A ligament test on the hill with two names.....Mealna Letter aka Duchray Hill

Walk: Mealna Letter

Category: Graham

Height: 702m

Walkhighlands: ‘Mealna Letter - alternatively known as Duchray Hill - divides Glen Shee from Glen Isla, and is a fine viewpoint. It lies to the north of the much better known Mount Blair’.

Today was a big test for the achilles/tendon before the big weekend, if I did not pass this I would not be attempting them. I picked this hill knowing it was pretty much grass all the way, the tussocks would twist and turn the foot so a real test without the hard ground.

The weather had changed en route from the miserable damp start to the day the weather front was passed as I entered Perthshire even some blue skies, they still exist.

Mealna Letter

It was a lovely drive and but pleased to get parked up and ready to go. The last time I attempted this a shoot was on, large guns, so advised not to risk it!

After a dozen strides the pain was intense as the boot was tight on the Achilles. Back to the car, thankfully I had my leather boots for tomorrow so changed into them and thankfully much better but for how long?

I knew that the initial stages would be boggy and this proved right. Indeed some of the tree planting meant hidden holes, almost up to my knee in one, care required.

The temperature had risen and in these humid damp conditions the flies surrounded my head by the hundred, please some wind.

Butterflies were out in numbers including ringlet, fritillary and small heath.

Bog over ridge ahead

No navigation problems up the side of the treeline, then turn east and follow the stone dyke all the way.

After the boggy section there is a faint track in the grass which made walking easier.

Superb views

Taps aff then back on again as when I crested the ridge the wind was blinking fresh. However it was compensated by the magnificent views up the Spittal of Glenshee and to the Munros beyond.

The big gate is the section that opens!

At one stage there is a new deer fence. Although there is a gate it is substantial and would take at least two people to lift. So a climb over required. The wooden straps are not substantial I can see them broken before long, stupid, why no walkers gate?

Cairn spotted across the way

There is some remote land out there and as I enjoyed the view a large shape rose into the sky. Even with the naked eye the size meant a Goldie and the binos confirmed. A few low level swoops across the moor then it found an updraught and spiralled higher and higher until it disappeared.

Loch Beanie down below

Before long I reached the top and soaked in the beautiful panorama. A sweep from the Cairnwell hills, Lochnagers cairn prominent and the steep sides of Mayar & Driesh take it all in, stunning.

Looking down, the small Loch Beanie looks a good brown trout water, I suspect it does not get many visitors.

The sun was out but time to get back down.

Descent, Mount Blair on left

On the descent super views of Mount Blair. On the slopes a couple of workers were still planting the new trees. It will be a few years until they block any views.

Back at the car and although I was in some discomfort I was pleased. Now a case of seeing whether it stiffens up in the morning.

Wildlife: Golden eagle: Buzzard; Wheatear; Flock Thrush; Meadow Pipit; Fat voles; small brown lizard; Common blue; Ringlet; Small Heath; Green fritillary.

Ascent: 409m

Distance: 8.2km

Time: 2.35