Ben Vane and the Rainbows

Hill: Ben Vane, Inveruglas
Category: Munro,
Height: 916m
The forecast was for blue skies after 11am but you would not have guessed it from the rain and very low clouds as I drove to the start at Inveruglas.
Cross the road and walk back to gate under the railway. Shortcut through the trees then on to the hard packed Loch Sloy dam road. The coos are around as evidenced by the many fresh dung heaps on the road.

Ben Vane taken on descent nicer skies

After the farm buildings turn left and cross the bridge, Ben Vane on your right.
Although the guide says there is a 2nd path further on we opted for the first path on the right, a mistake, it was a bog fest, at one point I thought my boot was staying in the gloop.

Loch Sloy dam

Still it wasn’t too long before the stony track at the base of the mountain was reached.
As we ascended there were good views up Coiregrogain and the bealach in front of Beinn Ime.
Looking up you can see that this is a steep climb today. The track does twist and turn as it gains height. There is a need to go hands on at times and there are lots of loose rocks, big and small, to slip on.

Getting near the top now the wind hits 

The steepness gives opportunities to pause and look across over the equally steep Ben Vorlich. At least the climb of that levels off for the final section but not this one. For some reason Vorlich kept its final third in the cloud most of the day when it was blue sky over here.

Ben Vorlich

I heard a voice and looked up spotted a red jacket, looked a long way away.
We realise we had been sheltered from the wind when we come to the open area and it is strong and cold.
Still a few false optimisms more turns to negotiate before we reach the cairn where a couple of people are and it turns out I know one of them.

Lunch spot Trossachs over there

Too cold and windy to lunch here so a couple of snaps and back down to find some shelter and take in the views.

Dont walk off the edge, long way down

On the way down the steepness is apparent giving great views with Ben Lomond a proud pyramid not far away.

Ben Lomond

One advantage of the rain and sun is the rainbows that we saw. 

Nice Rainbow

One of which this beautiful rainbow, the photo does not do the colours justice. It tried to form a double bow but did not quite make it. However stunning it was, as it seemed to end right on the dam at Loch Sloy. You might get fit but you don’t get sights like that in the gym. 

Loch Lomond and Inveruglas ahead

Entertained on the walk out as the shepherd was rounding up his flock on the rough ground above us.
Overall the weather was not quite as forecast but it was still a good walk.
  
Wildlife: Fieldfare, Stonechat.
Time: 5.40
Ascent: 911m
Distance: 12.9k

Great Glen Way, Taking the high road Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit

Walk: Great Glen Way. Invermoriston - Drumnadrochit.

As I was in the area I decided to complete my penultimate stage of this long distance route. The forecast was for persistent rain arriving at lunchtime but in reality it sadly came much earlier.

Right after shop

I started from the car park in Invermoriston, heading along the Skye road turning right at the craft shop on the far side of the road.

Now follow the lane as it quickly climbs via the zig zag route and soon there are good views back down to Invermoriston.

Diversion

I was taking the High Route so I followed this diversion, not sure how new it is but the path is straightforward.

The path skirts the moor (deer fence all the way) before entering the wooded area for the next stretch. Still mostly climbing before it starts to descend steeply before rising again, a feature of the first half of this walk.  

Autumn woodland

As I leave the woods the rain comes on, lightly at first and then heavier and that was it for the day. 

Wood and stone sculpture

Out on the moor an open landscape, good views and a nice surprise reaching the artistic sculpture in wood and stone. Some pheasants are sitting in the tree beside it undisturbed by my passing. Maybe the shooting we can hear means ‘stay put’ to them.

Plenty of these on route

This area has been deforested and as I descended I look at the hill ahead to my left and spot a track near the summit. Then it clicks that is where I am heading, why am I descending? 

Ornate bridge

On this descent it crosses this lovely ornate wooden bridge, a real feature to remember.

Colour on a drab day

Thankfully the next uphill is once again a zig-zag route so just keep on going as it steeply climbs. Finally I reach the top section as it curves the south flank of Creag Dhearg. If you thought about climbing it forget that as a large deer fence needs to be climbed. 

Finally a sighting of Loch Ness

Now I am at the viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness, which no doubt is an excellent spot on a nice day, lesser so today in the rain.

Mid point

Sadly there has been limited sight of Loch Ness today and once again the route heads inland. The path is straightforward but it is becoming a bit of a trudge.

Indeed after the Pottery turn it becomes a road march for the next three miles not so enjoyable.

cafe). Here turn right and follow an off road path on the left side of the narrow road.

Moorland to Drumnadrochit

After views of the moor the route goes away from the road for the descent into Drumnadrochit but in reality still a lot more tarmac walking.

A walk of two halves the first being much more enjoyable than second. Also the amount of ascent was a bit surprising, I know read the route properly, this was meant to be a leg warm up for 4 Munros over the next two days, indeed it was.
One major gripe was that for almost the whole walk someone had dropped a used tissue roughly every mile. I would love to ask that person why they go to the effort of being out in our great landscape and spoil it in this way, sad unthinking people.
Now just the final section to do and an excuse to come back next month.
That’s if the one bus per afternoon turns up and gets me back to my car at Invermoriston.
Wildlife: Grouse, Pheasant, Wheatear, Stonecat.
Time: 5.21
Ascent: 735m
Distance: 23.6k

A couple of Munros from Fersit

Hills: Choc Dearg, Stob Coire Sgrodain
Category: Munros, 
Height: n/a
A scenic drive this morning to today’s start, passing the Grey Corries that had a dusting of snow covering the tops which was beautiful in the early morning blue sky light.
Arrived at Fersit parking area where we were warned off by some Fort William motocross bikers, 75 of them arriving and the parking area not big enough, tough.

River Treig running high and fast

The River Treig crossing before Fersit was in full flow, what would the burns that we had to cross further up be like? If they were like this forget it.
Today’s two Munros are decent hills but probably not the most visited.
Off we headed to tackle Stob Coire Sgrodain first. A boggy moor crossing initially then we followed up the burn before crossing towards the hill side. 

Chno Dearg ahead but we go left to Sgrodain

We opted for an off piste steep ascent up a grassy slope before reaching the main ridge proper.
Then it was a more straightforward walk over more rocky terrain to get sight of Loch Treig far below. 

Loch Treig

Excellent views across to the two westerly Loch Treig Munros that Hamish Brown called ‘This Yin and That Yin’ both biggies over 1100m, it looks a magnificent ridge.

Summit of Stob Coire Sgriodan

We could now see the summit a short distance away. Quick snaps were taken there, no lingering as it was distinctly chilly before heading over to Choc Dearg.
As we walked across stags can be heard roaring down in Garbh-bheinn but sadly no sightings.

Chno Dearg from SCS

A straightforward walk took us over to and up the rounded slopes to the higher of our two hills, Choc Dearg at 1046m. A few small lochans and a larger one below, Lochan coire an lochan leads the eye back to our starting point seemingly far away.
Choc Dearg might be seen as just a big round lump but the 360 degree views were really very good. 

Looking east to Loch Laggan from summit

Westwards the Grey Corries and Glencoe hills were seen. Ahead as we looked all the big hills north of Loch Laggan and eastwards the Ben Alder range plus many more. A very good spot for lunch and to take it all in.

Allt Chaorach Beag running fast but crossable

Sated in more ways than one we make a line heading back towards the first burn to retrace our steps to the start. This descent was not a lot of fun, a very wet boggy area full of holes. Needless to say a few slips and a few muddy bottoms.
Cars and vans everywhere but we were not blocked in by the bikers.
  
Wildlife:nothing to note
Time: 6.11
Ascent: 996m
Distance: 14.8k

Magnificent rewards for the effort on Buachaille Etive Beag

Hill: Stob Dubh, Stob Coire Raineach
Category: Munros, 
I had been looking forward to this walk for ages and it certainly did not disappoint.
A noticeably cooler morning and the forecast was for a dry day so expectations high. 
We started from the car park just north of the falls, no tourist cameras here. We followed the path which has been greatly improved by the National Trust for Scotland, great work done by them, and before long spot the small dob of paint on the rocks and turn left. 

The track with Stob Dubh ahead

This is a steep section taken at a gentle pace. The construction of the steps really help but I know I will feel some muscles tomorrow with the constant high step ups for my short legs.
There were a few viewpoint stops to enjoy such as this one of bidean nam Bian.

Looking across to summit of Bidean nam Bian

After about an hour we reach the Mam Buidhe small cairn, the lowest point on the ridge and get a look over to the big Etive, stunning views already.
Clouds are gathering but they arrived and blew through quickly and regularly making for some very atmospheric surroundings.

Stob Coire Raineach

We turned left and climbed the rocky faint track to Stob Coire Raineach where we had superb views of over to Schiehallion (cloud still covering Loch Rannoch), Buachaille Etive Mor, Aonach Eagach and Bidean nam Bian. The dam at Blackwater reservoir stand out.

Initial climb of Stob Dubh

As we head back down the roar of rutting stags is now with us all the way along the ridge and back. We did spot one stag and his harem but heard many more down in the Lairig Gartain. At times the clouds would clear to let us see all the way down, don’t fall off!!

Stob Dubh summit

Soon we are at the first cairn and get some fine views ahead of Stob Dubh.
Another short steep climb gets to the top then a short wander to the far end for better views. 

Loch Etive

We only wait a few minutes and the cloud goes to give magnificent views down Loch Etive and beyond, this is what it is all about. Ben Starav standing out but just too cloudy to see much more in the distance. Still how many tops can you see?

Stob Dubh ridge looks stunning

Lunch taken up here, having a nice chat, taking in the views and listening to the stags roaring, a magical memory stored away.

Buachaille Etive Mor ridge

Back down the way we came, steps great for the ascent but can be sore on the old knees going down.

Heading down Aonach Eagach ridge in background

A cracking day to remember, majestic scenery and good company.

Wildlife: Raven, Wheatear, Red Deer stag & hinds.
Time: 4.56
Ascent: 1017m
Distance: 9.6k

Drumochters 4 westerly Munros

Hills: Geal Charn, A’Mharconaich, Beinn Udlamain, Sgairneach Mhor,
Category: Munros
Height: N/a

The forecast was not the best for this long traverse, very strong winds, showers with some snow on and off all day and minus temperatures up top.

The start

Still as we got ready at the parking area at Balsporran Cottages just south of Dalwhinnie a pair of golden eagles flew overhead, a good omen for the day?

The cairns in early light

We followed the estate track then headed up the eroding boggy track to the large cairns where the early morning light, clouds and rain gave a gloomy but excellent view. 

Geal Charn before the clouds swept in

The summit of Geal Charn could be seen from here but true to form it was in the clouds when we reached it so nae views.

We descended and hid behind some rocks for refreshments. It was wild right now and bitterly cold. The hailstones really stinging any exposed flesh.

A 'Mharconaich ridge

Once again the summit area of A’Mharconaich could be seen as well as an early walker descending the ridge heading back to the cars, only doing two!! As the cloud came and went urged on by the strong winds we had excellent views down Loch Ericht and Ben Alder.

Once again we were in cloud as we reached the cairns on number two, nae views from the top and a howling wind.

Loch Ericht

Backtracking through the gloom it all opened again as we admired the views down to the splendid looking Ben Alder Lodge and outbuildings as well as Loch Ericht and later similar grand views of the very isolated Corrievarkie Lodge (accessed from Dalnaspidal Lodge). 

Climb to Beinn Udlamain

But we also had good views of the way ahead to Beinn Udlamain, our third and the highest Munro of the day, as well as being the highest of the Drumochter hills.

Some small figures ahead made it look like a long steep climb but apart from the very strong winds the ascent was good. There were also superb views to our right of Munro number four, Sgairneach Mhor and our descent route back to the A9. Despite the weather there were a few different parties on these Munros today.

Looking back to A' Mharconaich nae clouds

True to form by the time we reached the summit of Udlamain the cloud was down and nae views from the top again.

Top 4 Sgaineach Mhor

Another short descent of about 200 metres to the peat hags then back up and across the plateau to our final cairn where the clouds actually partially lifted to give us some summit views, yippee.

Looking north from Sgairneach Mhor

The winds were now at there strongest and we were blown down the initial descent to the new bridge built over the Allt Coire Dhomhain, just as well as it was running quite high, wet feet as we found out when crossing the small ford near the end. Not the nicest descent through the heather but I have descended much worse.

Descent route

Overall an excellent traverse in good company and much to enjoy. Still I will have to return to see the views from those cloudy summits.

Wildlife: Golden Eagle, Raven, Mountain hare,
Time: 7.38
Ascent: 3400ft
Distance: 21k

Tranquil Little Glenshee

Hill: Creag Na Criche
Category:  Sub2k/Marilyn
Height: 456m
A pleasant short walk in a beautiful tranquil glen.
On my way to Pitlochry I wanted a quick short hill to break the trip. I have driven past this area so often that it was time to explore a little.
Cutting off before Perth and a 10 mile meandering drive through lovely countryside before taking the 3 mile single track into Little Glenshee.

The start

Three other cars in the small parking area but saw no one on the hill so know not where they went. There might be more parking across the ford if this area is full.
Along through the tight fern passageway after crossing the footbridge and over the first large style, the small hill directly in front of you. 

Style 1 and the hill ahead

The shortest route is simply following the deer fence but I took the tourist route following the estate track until I reached the 2nd large stile.

Style 2 another large one

Thankfully no shooting today so the hill was open to walkers. There are plenty of gun butts around so no doubt it has its moments. Not a sound except the wind and the low calls of the grouse hidden in the heather.
Again follow the estate track, grassy now, it meanders around the back of the hill. 

Estate track winds around the hill

Follow it until you see a faint but obvious track cutting through the heather. It dies out but the top is close by, 40 minutes.

No track but cairn in sight

A small cairn marks the spot. The views are excellent particularly over the Perthshire countryside, Perth itself and the Lomond hills looking very close. The car park is visible from here, nobody has stolen my car.

Looking north

The wind is buffeting and there are rain clouds passing nearby but I was lucky and stayed dry. 
I enjoyed the views, the large wind farm excepted and then took a leisurely stroll back the same route enjoying the sound of silence.
A nice little leg stretcher, tomorrows 4 Munros will be a different experience all together.

Wildlife: Red Grouse, Pheasant, Blue tits.
Time: 1.23
Ascent: 739ft 
Distance: 3.36m