Category:
Corbett
Height:
858m
I
had left this hill as my last of the Arrochar Alps to tick off, principally because it seemed a bit of a boring slog. What I wasn't
expecting was the tremendous 360 degree views of the entire Arrochar
Alps at their finest, quite spectacular.
I
decided to follow the recommended route of the south ridge which is
mainly a grassy pathless ascent.
 |
| Very small parking area at the start with the slopes in view |
Started
off at the small parking area at the Croe water, climbed the locked
gate, over the new bridge and followed the track into the ferns which
at this time of year were fully grown. Yesterday’s rain had left
them dripping wet so simply brushing against them resulted in wet
shorts, honest I didn't pee my pants.
The
path climbs beside the Croe burn, sometimes boggy, until you break
the line of ferns.
 |
| Coming to the end of the ferns grassy slopes ahead |
From
here you see the initial steep grassy slopes and the first crags.
There is no track so head off anytime on a bearing for the top.
Indeed it is consistently steep all the way up.
Wet
underneath but going was steady but be warned, this is a hill of many
false summits. There was the odd animal track which made it slightly
easier.
The
views up the glen improve as you gain height and on your left Lochain
starts to show. I went right of the first rocky outcrops on the
ascent.
 |
| First false top ahead |
Just
keep plodding on but we paused often to take in the views, no rush
today as this is not a long outing. The Cobbler is showing us its
backside, not as impressive as its front view. Ime is growing larger
and more impressive with each step away on the right.
 |
| Impressive rock structures head up the grassy section |
More
of the same, keep plodding, more rocky crags, more grass and nearer
the top finally more of a path. The grey clouds were coming and going, the forecast was for them to break, fingers crossed.
 |
| Getting there but false top number 3 |
As
we approached the summit the grey cloudy skies began to clear and
blue sky started to appear, maybe we would get a view after all.
Then
we were there and plenty of time to lunch and take in the grandeur of
this summits views.
 |
| Lochain slight cloud covering and the Fiddlers peak ridge |
You
really do see everything that the Arrochar Alps has to offer,
directly ahead is Vorlich; Ime; Narnain & The Cobbler. Turn right
a bit and it is now The Brack, Coinnich and Donich. Another turn and
Lochain and the Fiddler ridge. As well as the longer views and
looking down the Clyde this is indeed a top spot after all.
 |
| Narnain & Arthur |
Finally
time to head down, no clear paths and of course the outcrops look
different from above so on the main part we now went left on the
descent, much steeper grassy slopes but can you can slip on the wet
grass and do a bit of rolling and possible damage. Just a case of
take your time and enjoy the views over The Brack and the rest.
 |
| The Brack, Coinnich & Donich |
Finally
back at the car park where another car has arrived. Guy asks us if
this is The Cobbler? Looking at him and the cars occupants this was
definitely not the side for them. Encouraged him to go back to the
main car park, which somehow he had managed to miss. Made is sound
quite daunting even from that side so hopefully they went for a low
level stroll.
 |
| Grassy slopes |
For
me another Corbett done and once again the Arrochar Alps prove why
they are a very popular playground. Please only do this on a good viewing day it would be a pity to miss them and just have the slog. A good outing and preparation for
the bigger rounds coming up soon.
Wildlife:
Meadow Pipit; Wheatear; Hooded Crow
Time:
3.55
Ascent:
693m
Distance:
5.3km
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