Final Walk of the year....The Fruin at last

Hill: The Fruin
Category: Sub2K
Height: 361m

Last walk of 2019 so it had to be a new hill. Looking at my map this was the nearest driving from home so time to get it done.
In truth I had been putting it off because of its reputation. Walkhighlands description ‘The Fruin is a wet moorland above the Faslane Nuclear Base between Glen Fruin and the Gare Loch’. Wet being the polite way to say a sodden boggy hard tramp across featureless terrain, walk reports concur.
Still the forecast was for beautiful blue skies and great views, this might not be high and a sod to get to but the views will more than compensate.

Misty start

Or so I thought. Still dark when I defrosted the car and set off. When I reached the Erskine Bridge it was dense fog and this continued all the way to the walk start, what had I done?
Here anyway so off I set along a familiar path, the 2nd section of the Three Lochs Way, reminder finish that off as well this winter.

How old is this cracker?

Plenty of old trees in this wood with stories to tell, who does not like old gnarled trees? 
Good news was that the direction I was going did have blue skies and sunshine. But, the landscape has changed since my last visit. The upper trees in Highlandman’s Wood, which you skirt is being deforested but thankfully no workings today.

Head for the treeline and blue skies

Leave the main path to head up the moor. There is a noticeable swathe through the moor, the cattle have been here and their big heavy weights sink into the ground creating huge water and mud filled holes. No other way to go so just plough through. 

Looking back still blanketed in fog

After about 100 metres of gloop the ground hardens and is now just moss water traps to sink into.
I spot a pair of roe deer looking at the carnage, thinking that used to be our home!! 
Followed this track upwards to the trees and the dyke, scramble over the wet fence and surprised on the other side to see a narrow track continuing to the first high point at Tom na h-Airidh. Already the views are picking up with the Luss hills on the right particularly standing out.

Air vents, what lies below?

Secret Scotland up here as well. Spotted these air vents so something is hidden under the moor, MOD secrets.
The frustrating bit is that this point is only 7 metres lower than The Fruin. I can see it ahead. It is about a kilometer away but the terrain in between is where The Fruin fully merits its reputation.
No tracks and the moor has been prepared for tree planting at some point in the past so regular deep channels are another obstacle. Not hard going but great care needed, reminds me of Tullich Hill.
A fence is running on my right so I head for it in the hope of better terrain, nope.
Another junction fence reached and at this one I should have crossed sideways as there was a good path on the other side, unseen from here, which I found and used on my descent, much easier.
Still more wading through very soft grassy areas where you went in deep at times. The previous mud all gone, boots clean, this is just pure Scottish water.
Three red deer hinds appear, got a blurred snap but far too big to be anything else.
Another barbed wire fence, I crawl under the bottom. The top is just over there but next barrier is a big gate, locked of course, with wire across the top to hinder climbing over it. It is either this or the barbed wire, the farmer is obviously not keen on walkers.
Small cairn then about 20 metres away a slightly larger one, another one done. Time to take in the views and enjoy my flask of soup. The fog is still full on down below but up here superb views. I have often said you get more for your money on the small hills and this is another perfect example.

Luss Hills

A cracking view across Glen Fruin to the Luss Grahams of Chaorach and Mhanaich with The Strone ridge, memories of a very warm day.

Arrochar Alps and typical terrain in foreground

Of course the Arrochar Alps are all clear, another different angle to admire The Cobbler. 

Arran & the mast

Arran hills stand out above the fog and nearer a mast pokes through the cloud. This is brilliant and worth the effort, just 90 minutes to the top.
Time to descend. Staying east of the dyke the path was good until the fence junction. Then back over and the slog to Tom na h-Airidh where I speak to the only other person I saw on the hills, but he is a local and not daft enough to go onto The Fruin.

On descent western fog lifting

Reversed my route, took in the views, thought of the people below the cloud blanket unaware of how good it is nearby.

Last barrier still foggy down in Helensburgh

Objectives fulfilled for today, a short walk, another hill bagged and the end of a first class walking year stacked full of memories.
Time for a dram or two, Happy New Year.

Wildlife: Roe Deer; Red deer; Wood Pigeon; Snipe; Meadow Pipit; Redwing: Redshank; Carrion Crow.
Time: 3.02
Ascent: 1002ft 
Distance: 6.19m