The bad or evil hill, kind of felt like that.....Beinn Donachain

Hill: Beinn Donachain (Bad or Evil mountain)

Type: Graham

Height: 650m

It was Plan B today. The forecast was for cloud not rising above 600m, strong winds and drizzle. So not the high tops that I planned to do, never mind they will still be there if I get around to them.

It was also my second attempt on this top. Last month I chose to not attempt the burn crossing. Then it was in full spate, had doubled in width and considerably deeper so wet feet were guaranteed, I opted against.

Today hoping for the crossing to be lower I parked up at the falls to follow the forest track which also takes you to the Corbett Beinn Mhic Mhonaidh.

A long up and down wooded walk is the start in slight drizzle, it was already humid and my light wet gear was already making me sweat.

I reached the lovely glade with a picnic bench; I wonder how often it gets used. The grass was alive with Meadow Brown butterflies.

There is a sign and track to the went on to the newish woodland reserve. Bit boggy at times and then the burn was reached. As hoped the water was lower and I got across with only one foot properly under water.

The woodland track takes you to another gate which appears to be linked to a deer fence. The track gains height as it continues through the trees but quite heavy bracken encroaching onto the track. Starting to get annoyed by the beasties in this humidity. Jays were going nuts screeching loudly, I counted at least 4 calling and apart from one bursting between two trees the remained well hidden. I wonder if a predator was around.

The track seemed to go on forever but at least it was rising. 

Scotch Argus

Scotch Argus were everywhere. I reached a junction but the tree depth and horrible terrain discouraged me from a direct ascent. Instead, I followed the track left right up to the end of the treeline, much easier. Spooked some hinds. There had been plenty of scat on the trail, most looked like fresh pine martin scat. But there were two fresh black deposits, very large, more dog like so maybe a fox?

This had taken longer than expected and the hill was still some way away across pathless moorland. I had not anticipated the significant ups and downs on this section. A steep climb got me to a plateau and when I got to the end I despaired as I looked down over Heart Loch. I could also see more undulations to come, the joys. I could have given up a few times today, my heart was not really in it. So up and down across a bog with a few deep hags to test as well. 

Bog Asphodel brought colour to the slopes

Thats the top but first the fence

Then I reached the deer fence. The wiring was loose and I did not really fancy climbing. Behind sat the hill with its final steep ascent to the finish. I walked left no gate. I walked right still no sign, so I climbed a hummock to get a better look. Further on I spotted what looked like a stile. It turned out to have a few slats missing so became a body twisting obstacle exercise, I was getting fed up with this walk.

View from top towards the Orchy Munros

Start of descent

A steep slippery grassy slope got me to the top where a small cairn marks the spot. Not a great view as the rain had come on, the clouds had lowered so it was time to get back by the same route. The drizzle and beasties also accompanied me back.

View down Glen Orchy, taken on way up before the rain came on

The final few miles of hard track walking, with its many rises and falls, I could have seen far enough. Plus both boots had started to rub, no doubt some lost skin to deal with. It was a big hill considering it started at almost sea level with its many ups and downs much more ascent than a normal Graham more like a Corbett walk.

Still back at the car damp on the outside and inside and I had not brought a change of clothing. The box has been ticked and I cannot see a return visit being made.

A shower and a cold beer will be very welcome.

Ascent: 785m

Distance: 14.9km

Time: 4.50

Wildlife: Red deer (hind); Meadow Brown; Jay; Chaffinch; Scotch Argus; Meadow Pipit; Common Frog

First Corbett and red deer of the year.....Beinn Mhic Mhonaid

Hill: Beinn Mhic Mhonaid (Mountain of the son of the moor)

Type: Corbett:

Height: 796m

A frosty morning with blue skies was an excellent start to the day. The Eas Urchaidh falls on the River Orchy were roaring spectacularly. This flood of water was also my concern would all the water crossings further up be possible to negotiate? Looking at the map I counted 5 but could be more.

First view

Ascent heading for the small tops

It is a very long walk in through the forest and in reality quite boring. There are some beautiful traditional trees but much more modern pine plantations. Occasionally there was a pleasant clearing giving some views, but alongside deer fences spoilt it a little. The wood seemed devoid of life, the occasional angry tit calling somewhere but really quiet, so weird. So it was a long plod taking just over an hour before the open countryside was reached. All burns crossed safely but the last one in the woods could be a significant obstacle if running higher.

From the shielings there is a faint track to follow for about a third of the ascent. There was a downside. Tracks attract water and at these temperatures the water had iced so I ended up walking through the tussocks preferable to constantly slipping.

About half way up I managed to lift my head and I spotted a red deer herd on the ridge, nice sight. Obviously they hadn't heard all the noises I was making as they stayed for some time.

Lui hills

Summit

Dalmally hills

Looking east to Rannoch moor Orchy hills on right

The ascent was really just a constant plod up the grassy slopes before the summit plateau was reached. Bitterly cold but superb 360 degree views. Well worth the effort. Which ever way I looked snow speckled Munro tops surrounded me. Dalmally hills. Black Mouth hills. Orchy hills. Lui hills and many many more.

Descent aiming for corner pines, the long ridge of the Graham Beinn Donachain behind

Back down the same way. Ben Lui looked majestically alpine as clouds came and went leaving more snow on its flanks. That would be a a dodgy descent today.

Beard lichen Usnea filipendula

Still despite the barren forest there was a few interesting trees and it was a worthwhile ramble on a lovely day.

Ascent: 846m

Distance: 14.5km

Time: 4.36

Wildlife: Red deer; Blue Tit;