coigath were a fine reward for the effort.

Looking north, Oykel track leading to Loch a' Choire Mhoir

Scramble that ridge from Oykel if you want

On the way back there are superb views of the Beinn Dearg group and to the left of them is the Munro of Am Faochagach.

Getting there the trees hopefully will provide shade. An Teallach behind.

The return was via the outward route but it felt a lot longer walking back. Very hot at times but luckily there was some options to take on fresh water.

I will be honest to say that this was the toughest Munro that I have done for a long time. It was not just the walk length, which is long, but the length of time spent on poor terrain or a narrow hard path which seemed to last for ever. It didn’t help that I was feely chesty so not on top form. Still not a shabby time so the pace remained high throughout.

Luckily I got the weather to appreciate the great views that were alongside throughout the walk but I can’t see me doing it again.

Ascent: 1195m

Distance: 28.2km

Time: 8.45

Wildlife: Raven; Common Frog; Golden Plover; Ptarmigan; Tortoiseshell; Small White; Speckled?; Meadow Pipit;

Top views but only after a long, long walk in.....Beinn Mhanach

Hill: Beinn Mhanach (Hill of the Monk)

Type: Munro

Height: 953m

Another stunning blue sky morning without a cloud in the sky, which in this part of the world, usually means cold and it was, very.

Another Plan B day, very high winds forecast so changed my plan. I had this down on my planner as a Bike/hike route due to the length of hard packed track that had to be walked. But I did not have my bike with me but too good an opportunity to miss.

I parked up at the scrape on the main road to Bridge of Orchy beside the entrance to the Auch estate and as I changed it was clear but chilly.

My target in the distance, mighty Beinn Dorain on the left

I walked down the private road to the Auch estate where in the morning light I could see my target. To be fair I could see quite a few Munros & Corbetts nearby but none of these were mine. Look carefully and that one way in the distance is where I am heading. 5 miles each way to the base of the hill and back, a long walk hence the original bike/hike plan.

Train crossing the viaduct Beinn Mhanach the right of the two hills

All the construction works at Auch look complete, a lot of dosh has been spent here. Farm buildings and modern housing. Reading later another foreign landowner.

Ruined cottage of Duncan Ban MacIntyre ahead. Beinn a' Chuirn on right

I entered Auch Glen and was immediately out of the sun mainly due to the great bulk of the Corbett Beinn a’ Chaisteil. The wind was blowing through the glen so jacket on as well, it would be an hour before the sun warmed me again.

The Allt Kinglass river is crossed 4 times and was higher than I expected. Pushing a heavy Emtb would probably have involved wet feet but would have been worth it.

Auch Glen is a nice glen hemmed in by big hills but it is kind of same old, just me and the sheep. As well as the view ahead which was not shabby.

Beinn an Dothaidh left centre & Beinn Achaladair right

On my hike in an estate vehicle drove past me, a lift might not have been turned down but it was not offered.

Left side of burn for me

Finally after just under two hours I reached the base of the hill beside the weir.

Now the hard work really begins. A direct ascent of 480m if you take it head on. There is no standard route up the hill and according to the reports that I read no path, a free for all up unrelenting steep grassy slopes. But that is not quite true, more of which later.

Looking at the map I had decided that I would ascend via the left hand side of the Allt a’ Chuirn burn all the way to the top. More the SMC route than Walkhighlands. This actually proved a good choice. Steep it was, huffing and puffing I was but looking at the slopes on the right hand side they looked steeper.

The going was pretty good mainly short grass and moss, not the tussocks I recall from climbing the Corbett across the way. But there was still a lot of huffing and puffing and short pauses.

Crossed the burn then headed up to the top

The only issue with my route was that it was forcing me away from the summit but I wanted to get to the top of the burn before heading for the hill. From this approach I could see that the Walkhighlands route is more direct and much steeper. I had also spotted a fence on the other side which I decided I would use for my descent.

Finally flattens off as cairn comes into view

Once I crossed the burn I had an easier walking gradient to the plateau and then onto the cairn. 1hour 35m, I don't think the direct route would have been much quicker but would have been undoubtedly harder.

Ben Nevis through the gap

Beinn a' Chreachain looking impressive

View South

View West

Although there was a haze the 360deg views were magnificent. It is mainly a stand alone hill albeit surrounded by its nearby cluster of Munros & Corbetts. But look beyond these and there is much to see, peaks everywhere including Ben Nevis, Ben Alder and much much more. Pictures do not do it justice. Although it was cool with a strong breeze it was not the 40mph forecast by the Met office this morning. A fine spot for view finding.

I headed off to find the broken fence which I followed back to the track. Yes it was more direct but also very steep. There is a faint path which was also very damp and slippery in patches. I met a couple coming up the fence path and also spotted 3 walkers on my right, just proving there is no one route.

Auch Glen flanked on left by the Corbetts Beinn nam Fuaran & Beinn a' Chaisteil. On right Beinn Dorain.

On the descent I was looking over to the Corbetts I climbed last year. The ascent, particularly of the 2^nd one, on an extremely hot day, with clegs constantly buzzing around the knackered me, unforgettable.

Surprised at how much water was still flowing down the weir

Back to today’s hill and my right knee was very pleased when I reached the estate path at the weir, descending can be a touch painful these days.

All that was left was the long walk back to the car.

Compared to my inward walk it was now very warm in the glen. I had to use the burn to fill my water bottle, normally not an issue but there was a lot of green algy on the rocks which made me pause. But needs must as I was getting overheated, my tummy will tell me tomorrow if that was a wrong move.

After my knees being glad to meet the track it was the turn of my feet to be happy chappies getting to the car. Long hard packed trails and hard walking boots are not particularly compatible.

5 stags came out of the trees must be a hole in the fence

Overall the view was more than worth the effort, a good ramble under blue skies. A short hill walk but a long walk in and out.

Ascent: 831m

Distance: 20.8km

Wildlife: Woodpecker; Meadow Pipit; Buzzard; Red Deer; Raven; Wheatear; Chaffinch; Peewit;