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