Leagag a fine little hill with lots of deer

Hill: Leagag
Category: Sub 2k/Marilyn
Height: 601m
After 3 Munros without any views it was time to refocus. The forecast remained pretty much the same, grey, cloudy and potentially very wet. Although this is the 10th highest Sub 2k I was optimistic that it’s summit would be below the cloud line but would it escape the rain? The good lady in tow today.

The Start Leagag on left

We parked up about 100m from the start in Bridge of Gaur and walked up the road. A well spoken elderly man stopped and asked where we were going. Put it this way the hill has only 6 letters and I was well out on the pronunciation, no surprise there, put right by an Englishman, humiliated off we went.

First deer herd

The hill top could be seen from the gate at the start, clear of rain and cloud so optimism. There is a very good track for the first mile or so.

Off to the right we spotted a herd of deer on a far off ridge, mainly stags, a good start. The rain has started, heavy not so good. Despite the gloom there is the impressive bulk of Meall Garbh directly ahead.

Iron red rocks

The rocks in the burn are an unusual reddish colour. Looking at the map a ‘Bloomery Mound’ is marked. It turns out this is a medieval mound used for iron smelting, the legacy clearly lasts a long, long time.

Turn left here

A small cairn marks the spot to turn off left unless you want to walk on up into Glen Lyon. The track is now wet and boggy underfoot as it circles around the back of Meall Dubh. You can go straight up but this is easier for the good lady, the moans will start soon.

Some of the 2nd herd

We came to a sudden stop as a herd of over 100 red deer are down below us on the moor. They have spotted us but not concerned yet. A mixed herd, the stags with velvet antlers so I presume a younger group. After a minutes stand off they run for it. The rain was heavy but I risked camera damage and got a couple of hazy long shots.

Head up to Leagag no path now

They headed up the grassy slopes we were heading for which was helpful as they laid tracks through the bracken, easier walking for us. Just pick a spot and leave the track and head for the grassy slope. Leagag can be seen but not the cairn.

Loch Rannoch

It was tough going for the good lady but before long we reached a heather shoulder which was better walking. The views were great despite the low clouds.

Another sharp but short ascent and we were at the cairn. 

Towards Glen Lyon Munros

The views were well worth it and I would love to see it with clear visibility. The Glen Lyon Munros stand out in bulk but their summits shrouded in cloud. 

Meandering river

The glen below look fantastic with the twisting Luban Feith a’ Mhadaidh sparkling in the odd glimpse of the sun. The views down Loch Rannoch don’t disappoint except sadly Schiehallion can’t be seen.

The wind has really picked up, buffeting us, so a more direct route off the hill, more or less straight down to the inward track and then easier walk back.

Lichen

The sun briefly comes out, butterflies start flying and we spend some time admiring the lichen covered rocks. How long did it take for the lichen to cover this rock?

The rain flanks us, the top of Leagag is covered but we make the car dry.
A surprisingly good little hill and glad we went. I would love to see the views on a clear air day, I suspect they will be grand indeed. The good lady declined the offer of doing the other nearby sub 2k, Meall Chomraidh, instead we visited the Rannoch Stations tearoom, coffee and large portions cake, a better idea.
Wildlife: Red deer, Meadow pipit, Dunnock, Scotch Argus.
Time: 3.35
Ascent: 417m
Distance: 9.71k