Getting prepared as the rain hosed down so a good test for the new jacket. Not such good news for an ascent that already has a reputation for being boggy.
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| Dreich beginning hill hidden in the clouds |
However, the forecast was for it to dry up around noon but with strong 30mph winds, a narrow ridge, the joys.
We walked through the farm which surprisingly has two graveyards, one newish, well attended and attractive and the other very run down with some ancient headstones. Interesting tales in there no doubt.
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| Religious site |
There was a priory on the site and the map shows 'Priests Well' behind the farm so religious connotations.
We managed to negotiate the railway line and on reflection did not hear any trains during the walk. Still a sound idea to look and listen before crossing.
The good news was that the constant rain had eased considerably and the sky behind was brightening from the west.
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| Mud and the fence |
The bad news was that it was really boggy in places, deep sucking black gloop, glad I had put on my gaiters.
This is a popular hill so navigation is not an issue during the main section for two reasons. Firstly there is a muddy track to follow and secondly the fence is a constant until almost the first summit.
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| First summit cloud clearing |
There are two deer fences to negotiate. The first is a walk through but the second is a high stile, not the most robust construction.
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| Looking down the steeper section |
It is a long trek albeit with a good easy going gradient before you reach the hardest section up to the first summit. The views as you rise are great particularly across to your right where from Ben More south the whole Munro collection standing out.
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| Crianlarich Munros |
Whilst on the very steep pull the winds were at their fiercest making walking really difficult, glad I had brought my poles as the extra anchoring points were needed at times.
Now on the first top where navigation is required in poor weather as there is a narrow ridge to cross with a big drop off.
Today's concern was not a case of seeing where we were going but in these winds the issue was would we walk or crawl across?
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| Final climb |
Thankfully we walked and did not get blown off. A short descent before the final pull up to the summit and its cairn. As you would expect the views are extensive. Nearby all the Tyndrum hills.
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| The Ridge and ben More behind |
Looking east and close by Glas Maol and partners. As mentioned earlier the full Crianlarich Munros and plenty more besides.
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| Heading back over the ridge |
However, not a day for lingering as the wind is still blowing strongly so back over the ridge and sheltered for lunch.
It was simply a case of retracing our ascent route but greater care required as easy to slip and my tendon was now giving me some grief.
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| Descent, Ben Lui and companions |
Almost all the way down when my foot went into a hidden grassy hole and badly twisted the already sore tendon. Luckily the poles kept me from further damage but it was the last thing the ankle needed.
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| New graveyard on descent |
Overall what was not a promising weather start became a very good walk with views to remember.
As we changed cars were constant heading south so no doubt a very slow drive around Loch Lomond lay ahead.
Walk:
Ben Challum (note OS 1: 25000 has a slightly different spelling Challuim)
(Callums Hill)
Category:
Munro
Height:
1025m
Wildlife:
Pied Wagtail; Meadow pipit.
Ascent:
947
Distance:
12.4km
Time:
5.32
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