Tiring for the wrong reasons.....Derry Cairngorm

Hill: Derry Cairngorm (The Blue hill of Glen Derry)

Type: Munro

Height: 1155m

After the previous nights stop start sleep I slept soundly last night and awoke at 6am feeling fully refreshed, but more to follow.

I arrived at the Linn of Dee car park around an hour later and what a greeting the midgies were ferocious and they love biting me. Jacket fully zipped and hooded, glasses on, I quickly removed the bike from the back, boots on and cycling as quickly as I could.

Luckily I had kept on my light jacket from the midge protection as it was on the cool side when I cycled to Derry Lodge. 

The forest section ahead with Creag Bad an-t Seabhaig beyond

Upon arrival at the lodge and securing my bike the car park midgies cousins erupted so I was very quickly on my way across the bridge.

Apart from the buzzing of bees on the beautiful pink/purple heather it was silent as I made my way up the ever steepening track.

I had been surprised at my sound sleep, not normal for me to sleep so deeply. On the bike ride my legs did not feel too good and as I steeply ascended I was very chesty. I had two prominent insect bites from yesterday and I suspect one of these was responsible.

Now I was wondering how far I would get on today's ramble. I therefore had less focus on how nice a start this was. Upwards through the tree lined heather on a very good rising path the only sound apart from the bees and my heavy breathing was a small family of Coal Tits moving through the trees. They got quite agitated at one point but I could not see any predator.

I had a few short stops which were much required as I knew I was struggling a bit. The last break was where I took half a banana and an energy gell and these made all the difference. I have never known a nutrition hit to energise me so much. 

Easier walking and thus easier breathing

Mind and body improved, even more so when I cleared the steep ascent at Creag Bad an t-Seabhaig and the vista started to open up. An unexpected wow moment as I took it all in, the steep start was now worth it.

It was still much colder than expected. Blame the midgies, I had grabbed a lightweight jacket from the car but it was designed more for waterproofing than warmth.

Still looking at the summits ahead and around there was still a lot more cloud shrouding them, maybe the wet gear would be required.

I was really enjoying this open section with all round fantastic views. The first sighting of Derry was with a clear summit but at the next sighting it was cloud covered, one of those days.

View into Glen Derry and a very dry Derry Burn. Beinn Bhreac behind Beinn a' Bhurd behind that again.

Onwards and upwards, bypassing Carn Crom I now had Little Cairngorm in sight. Eventually this lump blocked out views of Derry itself. I had not realised that the term ‘Derry’ was a relatively recent addition as the hill was previously known simply as Cairngorm. But then you have had two in the region with the same name, hence the addition of Derry. Although does it matter, there are 3 Corbetts named Carn Dearg’s in the Fort William section.

Ben Macdui

Little Cairngorm

There were some smashing views on either side as I ascended which helped break the hike as I rested and checked what I was looking at.

As is frequently the case a nice ramble is spoiled by the final section to the summit. In this case a large boulder field which led to quite a few hands on manoeuvres and a few sweary words before I reached the summit.

Northern Cairngorms

Beinn Mheadhoin ahead and Beinn a' Chaorainn on right

Lochan Uaine

Thankfully no cloud up top with excellent views all round apart from Beinn Mheadhoin which did still have cloud cover so I did not get a view of its main feature, its Torrs.

I had considered doing it as well but it was now a hot day and my legs were feeling it. Knowing when to stop is as important on the hills as when out for a drink. 

Getting over this stuff is easier going up than down

The positive aspect of not going further was that I got to enjoy a leisurely descent taking in all the glorious views.

Although it wasn't as peaceful as the ascent. There was a lot of helicopter activity with a pair of very noisy Chinooks both in glens or hovering above ridges, possibly civilian hires bringing materials for repairing tracks etc. but they covered a fair amount of ground.

But the special moment was just as I passed Carn Crom. I heard a fighter jet down in Glen Derry and new it must be close and within seconds it had crested the ridge just in front of me. I have never been so close to a fighter plane, what a noise, ears pounding but a stunning sight. The plane did a full 360 degree roll, not for my benefit I’m sure, before heading towards Glen Tilt. Never mind the Munro that made my day.

Cracking spot for a break

No more drama on the descent. I stopped for my last break with excellent views of the descent where I had struggled earlier plus looking down on the start of the Lairig Ghru which brought back memories from last year.

Final descent and a view of Glen Lui for the ride bike

Collected my bike and cycled back to the car with no midgies at either spot.

A good ramble and it was just enough. When I got back to my digs I showered and fell asleep for almost 2 hours, not normal, blamed those bloody insects.

PS: After this away trip I was still fatigued a couple of weeks later so I went to my GP and got a full set of bloods including my 1st Lyme's disease test. All negative so good news on that front. Also it was good that I waited as the GP said they will not do a Lyme's Disease test until 2 weeks after a bite.

Ascent: 943m

Distance: 23.2

Time: 6.02 (Bike/Hike)

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Raven; Coal Tit;

No smooth botanical gin today instead a rough walk.....Hill of Persie

Hill: Hill of Persie

Type: Sub2k

Height: 447m

Persie has been on my to-do list for too long. Many a time I have driven past on my way to Braemar. I have been intrigued with this hills name ‘Persie’. I know it is a historical Parish but I have been unable to confirm where the name comes from although some suggestions are that it is derived from a Pict word. I did find a reference to hills in the Glenshee area namely that only 4 hills in Glenshee contain Scots words and Persie is one of them, but what does it mean? Feel free to comment.

As for the hill itself it is a typical Sub2k, rough ground and mainly pathless. There are quite a few options for the ascent but looking at recent maps forestry operations and storm damage ruled out the good track through the forest to Loch Mharaich and ensuing access to the ridge. Another starting from the main road just looked very rough going and I wasn’t sure about access issues from the Persie Distillery.

So, I opted to start from the farm at Tomlea. Due to my attention being focused on the combine harvester taking up all the road in front of me I missed my turn off so my Satnav took me the long way back round to the start but as it was a short ramble and I was in no rush.

Take left fork

About 100m up the farm road there was a small grassy area on the right, ideal for one car. Not sure if it belonged to the nearby cottages but there were no warning signs.

It was already a hot day as I wandered up to the farm proper. About half a dozen dogs in kennels went mental as I approached. There was nobody in sight, I knocked the farmhouse to ask for the best way to access the hill without disturbing livestock. Nobody came to the door but a dog inside was going nuts so I wasn’t hanging around.

My planned route was to go up the track behind the farm and ascend on the left of the trees. But the fields were rammed with cattle and sheep so instead I headed along a farm lane where I could see a couple of fields without livestock.

That was a good choice as I was able to use the fields to get a bit up further up the hill on good walking.

Once upon a time the folk lived here now hard going overgrown ground

A few gates and fences to get over before I hit the rough ground and boy did it look rough. I could see the dyke that I originally planned to follow but getting to it over deep heather, thistles and bracken looked unappealing.

View north

Instead I followed a vague track that was going uphill at a good gradient and in the general direction I wanted. It turned out to be an inspired choice as the track continued through the deep heather. Only 6-12 inches wide, it came and went but so much easier.

Faint track continues back down to the Persie Gin distillery but I am going over

I followed it to the ridge to meet up with the dyke. I think it must have been a shooters track as I doubt that many walkers come here from the farm. The only downside was that I missed out visiting the trig on Knock of Balmyle. But that was not the highpoint for the day so staying on a good narrow track or heather bashing, track was much preferred.

Hill of Persie summit the high point middle of photo

Easy clamber over another fence which was beside the dyke and from here I had a view over to Hill of Persie and of the terrain options.

I thought about going directly at a the diagonal it looked like it was heading into boggy ground. Not ideal so I followed the dyke for a bit but looking ahead after the dyke took a 90 deg turn it looked impassable with heavy growth on one side and deforested ground on the other.

Decision time. I took a more direct line which by now I was far enough over to not go through the middle section. It still looked as if it could be boggy but I was on a higher line and under these dry conditions it was fine with another bonus that there were even more on/off tracks to follow.

Summit end corner of dyke

Almost at the top where it finished with a short rough ascent through the deep heather and grass to the dyke and the corner junction that marks the high point.

Looking down my original ascent route, heavy growth one side, deforestation on the other

From here I looked down to my original route choice via the loch. There was indeed a good track up to the loch but the ground thereafter looked ankle breaking arduous stuff so I made the right choice. The summit is not that high but it had reasonable views north to the Glenshee Munros and west to the Atholl biggies.

The clegs were starting to get interested in me flying around my body ready to ambush me from behind. I did not hang about and thankfully they were not biting.

Heading back, the white trig on Knock of Balmyle standing out

I enjoyed the ramble back mostly via the same tracks but they were not as easy to spot whilst descending.

Quite rare Small Copper

Tomlea Farm ahead

When I reached the farm the dogs went mental again but still no people, where do the farm workers go?

An ideal short ramble on a hot day and now closing in on my 200 Sub2k’s. It was the ideal hill for a break from the car and a wee leg stretcher for my daily exercise.

Ascent: 285m

Distance: 6.5km

Time: 2.05

Wildlife: Buzzard; Brown Hare; Raven; Carrion Crow; Meadow Pipit; Red Admiral; Small Copper; Swallow;

The longest bike/hike of my ramblings.....Feshie Corbetts

Hill: Carn Dearg Mor (857m) (Big Red Hill) & Leathad an Taobhain (912m) (Hill of the Rafters)

Type: Corbett x2

After a longish period of inactivity due to a combination of things mainly weather and injury, I was slightly apprehensive about today’s outing. My main concern was whether my physical injury had actually healed as it was going to be a long way from anywhere if my body broke down at the far end. 

When planning I knew that the distances involved made it a very big day if done on foot, too far for me these days. Bike/hike still a big outing distance wise but shorter in time.

So bike/hike was the chosen option. From the walk reports almost everyone bike/hiking started from Auchlean but I could not understand why. It is the other side of the River Feshie and involves getting the bike across a burn which could be problematic with water height. Then cross a bridge to get to the perfectly good road that is on the other side.

I suspected that there would be no unauthorised vehicle access up to Glenfeshie Lodge. In reality that was correct but there are quite a few parking options including one almost up to the Feshie bridge crossing, so even if walking don’t bother starting from Auchlean.

As I prepared the clouds were low, the mist was hanging and it was a beautiful autumn morning for my ramble. The forecast was for good views and no rain, perfect.

I began with a stunning ride along a tarmac road taking in the gorgeous colours of the autumn trees and the light catching the shimmering webs of the money spiders.

Although we have had a dry year there has been a fair bit of rain recently so I was surprised at how low the River Feshie was running. Not low enough to paddle across but still great to look at.

I was heading into those hills

The views ahead started to open up after I passed the Lodge with very high slopes beginning to hem in the route. I was fully aware that after about 5 miles cycling I had not done any real climbing yet but that was to kick in super soon and it was not to be a lot of fun at times.

The track took a westerly turn and it had already changed just after the lodge to shale/small stone track but still good at this point.

The track between them snap taken just after I had to push the bike for a bit, looks fine but no grip on inclines if stopped

But as I started to climb, steeply, the surface was much more loose stone and soft earth, the tyres were struggling to grip and the riding was now very technical. I had been going along ok but on a steep slope an estate quad bike appeared behind me and wanted past. I let him go but I could not get riding again as the tyres were just spinning with no grip. So a heavy MTB was pushed until it slightly flattened out.

The light patch is where the trees should be

Back on the saddle I managed to get up to the point where the track forks for the 2 Corbetts. Decision time which to do 1^st? I opted for CMD and cycled on the track up until I was in the middle of a tree deforestation site. The one main problem with bike/hiking is taking the time to stop and check the route. It looked like I had come too far so I backtracked looking for the track that the OS map showed skirting the edge of the now destroyed tree plantation. I did not fancy walking over tree devastation, too many risks involved.

I could see some people on the ridge, they had orange and yellow jackets on so workies of some sort. No way they walked from here so I cycled back up the track and went to try to find their van and maybe an easier way up the hill.

I was contouring further away from my objective so slightly concerned but then I spotted a van parked up ahead. Even better there was a rough track doubling back up the hill heading towards the Corbett.

Carn Dearg Mor ahead

The track was rough but manageable and I was able to follow it to its end. In patches there was tree debris where non native growth had been cut and just left on the track. Fine for an ATV to get over but not so much fun for a bike.

Lay the bike in the heather, grabbed a mini pork pie and headed up the rough heather which quickly gave way to short grass so good walking until I hit the ridge. From here an ATV track took me to the summit of CMD. Views not bad as the Feshie Munros were dabbled in sunshine making them stand out but everywhere else was just rough peat hagged moorland. The autumn weather at altitude was decidedly nippy. This had already been more of an adventure than expected, injury was ok but I was feeling it so would I do the other one. I could see the track and it was even steeper than anything so far!!

Clambering down the rough ground I met up with a couple of the workies who told me the tree planting was a 10 year project involving 8 million native Scottish trees, quite staggering. The forestry manager said this would eventually be a forest again and not barren moorland, teeming with wildlife, but I will not be around to see it.

Carefully back along the track to the junction, I reckon that my back and forth and additional stuff probably added on about 5k of cycling.

I passed a guy with a puncture, did he want help but nope he had just finished. An easy place to puncture with these sharp stones everywhere. As I talked to him it dawned on me that my repair kit was not in my rucksack but still in the car, what a tube (sic), much added stress to my ramble!

I took the track to Leathad and soon caught up with a group of 6 females. I acknowledged them but didn't stop as I would not have got started again with the gradient and surface. Funnily never saw them again and there was no cut offs so I reckon they had taken a wrong turn and turned back to the track heading for Glen Tromie.

It had been a challenging ride so far but this track was the steepest gradient so far and much more loose stone. The wheels were jumping about everywhere and at times in different directions. It trying to unseat me or send me down the banking.

The point I had to abandon the bike and walk

I got to the point about 200 metres from the plateau where I just had to give up and leave the bike. It was too steep to push it without a lot of hard work so off I walked.

Annoyingly when I reached the top where the track levelled off and I could have easily cycled another kilometre or so.

Shark fin stone on the top of Meall an Uillt Chreagaich pointing to my target

I knew from my prep that there was a drop before reascending to Leathad. But when I first viewed it I was tired. I had not taken a proper food break and when I saw the steepness and length of the drop off and reascent my motivation just went. One option was to return tomorrow when I was refreshed. I had to give myself a good talking to. I was almost there, did I want that cycle that again? Nope.

It now drops about 100m or so with the following ascent of 160m but of course I had to come back the same way, so more ascent added to the ramble.

The start of the descent, the up track can be seen

Thankfully it is not over the moor as there is an ATV trail to follow but in the lower slopes of both sides it is a bog. Still onwards and upwards before a short heather crossing to find the trig. 

From trig looking back to the Cairngorms

Was I happy when I reached the summit? Not really at first, too fatigued to be happy lol, but it was another blue tick, so smile I told myself. As said I was tired and my calf was beginning to ache and I just wanted that last reascent over and get back to my bike.

This is definitely a remote spot with very few people around if something goes wrong. There are more further down as the estate trail now links with Glen Tromie but not up here.

Bike just ahead and then the challenging descent.

I was pleased to get back back to my bike and then the real heart rate raising adventure began. On this type of surface you cannot go fast as you will crash, no matter your skill level. But you cannot also go too slow as braking on the steep slopes creates wheel locking. Not a lot of fun when neither tyre still cannot grip and it is very difficult trying to control a bike in a situation like that.

What should have been a fast fun run out was without doubt fast in places; so very frustrating in others; painful in parts and it was with great relief when I hit the flatlands back to the lodge and headed back to the car. I will admit to losing it once and ended up with my face looking over the grassy bank but no damage done.

A recent storm has washed away a huge chunk of the opposite bank

Overall it was a success ramble but the cycling element was far tougher than I anticipated.

Back at the car my legs were tired but so was my back and arms from all the pummelling and tension on the bars/brakes. Still I got through it and I would still not have walked them, so job done. A beer or two on the cards to celebrate a record day.

Ascent: 1309m

Distance: 44.3km

Time: 5.49 (Bike/Hike)

Wildlife: Raven, Fieldfare

The low clouds and high winds didn't spoil our ramble.....Creach Bheinn Appin

Hill: Creach Bheinn Loch Creran (Hill of Spoil/Plunder)

Type: Corbett

Height: 810m

I visited Oban on a trip with Ayr & District which led to this ramble taking place as a Plan B. The original plan had been to ascend the nearby Munro of Beinn Sgulaird but weather forecasts implied much wilder conditions later in the day so this slightly shorter/easier walk was chosen instead. Easier, maybe yes but also maybe no, read on.

Both walks start from the same location. There is only a small parking area which was full so most of our cars had to park about 10 minutes walk away on either side.

An ugly estate track has been bulldozed which despite our moans about the visual scarring of the hill we used it and it took us from sea level up to almost 600m through Corrie Buidhe. The track was in reasonable condition and had enough bends to make the gradient not too difficult.

About two thirds of the way the track our views up to the higher tops were now becoming engulfed by the lowering clouds, earlier than expected and a bit disappointing. 

Many layers of rock, would be really interesting to know what it all represented

However there were some fascinating lumps of rock dotted about, sadly no geologists amongst us to explain what we were looking at.

When we reached the high point of the estate track we took a sharp right onto the rough ground which changed the dynamic of the ramble.

The clouds beginning to lower behind Creag na Cathaig

I had read that there was a very faint grassy track and by luck or design I found it which made these early stages easier walking across to Creag na Cathaig easier but the views down Loch Etive soon disappeared.

About to become a grey world

Before long we were in the clouds which sadly was to continue all the way to the summit, which made this section a long haul.

The track made a twisting ascent, definitely not a direct steer, but considering the terrain it was longer but fine. Regularly high lumps loomed out of the gloom, most to be bypassed, some to be tackled head on.

Our big situation was after we had ascended the minor top of Creag na Cathaig when we had a gloomy view of what was to come. We had to descend and ahead of us was a steep section of crags and wet grassy rakes. No obvious route. It was probably about 50m of ascent but it looked much more and quite challenging in these gloomy conditions.

The team doing the gully scramble. Apologies for the shaky picture.

Most of us went up the direct gully alongside the burn. Steep, wet grass, slippy rocks but we got up it and most with hindsight probably enjoyed the bit of adventure.

Another wet not so steep grassy gully took us another 100m up and thankfully we had broken the back of of the climbing when we reached the false cairn. I was aware of slight mutterings behind.

It was definitely much more technical and complicated route finding under these conditions. It is one thing to have the confidence of the GPS but when you have15 people in a line behind pressure ramps up knowing a few of them will be looking at their GPS/phone apps etc.

From the false cairn there was roughly 750m as the crow flies to the true high point (all for 6 metres of height!!).

But it was undulating terrain so you could add another 100m plus ascent to that 6m. There were no really steep sections but it was continually up and down. The wind was breezy and cold but not as strong as forecast.

As the leader I knew how far we had to go but even I was demotivated by seeing lump after lump appear out of the gloom knowing this was not the top we wanted. Naturally the group behind were having their doubts but they kept it together.

Finally the summit

Finally the point we longed for was reached and another lump appeared but the cylindrical trig could be seen, wow what relief.

There was time for a few snaps but there was nothing to see, the winds were getting stronger and everyone was feeling the cold. I knew we all needed nutrition but the group were good to go back a bit to find some shelter.

The walk back to the false cairn seemed so much much quicker and I chose to shelter for our food break beside a large section of boulders which provided a good windbreak.

Enjoyed the lunch view, the wee and big Bookle's directly ahead

By absolute good fortune, as we sat down and got food out, the clouds lifted and we now had the outstanding views that we had hoped for. Soak it in.

Expanded view with the lump of Creag na Cathaig forefront, the descent track behind and Beinn Sgulaird on the left

It also meant that there was a clear view of our descent route but nothing seemed overly familiar due to the earlier poor visibility on the ascent. Still it was a much easier descent and for me much less stressful.

Typical terrain

In saying that I was a relieved leader when we got safely down the steep crags and made the final ascent of the day back up Creag na Cathaig. 

Ben Starav in the distance

Loch Etive with Ben Cruachan still under cloud

On the top ridge we had superb views up to Glencoe, Etive etc and morale was much higher all round. All the sights we could not see on the ascent due to the low clouds.

The faint track was regularly lost and found but no worries as we could see where we were heading but even so I was happy to reach the estate track.

Creran Bridge visible in the middle of the loch

After that it was downhill all the way, slightly spoiled by the heavy rain arriving with only about 15mins left to walk to the cars.

It was definitely a walk of two halves, a tougher outer section than I had anticipated under the poor weather conditions but overall a good group ramble.

Ascent: 984m

Distance: 17.1km

Time: 6.34

Wildlife: Raven; Common Frog