Meall Dola, grand views for a moorland runt

Hill: Meall Dola
Category: Sub2k
Height: 323m

There was no doubt that yesterdays struggle on Ben Hope was down to illness and not fitness. When I woke this morning I knew there was no chance of doing today’s double so sadly opted out. Aches and pains aplenty.
After a drive with the good lady in the afternoon I needed to test my fitness before tomorrow and the perfect opportunity lay just across the way. From the back garden of the holiday cottage we are looking across to the Sub2k of Meall Dola. A little runt but it will be pathless moorland, a reasonable test.
These hills were once the provider of peat for the community of Lairg.
I parked up on a grassy knoll just past the farm where the coos were feeding beside the road, at least not on the hill.

Head for the tree easy start

Up a short track then head for the trees where a pair of black grouse emerged, wow, twice in a fortnight. My first swallow of the season was doing its amazing high speed low level flying after it’s insects, a good start.

Typical pathless moor terrain

There are no paths but a few small knolls to cross so either follow the fenceline or just pick a line and go across moor. This is mainly what I did, a mixture of both, as the moor ground was surprisingly dry, only the occasional peat bog.

Looking back to the cottage

I looked over and saw the cottage as well as the long distance stuff. This area is full of small holdings and one has a small burning going. Tried phoning missus to see if she could spot my orange jacket but she had no signal.

Meall Dola ahead

When you get to the last knoll that can be seen from the cottage a turn inland is required and Dola is down and up but straight ahead.

Surprised deer

As I cross the last moor and descended into the hollow I disturbed a small herd of 9 red deer hinds. A look then off they ran.
Finally at the top there is at least a couple of stones to mark the spot. However for a wee runt the views of Sutherland from Meall Dola and further are extensive. A proper 360 degree panorama. 

View from top looking NW

Tomorrow’s objective of Ben Klibreck is clear with Ben Hope behind. Today’s miss of Conival and Ben More Assynt are cloud free, curses but happy for those on it. 

Clouds changing

The clouds nearby were changing structure, becoming more defined flying saucer clouds, lenticular clouds, normally a sign of rain or even snow. A weather front is approaching for tomorrow!
A plod back over the moors and I see buzzard, skylark, wheatear and meadow pipit, the benefits of solo walking.
As expected the coos are on the path with youngsters so a short detour makes sense.
Body certainly not as it should be but I will do the Munro tomorrow, kill or cure.

Wildlife: Red deer, Black grouse, Red grouse, Buzzard, Wheatear, Swallow, Meadow pipit, Skylark.
Time: 1.24
Ascent: 209m
Distance: 5k