Great to be out, a wee winter jaunt up Beinn an t-Sidhein

Hill: Beinn an-t Sidhean
Category: Sub2K
Height: 570m

Walkhighlands describes the walk: ‘Beinn an t- Sidhein rises high to the west of Strathyre and offers fine all round views;.
It was a relief to get a walking window of a day to get out in our great outdoors. The last few weeks have been driving me stir crazy.
The forecast was for all the seasons in one day. A mixture of snow showers and sunshine. The opportunity to get views was a plus. The wind on top was forecast to try and knock us off our feet, we would have snowy conditions from fairly low down. And a major snow storm was due later on today.
Suitably energized a few from Killie ramblers set off in anticipation.

Marked path to 1st viewpoint

We started at the Forestry Commission car park at the southern end of Strathyre, beyond the Broch cafe. The walk description goes left to the suspension bridge but we went right to cross the arched road bridge and quickly soon found the hill start.

Heading up there

After a few weeks of gym work the hill legs were not quite there so the very steep start up to the viewpoint was tougher than it should have been. Spotted a roe deer in the trees, a good start.
The viewpoint was excellent but the low sun meant low grade pictures over Loch Lubnaig. However, looking down on Strathyre reinforced the height gained in a short time.

Beautiful patterns on the rocks

No more path signs after this so we followed deer tracks up the snow covered hill.

Follow the deer tracks

We had now lost the path in the snow but headed upwards  following a small burn. Deeper pockets of snow made it more interesting.
We were aiming to the left of the prominent mound of An Sidhean, the temptation is to head straight up it but we resisted and found the faint track.

Next viewpoint looking over to Vorlich etc

This track winds up to An Sidhean but at this point the winds decided to reinforce the accuracy of the forecast. The gusts were trying to knock us over. The views from the small cairn were excellent particularly looking across to Beinn Each, Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin.

Our route and that stile

Looking back to the viewpoint and Ben Venue

But it was obvious this was just a viewpoint and the summit was a few ups and downs away. A larger cairn here than the true top. It would be a fine place for a snack on a good day but not for us in this wind.
Back down the snow and ice path then followed the snow track to the fence and a small stile. Small maybe but this wind it made something easy a challenge.

The snow now hid some significant boggy patches, plenty of mud on the boots. Just hoped we would not be going in too deeply. The wind had decided to ramp up even further and staying on our feet was a challenge but it was fun and the views terrific.

Someone has rolled in the snow!!

The summit is marked by a few rocks thrown together but the real view was about 20 metres further on. Not just the hills but looking down on Lochearnhead, was special.

Looking across to Vorlich, Stuc a'Chroin and Beinn Each

Overall a superb 360 degree viewing hill top. Sadly we could not hang about too long in the wind and headed back down our ascent route.

Plateau top looking north

Snow and hailstone storms came and went but these did not spoil the day. Indeed when they blew through and the views opened up again, more enjoyment.

On the descent Loch Lubnaig and a couple of walkers heading up

A great little winter walk. The weather forecast spot on. Good company for a chat and views to remember. It was good to be back.

Wildlife: Roe Deer; Buzzard; Raven; Black Grouse; Wren;
Time: 3.31
Ascent: 674m
Distance: 6.6km

An outstanding winter walk, two White Mounth Munros

Hill: Mayar(High Plain)(928) & Dreish (probably Obscure)(947)
Category: Munro
Height: circuit c835m
I had been waiting to do these hills for yonks and finally the day arrived. I had been told that once you exit the woods the view of the bowl/ampitheatre are so good, make sure you leave it for a good day to enjoy it. So today the forecast was good and that day had arrived. 
Walkhighlands description helps the juices of anticipation flow: ‘A stunning ascent through picturesque Corrie Fee leads up to the extensive rolling plateau above - visiting the summits of Mayar and Driesh. With the descent on the excellent Kilbo path back to Glendoll forest at the head of Glen Clova’. For the east coasters Driesh is one of the best-known and most climbed Munros.
I have also been intrigued by the two unusual names, what kind of double act are they?

Snow capped mountains glimpsed from the start

It had been the coldest night of the year so during the drive I entered heavy fog and doubts were setting in but with about half a dozen miles to go it all cleared and what a drive down the glen, so beautiful.
My next stage of doubting set in when I reached the turn at the Glen Clova hotel to be greeted with a sign ‘Road Closed’. What I have come so far for this!! Just then a local farmer appeared and said I should be okay just be polite when you reach the workies. I was almost at the car park before I met them creating passing areas. Suitably polite, the charm worked and the workies decided it was tea break time and moved their vans, great guys.
A bit later than planned I arrived at the Glen Doll car park to find about a dozen cars, more polite people? Geared up, paid the £2 parking charge and off I headed. 
From the start there is a great view of the Scorrie - the steep shoulder of Driesh, very imposing. Looking through the trees another snow topped hill.
You can do the circuit either way and it is easier to go clockwise up the gentle gradient of the Kilbo path but I wanted the views of Corrie Fee so took the long forest track. Birds singing again as if it is spring, just wait until tomorrow little birdies!

Corrie Fee heading for left of the waterfall

Climbing all the time until I reached the forest end, was it worth it, absolutely. The amphitheatre bowl shape of the corrie is now in full view, worth the walk alone.

Path meanders through the glacial moraines

A flat walk along the corrie bottom, icy segments easily avoided. The problem was keeping an eye on the track instead of the magnificent scenery.
The path is excellent and climbs in a winding fashion to the left of the superb waterfall and it was steep, plenty of stops for the views.

Looking back down on the corrie floor

However after a while it was constant ice so crampon time and the spikes did the trick, walking became easier. At least from a slipping perspective, just ignore the stressful puffing and panting. Last nights pub visit now seeming like a mistake.
The walk description talks of a gentle climb up the last section. As I plunged knee deep in drifts I was not convinced. This was very hard work, knee deep at times. All the major snow was lying on this short section. A deep plunge through a drift into a burn just missed. Close one. Additionally the sun had appeared over the horizon, so bright it was blinding. Excuse for a breather to put goggles on.

Icy flat top of Mayar

Still toiling upwards I was more than pleased to reach the icy summit. A few minutes earlier in the deep snow I really had thought it might be a trip too far in these conditions.
Still not to be and the rewards were here. Some great views across the plateau and over the Northern Glen Shee hills and nearby Lochnagar appeared to be snow free, not fair. There also were a lot of estate tracks scarring the landscape.

Path to Dreish clearly seen on the plateau 

The path across the wide plateau towards Dreish was obvious and I could even see some of the car park occupants heading that way.
The plateau was excellent walking but the temperature was certainly below zero with the wind chill factor, great visibility, take in the views. There is also an old occasional dilapidated fenceline to follow if required. 

Little Dreish front and the big boy behind

When I started up the climb to Dreish 4 figures had stopped half way up Little Dreish, probably taking a break but my bad side said they were laughing at me. I had the last laugh as none of them had any sort of spike for the descent.
Surprisingly the ascent went better than it looked and another plateau was reached.
I was heading for a small cairn but clearly this was not the top. 

Big cairn on an even flatter top than Mayar

Soon the trig point and the large shelter cairn summit of Driesh comes into view. Backwater reservoir looks huge shimmering in the haze, it was large (see Hare Cairn report)
It was too cold to hang about for long. Popped into the cairn shelter for a few minutes for some coffee and quickly off again.
I retraced my steps and spotted a white coated mountain hare (my 2nd in a few weeks) running ahead of me. I had noticed plenty of tracks & droppings so pleased to actually see one.

On descent Mayar top left and the Kilbo descent path to the right

I reached a short cut off which took me to the Kilbo path. A couple I met earlier had came up it without crampons and said I would be pleased to have them on the descent, yip it was solid ice. 
The steep path leads down the side of the Shank of Drumfollow with good views of the bowl between Dreish and The Scorrie. 

Weather front starting to close in from the west

Looking back the summits were now cloud covered, one of the forecasts had said light snow by 3pm, glad I was on my way down.
Just after the forest I crossed the Burn of Kilbo using the stepping stones and immediately stepped into a mud hole, curses aloud my boots had been clean all walk. A wade in the burn sorted that.
A deforested section opens up the views before rejoining the out track near the parking.
Another outstanding short day out, completed in good time despite my weakness going up the Corrie Fee. Exceeded my expectations on a blue sky day. Now for that beer.

Wildlife: Red Squirrel (pair): Buzzard; Chaffinch; Wren; Robin; Ermine mountain hare,
Time: 4.52
Ascent: 864m
Distance: 15.4km

Torlum a short stroll in Perthshire

Hill: Torlum Perthshire
Category: Sub2K
Height: 393m
I took a break from my trip to add another Sub2k towards my next century of these hills.
What a cracking day but as usual for me finding the start was the most difficult. Over the last year I have travelled more minor one track roads than in my whole life. But if you can take your eyes away from the short road ahead perspective there is some beautiful countryside to admire, stuff you would not see unless you were heading for these hills, or a local.
I intended to start from Balloch sawmill but this was a working operation and no parking.

Back up start

So I drove along the road where I found a gated entrance, this would do. The map showed that I would meet up with the other track at the top of the woods.
There was a short tramp uphill through the woods, birds constantly singing, they think it is Spring, wait a few days birdies!!

Fantastic trees but has this one been targeted?

Maybe it was spring. Only a baselayer and a jacket but the sweat was heavier than expected, no booze last night to blame, just my old body.
A group of primary school kids came down, happy as can be and dressed in more branded outdoor designer kit than you see in Tiso’s.
I followed an obvious track most of the way up then through two gates and then the blue sky was my ceiling.

Cross country time

The map showed the trail going away from the hill so I decided to leave it and follow the treeline for a bit before heading across the dead bracken aiming for the top. Glad the bracken was on the floor and not in my face. 

A well used path

Almost there when I come across a clear path. Had I followed the track and not cut off a far easier ascent. don’t always trust the map, new trails are made. Still it was an easy hill so no issues, a leg warmer for tomorrow.

Auchnafree Hill in background

Finally arrived at the trig to be rewarded with excellent views over to Ben Chonzie and Auchnafree Hill as well as down to Crieff.

Crieff

Definitely not the worst summit view that I have enjoyed.
Straight forward back down the same way. 
Objectives achieved a leg stretcher, another tick and good views on a glorious day.

Wildlife: Kestrel; Buzzard; Red Kite; Chaffinch; Woodpecker.
Time: 1.20
Ascent: 288m
Distance: 4.6km