Hill:
Beinn an Lochain
Category:
Corbett
Height:
901m
It
has been a mixed weather week with some violent thunderstorms around.
Hopefully my weather research should see this walk completed in good
weather.
It
was time to get the legs and lungs into another gear and add another
Corbett to the list. I have plans for some multiple hills hopefully
from next month so walking fitness has to improve.
 |
| Start follow path and turn left at the trees |
It
was a lovely still morning and a good scenic drive to the start.
The
parking area only had one other car but by the time we finished it was
full.
The
breeze was welcome at the start but shoved a light jacket in rucksack
just in case it was colder up top.
 |
| Not the top |
Thankfully
with minimal rain the burn was an easy crossing but still had to
stand on slabs under running water, could be more interesting at
other times.
There
is a track to follow right from the start. Initially heading to the
trees before curving back and some light scrambling required.
 |
| The Cobbler from the ascent |
There
are good bits of easy scrambling for about two thirds of the way as
the track meanders upwards. This is a true peaked mountain so you are
climbing constantly from the start without let up.
 |
| The Brack & Donich |
The
views of the Arrochar alps are top drawer already. Every twist and
turn of the track brings a different perspective so no hardship to
stop and look around. But surprisingly I was feeling really good,
COVID exercise obviously working.
 |
| Nope that's not the top either |
Around
the two thirds mark a young guy was coming down, sadly he had took a
panic attack with some of the very steep drops but his pal had gone
on.
Soon
after leaving him we pass the exposed area and the top starts to show itself looking imposing and
very steep, still work to do.
 |
| First view of imposing top |
After
another workout you reach a slight plateau and the final section
towers above. If you were feeling tired it would look a proper
challenge. But no negative thoughts here, I was feeling good so bring
it on.
 |
| Not so large cairn, lunch at second top behind |
Finally
and quite surprisingly you reach a small pile of rocks, it is
difficult to describe it as a cairn but it is the top.
 |
| Panorama looking north |
However,
on a day like this you cannot adequately describe the stunning views
that greet your arrival at the summit, start with breath-taking. Hot
as it was the unseasonal coolness of clear air gave a clarity
normally only seen in Winter but soak it in.
Obviously
all the local alps are showing off. Arran, Jura and Mull far away.
Cruachan range and Tyndrum hills. Is the big one behind Ben Nevis,
possibly? Crianlarich range including Ben More and many, many others.
What a spot for lunch, I can think of much worse.
 |
| Descent shows the bulges that hide the top when ascending |
As
always when you have done some scrambling on the way up the descent
is more awkward and care was required, a few backside slides but down
safely we got.
 |
| Loch Restil & Beinn Ime |
A
cracking hill walk, views to die for, the big hills are back and I
for one am delighted.
Need
to keep working on the fitness but not tonight. Sunshine so beer in
the garden. Cheers.
Wildlife:
Meadow Pipit; Raven
Time: 4.36
Ascent: 754m
Distance: 6.7km
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