Where did the sun go? A damp ramble.....Carn na Coinnich

Hill: Carn na Coinnich (Hill of the moss)

Type: Fiona

Height: 673m

It’s Scotland so the recent spell of a few days of good weather was due to end and today was that day.

Back into beautiful Strathconon hoping not to meet any timber lorries on this very narrow at times single track as I drove to the start. Success.

Burn fairly dry but still a scenic spot

I made an early start hoping to miss the start of the rain but just as I closed my boot I felt and heard the first raindrops, just my luck.

Within minutes of the start I had my highlight of the day. A Merlin was chasing a Meadow Pipit, high speed manoeuvres. They disappeared into a copse so I know not the outcome. But for me it was my first sighting of a Merlin for years so a cracking start.

Out of Jubilee Wood into the smir

I reached Jubilee wood where my track continued through and beyond to meet up with the other alternative starting point at Dalbreac. I nearly visited on the descent more of this later.

Just before joining the main track I surprised a solo stag sporting its velvet clad antlers. I reckon from its size that it was a youngster.

The forecast said showers but this was proper rain and it continued falling almost all the way to the top. More surprising was the strength of the wind which was in my face, the joys.

There is an option for the young and/or fit to go straight up the side of Creag Ghaineamhach and do an undulating ridge walk. As I am neither and with the weather being yuk I opted for the long plod up the estate track. With hindsight it could have been a bike/hike.

On the estate track heading for the low point on the left

At least due to the distance the gradient was in my favour apart from one short but steep section. These stony estate tracks are sore on the feet but with the rubbish terrain either side it had to be stuck with. Some reports mentioned awkward burn crossings but these were not an issue today.

On a regular basis I spotted small herds of red deer, I wish I could cover the terrain as easily as them.

One report mentioned cutting off at an ATV track and following this across the moor. Even with the rain and my head more down than up I managed to avoid walking past, a good spot as easy to miss.

It turned out to be a good move even though it was very boggy in places. The track amazingly also disappeared at times. How can a heavy vehicles tracks that churns up the soft ground disappear, no idea but it happened. On the track I clearly walked close to a Golden Plovers nest as both birds were alarm calling and diving close but never that close.

The last post with the top in sight

Onwards and upwards on the muddy track at times heading for the wooden marker stakes as well as following the tracks when obvious.

It flattened out where I spotted what I thought was a trig but I also thought that it seemed too close.

As it turned out it was indeed the top and I had even more fortune as the ATV track went all the way to the top. Great as the surrounding moor was not that pleasant. I was so glad I did not go the ridge route as it would have meant a long hike across very poor terrain.

View from summit looking towards the Orrin reservoir

Despite the low clouds and grey skies the views were atmospheric enough to have been worth the effort.

The SMC book suggests completing Meall nan Damh as well but it has subsequently been ratified that Coinnich is the true Fiona and the OS map has Damh at 2 metres lower. So with the poor weather and the terrain I passed on that opportunity to extend my ramble.

Looking back Loch Gruamach and Loch an Daimh Ghlais. Ideal for wild swimming if your into that sort of thing.

Zoomed in to the Strathconon Corbetts

Suddenly the wind ramped up considerably so time to head back. It was really strong and glad it was mainly back to side so easier going. On the descent I was missing the ATV track much more than the ascent, properly relying on heading for those wooden markers to get back on track.

Pleasant view back into Strathconon

Back on the track it was sheltered so I was in no hurry, content to stop and take in the views, try and name those hills in view etc. Hood up and down heavy showers at times.

Meadow Pipit

Strathconon Corbetts maybe later in the year

I was so engrossed in the wildlife and the surrounding hills that when I spotted a roof top not that far away I pulled up. I had walked past my turn off. I could have continued to the village and road walked back but it was easier and safer to backtrack.

Jubilee Wood

I was soon looking down onto Jubilee Wood. It was in a sorry state and if it was planted for the Jubilee it has not fared we. A cuckoo called from the outskirts, not the first heard today but I could not spot it.

Finally back to the car as the wind blew even stronger wow where has this weather front come from.

Despite the weather it was an enjoyable ramble but the sighting of the Merlin made my day.

Ascent: 635m

Distance: 12.5km

Time: 4.15

Wildlife: Merlin; Red Deer; Meadow Pipit; Golden Plover; Cuckoo; Yellowhammer;

Warm, blue skies, great views and lots of bitey things.....Meall nan Damh (Arran)

Hill: Meall nan Damh (Hill of deer or ox)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 570m

It has been absolutely yonks since I had a trip to Arran so I was all excited for this ramble. An early start to get to Ardrossan for the 1^st CalMac ferry and of course a black pudding and fried egg roll to set me up. After that on deck where I spotted porpoise so an excellent start to the day.

Jenny was waiting with the car so no messing about with buses today. A scenic drive over The String to the west of the island no hardship at all.

1st sighting of todays objective, not through the bracken thank god

Parked up at Thundergay it was already hot when we made the steady climb up to the popular Coire Fhionn Lochan. It is a well maintained track but the lower sections go through bracken flanked sections but just enough room to get through.

Out on the open moor and the views are opening up over the water to Argyll and north as well as inland to our destination.

Closer view ascending far left (Meall nan Damh) and descending via lump on the right (Meall Bhig). More water cascading the falls than I expected.

Our target is in view over to our left but our immediate ramble is heading towards imposing steep flanks of the Corrie. The only downside is that the flying insects are out in force particularly the clegs constantly warning each other to brush them off clothing. As it turned out when finished I had 5 bites through my clothing and none on open skin, ambush predators.

Stunning Coire Fhionn Lochan

The lochan suddenly appears and what a beautiful picturesque spot it is with a sandy beach at each end, other people already here. A good place to refresh the feet. Tadpoles swimming around the edges.

But we had a hill to bag so off we went up the eroded on/off track to the bealach to the right of Meall Bhig, a large cairn the obvious target. The cairn provided an excellent viewpoint back to the lochan. From here there is a grassy slope that goes above the corrie eventually leading to Beinn Bhreac.

Doesn't look too bad from here but rough ground for a wee while

But we were going in the opposite direction which was now going to be fully off track. I think Jenny was a little apprehensive looking at the slopes of Meall nan Damh. It is only 150 metres of steep ascent but without any obvious path all the grassy rocky crags it is a little imposing. As I said to Jenny ‘welcome to my world’, not the easy tracks of the Munro baggers.

We decided that heading to a small unmarked lochan in the direction of Glen Catacol and come of the flanks was the best option.

I can imagine that at different times this could be a very boggy section but today apart from the biting things it was fine. Small common frogs were all around.

It was here that a large flying bird caught our eye, obviously an eagle what a bonus. It was never close but stayed in sight for a couple of minutes. Looking at the poor snaps later it looked more like a White Tailed Eagle, either way a bonus sighting.

A bit steeper than it looked from back there

Witches Step

I used that track to do the Sub2k of Sail Chalmadale (see blog)

The climb was short but steep. It was just a case of short sections, stopping and trying to stick to grassy sections, avoiding the heather and hidden hazards as much as possible. Also lots of opportunities to stop and take in the views.

After about 100m the gradient eased and soon after it was a lovely stroll to the summit. The summit cairn surprisingly appearing not too far away, a welcome sight.

As hoped this was a stand alone hill that provided outstanding 360 degree views. All of Arrans big hills could be seen with some great jagged profiles. Looking north the arrochar Alps and the bulk of Ben Lomond. In the hazy distance Ben more.

Nearer by views into glen Catacol up to Loch Tanna, Arrans largest inland water.

And over the water to Argyll and further on the Paps of Jura. Very impressive and time to enjoy a snack and take it all in.

The hill is named after deer or ox but I suspect deer. On the top there were fresh droppings.

To make it a circular we headed down to a larger unmarked lochan. Not quite as steep as the ascent but care still required as many hidden holes. Skirting the lochan it was a bit boggier as we headed up the side of Meall Bhig when a hind appeared on the skyline being followed by possibly the smallest calf I have seen, possibly only days old. But as quick as the appeared they were gone but a lovely sight.

We headed over the top of Meall Bhig and descended back to the lochan where some wild swimmers had been ‘enjoying’ the cold waters.

Paps of Jura much clearer on the descent

A leisurely walk back to the car. No time issues to worry about catching a bus. But after all that the Ferry was late!!

Dark Green Fritallary

A cracking ramble but definitely a hill to leave for a good viewing day. Probably better as a winter/spring ramble to avoid all those biting beasties.

Ascent: 672m

Distance: 10.07km

Time: 5.22

Wildlife: Golden Eagle; White tailed Eagle; Red deer; Raven; Common frog; Fritillary; Orange tip; Small White; Meadow Pipit; Porpoise

The straightforward approach....Tom nam Fitheach

Hill: Tom nam Fitheach (Hill of the Raven)

Type: Sub2k

Height: 275m

During one of the stormy days I went for a drive to recce the various starting points for Tom but from my observations of these options I did not fancy this hill one bit. There had been much recent deforestation but even with that I could not see any sign of the ridge. It also looked pretty steep ascending into the trees. Some reports had mentioned using fire breaks but I could not spot any. Looked like a non starter.

Back in the warmth of my flat I got the map out. There did seem a possible route from the end of the plantation towards the Dervaig side. So more internet searching and thanks to Gill on Hill-bagging for giving me the route inspiration and although I did not stick exactly to hers it was a positive moment. Her description matched what I was looking for but it had one obstacle, a deer fence that had to be gotten over , gate or climbed, I would find out.

After three wild days the storms had blown themselves out so I drove along Glen Bellart and parked up on the grass beside the cattle grid. A bit of manoeuvring was required to get far enough off the single track road but not tumble off the edge, so that no passing farm or forestry vehicles would clip my car.

Starting point

From my planning the route to be followed was simply a case of climbing up to the end of the tree line, the deer fence prominent on my right.

Later in the year these lower slopes would be bracken covered and quite awkward but were fine just now as it has all died back.

I spotted a track to head for. As I got closer it was obvious from the heavy indentations that it was made by cattle and from the fresh dung heaps they were not far away.

That kept me more alert as I looked out for them and indeed I soon spotted some higher up and off to my left. These were not on my line of ascent but there could be others.

I could never see too far ahead due to the steepness of the ground. The ground close to the fence was marshy so I headed slightly further away from the fence onto higher ground but if the cattle hadn't been around I would have gone further west.

The trees go on a bit further than I thought

As per Gill I was heading for point 254m before finding a spot to climb the fence. As I gained height I had good views of the ridge and summit clearly on my right. There looked shorter more direct options but possibly poorer walking so I preferred the point 254m option as I then had the ridge to walk and hopefully better terrain.

It was on/off marshy ground full of tussocks but still reasonable walking. It was my first walk for a weeks and even though it was short I felt good and was enjoying it.

Red deer in the hollow near the fence

Walking over a small rise just short of point 254m I disturbed a dozen or so grazing red deer hinds. The took their usual flight pattern consisting of them initially running, then stopping for a look at me before running again and disappeared towards Loch Frisa.

At this point I was pondering where to climb the fence and I noticed that it made a 90deg turn where extra wooden posts could assist my climb. I had not spotted a gate the whole way up. But even better, it was bingo time as on the other side of the turn the wind had blown a couple of sections of fence down quite low. Sitting on one of the posts my weight flattened it even further (no comments please) so I was able to bum slide along the post to the other side of the fence. Inelegant but better than climbing.

I was right where I wanted to be. The map showed that this part of the ridge should be clear of trees and indeed it was. I could now walk this all the way. It was good going for the most part. Sadly the view ahead in the poor light was not the most attractive but it would not take too long to get there.

I took an indirect line and headed to the left of a small lochan before cutting back over the moor and headed to the top.

View to the true top. Notice how many Sitka spruce trees are growing from natural seed droppings

There are two tops on the map, both designated as the same height so of course I had to visit both of them. The 1^st one I came to is deemed to be the true high point but I hoped the second might have better views but that was not the case. Still it was minimal extra effort. The views were not bad particularly looking north and west. The haze impacted the other directions but after the recent weather no complaints.

Heading left of lochan

Southerly end of Loch Frisa with Ben More in background

On the descent from the summit I had been keeping a close eye over Loch Frisa and it’s high point of Speinne Mor as I knew that a pair of White Tailed Eagles had a nest around here. When we were in the nearby bird hide at Loch Torr there were regular sightings in the visitors book. 

Cropping heavily affected picture quality but undeniably a White Tailed Eagle

And then my prayers were answered, coming out of the haze from Loch Frisa was that bird.

Heading through the middle of the trees on the high ridge line

North end of Loch Frisa

I took a slightly more direct route back to the fence, sticking to the better going on the high point of the terrain and then another bum slide.

Buzzard

Another cropped zoom affected the quality. They were so high up but my take was a  Golden Eagle centre flanked by a pair of buzzards. Feel free to disagree.

On the way down there was commotion high up in the blue skies above me where a pair of buzzards were trying to intimidate an eagle. I hadn't the binos with me but even without them it seemed to me that it was a golden and not a sea eagle. As the eagle circled higher and higher the buzzards eventually gave up and flew back down to look for worms or whatever they were eating today.

Tiered landscape

Whilst on the way down I had a good view across the glen and took note of the tiered landscape. I was aware of a tiering on this side on the ascent that felt like I was going up a series of broad steps. It reminded me of the parallel roads in Glen Roy. Quite feasibly a similar ice age phenomenon as this is also a narrow glen with the sea not too far away.

The earlier mentioned herd of cattle, about 30 plus, had spotted me but they were far enough away to not be interested. Grazing on fresh grass was more important than chasing me.

Overall this was a cracking little ramble and definitely the way to tackle the hill. Time and distance wise I don’t see the point of going more directly through the trees. But a rare event on a hill walk, despite its name, no Ravens.

Ascent: 303m

Distance: 5.8k

Time: 2.13

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Chaffinch; Buzzard; Red Deer; White Wagtail; Golden Eagle; Sea Eagle

Mainly pathless grassy slopes with the reward of excellent views..... Meall na Faochaig

 Hill: Meall na Faochaig (Hill of the shell or spiral)

Type: Fiona

Height: 677m

I had an early start as the forecast was for the warmest day of the week and although this is not a mega ramble I wanted up and down before the highest temperatures kicked in.

It is never a hardship to drive through Strathconon hemmed in by hills with a couple of lochs alongside and fantastic views much of the time. But also keeping an eye out for cars suddenly appearing on the very narrow single trek road, early morning so mainly parents taking their kids to meet the school bus.

Parked up at the usual spot beside the River Meig and walked along the road to the start of the hill track. The cows in the nearby with their small calves were giving me the hard stare, unblinking, they would make good poker players.

It was good to have a track to make the initial ascent as I had had a poor sleep and was feeling leggy so better to have a track before the cross country ascent.

The views were already good as I ascended the lower slopes but some fairly fresh cow droppings kept me on constant lookout. The track is presumably a maintenance track for some small masts further on. A snipe burst out of its track side cover only metres before I approached, zig zagging at rocket pace but not alarm calling. A solo red deer hind watched me before wandering off, it definitely was faster going uphill than me.

The initial zig lasted longer than expected before it became the zag. I followed it for a few minutes before deciding to start the pathless cross country slog.

I was not at my best so this was a slow ascent picking out the grassy sections to make it a bit easier. Rare for me I was following my heart rate and taking a short pause when it was getting close to what I used as my limit.

I regularly spotted small groups of red deer dotted about the landscape but never larger than half a dozen of them.

This was another grassy hill with minimal forward views so when you thought you were getting to the highpoint a higher one appeared behind it. Sorry no snaps of this uphill slog as the two I took had large sun flares.

After the steep slog I started to contour towards a high point of the ridge where I had spotted the fence line that I wanted to follow to the top.

When I crested the ridge I was rewarded with excellent views on all sides but the way ahead was a bit rough.

I followed the dilapidated fence, ironic I thought, who was the most dilapidated today, me or the fence?

One of the hinds has spotted me

Not the easiest terrain so a bit of meandering to walk on the better ground. Spotted a pair of red deer standing in a peat hag, again holding their ground until the last minute.

Looking back the real top gone too far I blame the peat hagged terrain

I had spotted a rocky outcrop which looked like the high point so headed for that. When I stood at it pleased to have reached the summit I looked back at noticed a higher pointed rock when it dawned that I had walked past the true top.

More peat hag dodging as I worked my way back to the true summit.

Time to relax at the summit and take in the 360deg views, this really is a top all encompassing viewing hill.

View across to the Strathfarrer Munros with Mheadhoin in foreground

Achnasheen sat below the Munro of Fionn Beinn whose shape is much more attractive than from ground level. I could see the Fiona of Beinn Mheadhoin with the background of the Strathfarrer Munros. Less snow on them than the my last sighting.

My descent started looking over to Torridon, not bad at all.

I had a cracking view down into scenic Gleann Meinich, an interesting name seems germanic to me but probably wrong. Across the glen was the prominent craggy Creag Ghlas where I knew an eagles eyrie was located but sadly none were spotted today. To its right the Corbett of Meall nan Eun in the foreground and its partner Sgurr a’ Mhuilinn sitting behind, also accessed from Strathconon, on my to-do list.

Just getting a view of Loch Meig

On my drive in I had spotted cattle on the possible descent route so I decided to play safe and just return the same way.

There were about half a dozen goats on the hill

I took a more direct line which was rougher going but manageable although my dodgy knee started feeling it. Obviously hoping it would not blow so I took it easier going descending via the non heather patches.

On the zag looking towards Loch Beannacharain & Glencarron beyond

Enjoyed the views as I descended but the heat had ramped up considerably so I was constantly hydrating as it I was slightly uncomfortable with the long trousers on resulting in a bit of overheating.

Walked past the coos with their even more evil stares and glad to get back to the car to get some shorts on and cool down a bit.

Another ramble with superb views up top but glorious scenery from the start so one to be recommended but save it for a good viewing day. 

Ascent: 546m

Distance: 7.2km

Time: 3.16

Wildlife: Snipe; Meadow Pipit; Raven; Red Deer; Wheatear; Common Lizard;