Hill: Carn na Dubh Choille (might be hill of the dark forest/wood)
Type: Sub2k
Height: 479m
Wakened by noise I looked out of my window and the rain was battering down but a patch or two of blue sky could also be seen, be positive was my mantra today.
A short drive to the start where thankfully the rain had eased. Nevertheless at the parking area I had donned a proper waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers and gaiters. There was humid air and I suspected that I would be more damp from the inside rather than the exterior.
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| Proper salmon leaping spot |
I had a short wander along a track located beside the road until the overgrowth defeated me. A short road hop led me to the bridge over the Black Water. This looked a proper spot for salmon but none spotted today.
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| Somethings had a bite |
Next was a tree lined forest track for a mile or so. Lots of bird calling and an amazing variety of fungi, I suppose we are now in the growing season.
But more interestingly on the track I was following regular scat droppings which are most likely from a Pine Martin. At one point there was an obvious scat marking zone with at least half a dozen different droppings. One very fresh, probably dropped this morning. If I lived here a camera trap would be installed.
I exited the main forest and crossed an overgrown cattle grid. Some reports deviated from the track at this point using the deer fence beside the trees but this looked well overgrown so not for me today.
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| Not very appealing but here goes |
I continued up the track to where another report recommended going through the newly planted trees via an obvious track. It didn’t look that obvious but in I ploughed.
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| Squelchy underfoot |
In fairness there was a track of sorts. It was well overgrown but passable. It was also absolutely water saturated with minimal opportunities to avoid these sections so despite the gaiters very wet boots and socks.
On my way up a single roe deer alert bark in the new trees which was the only sign of wildlife in this section on the way up. It was only about 20 minutes to get through but it felt much longer but I was still relieved to break out onto the moor.
Relief was short lived as I was once again in really crap terrain. Deep grass and heather concealing tree planting holes, very slow going. The most recent report I read was from 2022 and as I suspected a lot of growth has taken place in those 4 years.
I came across a muddy deer trail/water course which took me away from my direct ascent to the top but well worth taking as walking was much easier.
Finally I left this and took a direct line to the summit. I thought the going would be easier and it was, but only partially. The only missing thing were the tree holes all else still very awkward. My knee was protesting but not painful.
Sphagnum moss everywhere some patches dried out enough to walk over but others very wet and to be avoided.
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| Love the way the light is clear through the rainbow |
A heavy shower blew in from Ullapool direction bringing with it a wild wind for a few minutes before relenting and giving me a pretty rainbow. Luckily there was a large erratic to shelter behind.
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| The summit in sight |
I thought I had reached the top until I spotted a trig on the next height. The last section threw in its last problem with a waterlogged terrain which meant water hopping/jumping and a short climb to the trig.
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| View to ullapool |
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| Looking back to Ben Wyvis where the rain has now arrived |
I took a 360deg video which was mostly of low clouds hiding the tops of all the higher hills nearby. Sadly size restrictions mean it will not upload to this site.
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| Another one on the descent |
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| Brightened up and Loch Glascarnoch now clear |
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| Brighter so more insects in wet area a quicker pace |
For my return I thought about going more direct but just descended the same way. Through the wet section I had to put my hood up to escape the buzzing insects which fancied my ears, thankfully it worked.
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| Fox Moth caterpillar |
All in all a fine little ramble which tested my knee. More awkward ground than I would have liked but seemed to be the norm recently. A lot of these hills would be best done late winter/early spring with harder ground and much lower vegetation.
Still when the views could be seen they were well worth the effort particularly towards Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg range.
Back in the forest i found at least half a dozen Scottish woodland red ant hills absolutely teeming with life. Been ages since I have seen mounds like this. It was worth spending time and watching an ant colony at work.
Ascent: 361m
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 3.14
Wildlife: Common Frog; Blue Tit; Wren; Chaffinch; Siskin; Goldcrest; Meadow Pipit; Red Crossbill; Robin;
