A grey day for another short Angus hill.....Monamenach

Hill: Monamenach (Middle Hill)

Type: Corbett

Height: 807m

For various reasons I had not walked high level hills for a few weeks but a day and a half of a possible weather window and I was off. Day 1 a Corbett and day 2 a couple of Munros. Taking into account travelling time this afternoons potential window was best suited to the Corbett and tomorrows potentially better full day the Munros.

It might have been a wet start when I left home but I was optimistic so enjoyed the drive, no rush, music on, enjoyed the moment.

Autumn colours at the start

As always things got even better when I hit Perthshire with the magnificent landscape in Autumn colours. Cross country is best to get the most out of this countryside so that is what I did. The River Tay was in full speight and overflowing its banks everywhere I spotted it so not surprising that no anglers were seen although the season might just have finished.  

After passing through Blairgowrie I was in my element as I love the twists and turns of the road to Glenshee, sadly the higher tops around were under cloud. Care taken as most trees shedding their leaves big style, wet and slippery. 

Monamenach up there in the cloud

I constantly rave about the beauty of the Angus glens and today it was the turn of Glen Isla. No wonder, a stunning short drive even under a grey sky. But it was the landscape where the colour was the trees, bushes and bracken lit up my trip.

I expected to be the only person here today but the small parking area at the head of the glen was almost full. After a few manoeuvres I just squeezed in and avoided going into the River Isla.

For the walk itself there is not a lot to say about one of the easiest Corbetts there is to bag. In the 1st couple of hundred metres I had a spotted a red squirrel, a pair of ravens and a buzzard, a good start.

Basic track

After the estate buildings simply follow a well made steep estate track to the bealach between Monamenach and Creagan Caise. An estate vehicle had gone up just before I did and about two thirds of the way up I heard a single shot ring out. Unusual to hear just one, grouse would normally be both barrels, was it the buzzard I wondered? Raptors sadly do go 'missing' on these estates. 

At the bealach the vehicle was parked, windows open, no occupants. I was turning off to follow a faint but steep and wet grassy track up to the top when I was immediately aware of the roaring stags. The rut was still on. What a sound. I was stopping every so often to get my breath back, my lay off had taken a toll on my condition. But I was also hearing more and more stags, some sounded very close others over the glen towards Duchary Hill. 

Shooter and spotter

I did spot two figures on top of Creagan Caise, the shooters, yes one with a large rifle and the other with the binoculars.

The cairn spotted through the gloom

The cloud descended as light rain came on and before long I spotted the cairn in the distance. Small but distinctive as it has a piece of the fence stuck into it. 

View back lol

I did a pirouette imagining the super views of the Glenshee hills, Mayar & Dreish and many more, but not in my vision today.

Descent, the stalkers were on the opposite ridge

Back down the same route accompanied by the roaring stags echoing round the mountains. I sprung a red grouse, the only one spotted, the rest wise to hunker down in this weather. The rain got solid, so much for the forecast, waterproofs on. Passed the vehicle no doubt very wet inside with those windows open.

Glen Isla

As I descended I was now out of the cloud with great views back up Glen Isla. I spotted a figure coming up the track, moving fast was it a runner? Nope it was a biker but seemed to be going well. As he neared it was an old guy but the MTB was electric, a great help he shouted as he went passed, legs still going like the clappers. Made me smile and also reflect, maybe time to get one of those.

Back at the parking area and all the other cars had gone. It was only 2pm and I had not seen them, mystery walkers.

River Isla at the parking area

As I got changed and ate my apple I was looking at the River Isla, not swollen at all, a good fishing height, when a salmon came to the surface twice. Very coloured, no bar of silver this one, a long term river resident probably with only days to live. Sad but exciting to see. 

Still great to be out and about in these problematic times.

Ascent: 460m

Distance: 5.6km

Time: 1.53

Wildlife: Red squirrel; Red grouse; Raven; Wren; Pheasant; Red deer rut (noise); Salmon

Another quick Borders raid but sucks I missed one.....Dollar Law & Greenside Law

Hill: Dollar Law (High Meadow)(817m) & Greenside Law (Hill with the green side) (643m)

Type: Donald x 2

What with the never-ending bloody Chinese Covid plague as well as seemingly endless low pressure weather fronts assaulting us, throw in the shorter days and I feel a darkness coming on. This week threw up 1 possible walking day, forecast suggested it would not be perfect but I decided go for it.

North or south decision. The SE looked the best bet so I opted to tick off another couple of Border Donalds. I love these rolling hills and hoped for some views but on the drive down this seemed overly optimistic, low grey clouds and rain.

As I got ready at Cramalt I actually spotted a small section of blue sky!! 

Excellent track up a beautiful setting

Dollar Law can be tackled from a few directions but looking at the map I reckoned the Thieves Road going through to Drumelzier would provide a straightforward track for a large section of the ascent and weather permitting I could tag another awkward Donald, Greenside Law.

The track proved as straightforward as I hoped an excellent gradient and beautiful surroundings. The only downside was that the route which followed the Cramalt Burn, was hemmed in by nearside hills and the wind funnelled down right into me and it was strong. So harder going than expected.

Dollar Law directly ahead

Just before the bealach I needed to go cross country as the track turned towards Cramalt Craig, not the direction I wanted. A short boggy crossing avoiding the hags and I found an ATV track which I reckoned would take me to Dollar Law. Indeed it did. A straightforward wet grassy track but the wind was now upping its strength and the clouds were lowering. 

Bright green in Manor valley

Excellent views down to the Manor valley, Black law on the right of the view and the Dun Rig Peebles circuit at the back. 

Dollar Law trig

Manfully struggled in the gale and on the trig which was reached after 90 minutes. But with this wind and smirry rain no place to linger. The cairn shelter was no use with this wind direction.

Broad Law through the clouds

I backtracked to where I joined the ATV track but then continued with it over the Donald top of Notman Law. 

Can now see the green side of the hill

Thankfully I was out of cloud and getting some good views of these great hills. Not totally without their dangers there is a huge deep sided Cleugh to be negotiated. Does not seem to have a name on my map but mightily impressive and a danger in poor visibility. Might be Sheilhope Head! 

Atmospheric view back to Dollar Law

Impressive views back down the Manor valley and over to Dollar Law.

I had dropped steeply from Notman Law, glad I wasn't ascending from this side. I could see that the reascent was not so severe, lungs were delighted. Still wet and boggy but the ATV lines made easier walking and soon I was on the non descript top. 

The top of Greenside Law looking over to Dollar Law

Had to check, yip I was on the highest point but not even a an old iron post, nor a couple of rocks, poor old Greenside Law just a place on a map but it is a Donald.

I changed my descent route as my planned option had many peat hags so I followed the fence down to where I anticipated re-joining the the right of way to Manor Head. I was going right angles to my planned route and as such I was looking across to a series of ups and downs that I thought contained a couple of Donalds which I would tackle from the Peebles side. The nearest one looked easy from here but when I checked the SMC book later I cursed that this was Black Law, the only Donald as the others are simply tops. What a plonker, still an excuse to come back.

Huge path marker cairn, Black Law behind

I had kept going but felt peckish and as I undid my rucksack a mountain hare leapt out from where I was going to sit. Delighted as I don't think I have seen one in these hills before. Off it shot up the hill into the heather. Interestingly it was a greyish blue, winter coat appearing and no snow. Maybe it senses what is coming.

Followed the track back to the reservoir where I then had an aching limbs tarmac walk back to the car.

Glad to see the car

Overall another excellent short walk in these stunning border hills. 

Ascent: 715m

Distance: 16k

Time: 3.51

Wildlife: Mountain hare; Kestrel; Raven; Red Grouse; Pheasant; Fieldfare

Big trek for a Cairngorm double from Glen Doll.....Tolmount & Tom Buidhe

Hill: Tolmount (958m)(Mountain of the Dale) & Tom Buidhe (957m)(Yellow Hill)

Type: Munro x2

So much for the best walking day of the week as I listened to the rain hammering on the window and roof giving me little sleep. In 24 hours the forecast had changed totally. I decided to go along anyway and the amount of roadside flooding was amazing even vehicles in fields presumably aquaplaned.

Another favourite Angus glen, Glen Clova, was still stunning but the low level of cloud was disconcerting as was the trees dancing away in the wind. The forecast was now predicting sleet/light snow on the higher tops with 30+mph winds and stronger gusts. 

River running in full spate as I was to discover later

I was originally going to do these from the traditional Braemar side but after talking to a friend he suggested the Glen Doll route. A long trek in and out but still shorter with craggy corries, a deep glen and waterfalls, what's not to like? The big carpark had only 3 cars and it was blowing a hoolie and light rain. To go or not? I was here so decided to walk the trail and see what it was like after the woods when I entered the exposed glen.

The route is similar to Braemar in that it follows Jocks Road which is a long distance trail between the two. Originally a drove road used mostly by smugglers and cattle thieves. Later more famous as a historic right of way land dispute.

A very long undulating walk through Glendoll Forest, pleasant enough and sheltered but it was a very boggy trail. 

Glen Doll from the trees

Finally out into the magnificent amphitheatre of Glen Doll itself, hemmed in by high cliffs and crags on each side and a tantalising view of the trail ahead. Sir Hugh Munro considered this 'to be as wild a little glen as one could wish to see'. The immediate wind hit meant an additional layer of protection required. Waterfalls cascading all around, quite a sight. 

Spotted

Then I spotted movement  on a slope and delighted to see a red deer stag with his small harem.

Head of Glen Doll

Jocks Road is an excellent narrow track and on reaching the head of the glen, about 4 miles from the start iIcame across the famous bothy, Davy's Bourach. 

Not a post box but entrance to the bothy

Certainly an unusual place. Love or hate, your choice. I wouldn't want to spend the night in it but as a lifesaver a different answer.

Flanks of Tom Buidhe but it would be a couple of hours before I would be descending them

The track has climbed on a good gradient to around 800m and now opens out and is a very open and exposed landscape. Feels quite lonely in these murky conditions.

Crow Craigies

Sadly the clouds are covering the tops so no big views. The track heads round to Crow Craigies, (Tolmount's only other top), exposed crags drop off to the left, where I now left Jock's Road to head for the peat hags in the general direction of Tolmount which I could still not see despite being so close. 

Tolmount

The hags were ok to negotiate followed by a short climb to Tolmount. 2 hours 40m but this did not feel like a Munro summit.

Rough terrain to the bealach

The rain was on and nothing to see so I followed a track in the general direction of Tom Buidhe. Through the gloom I could just see a lower bealach which I wanted to reach. Once reached took a right turn and headed up the grassy slopes to the summit, aided by a track I found.

Uninspiring top 2, Tom Buidhe

Just 35 minutes after leaving Tolmount I was on the summit of Tom Buidhe, another uninspiring small cairn. There are 5 other Munros on this relatively flat Cairngorm plateau so on a fine viewing day the views would have been more inspirational. 

However today it wasn't so no lingering and no more tracks as I wanted to re-join Jocks Road near the bothy.  Easier said than done as I had hoped to pick out the trail but it was well camouflaged. I daresay on a better day there would be the odd walker to spot and take a bearing from. Once I was out of the clouds I could see the peat hags to be negotiated but I could also see the burn which was in spate and could be a challenge, it was.

I guided myself down without incident over the rough moor and yes the burn was wider than normal, running fast and deep pools. I wandered up and down with no obvious crossing. I was thinking about just getting soaked when I spotted a large rock I could just stand on hoping it was not too slippery as this was my anchor foot, reached over and just touched the other bank with a pole. This was an odd angle looking down at the water and no comeback from this position. Could I make the final leap over a deep pool, just with a lot of relief.

More peat hags to overcome and then the final climb up to the track was the hardest part for me, my legs were tired and it was further and steeper than I thought.

Descent back through Glen Doll heading to the trees

Still finally found it and only the long, but not unpleasant descent back to the car. When I checked I realised why my legs were tired. Despite no major steep sections it was a long constant climb and at almost 1400m a lot of ascent for 2 Munros.

Thankfully despite nae views, the forecasted snow and high winds did not come to fruition, so a good walk and a good day out.

Ascent: 1376m

Distance: 21.2km

Time: 5.29

Wildlife: Red Deer; Buzzard; Red Grouse

A walk in cloud and sunshine.....Morven

Hill: Morven

Type: Corbett

Height: 872m

My final outing of this trip was the second most easterly Corbett which is situated in beautiful Deeside. Morven finished the triangle of hills that I wanted to complete in this area. The others have been technically Cairngorms, I suppose something has to be over the boundary. No good lady today so a solo ascent should be a little bit quicker.

Although it was a slightly longer drive to the start I tackled it from the normal shorter but steeper eastern side. What an beautiful atmospheric early morning drive as the light and heavy mist rippled through the trees all the way, stunning.

No other car in the parking area and a red squirrel ran closely past as I tied my boots, only feet away and apparently totally unconcerned. smile on my face.

Smile disappeared as I checked my GPS to find that I had not downloaded my route. It was a last minute decision as I was originally going to walk another Corbett but still a silly error. I also knew I had no map for this section. The clouds were low but I decided to take a chance that there would be a track although looking from here there was nothing obvious.

Ruined cottage and lower slopes of Morvern

I remembered that I had to go past the ruined farmhouse and go through the gate onto the moor, so that bit was straightforward. From here there were two faint tracks, right or left. Both quickly disappeared into the heather.

Narrow wet track into the clouds

I opted to right and indeed there was a narrow track through the heather. Only issue was the heather was wet and I had not put on gaiters. Result was I had to brush past the heather my trousers from knee down were soaked, should I give up? No kept going and rewarded with a Black Grouse bursting out of the heather just in front of me.  

The first 300m section was steep and then got steeper, this got the lungs blowing and the pores exuded last nights very tasty Australian Pinor Noir. The clouds were coming and going and when they stayed it got cold but the narrow track continued.

Is that the top, of course not false top number 1

Above the clouds for now and onto a flatter boggy section before another short steep climb to the large mid cairn. Gun butts line the flanks but quite a few red grouse have survived so far. Then it repeats flat then steep. 

Finally summit in view, large cairn on left, cairn and trig on right

Finally the angle of gradient eases and the large cairn can be seen. The wind is bitter but the clear air gives fabulous views.

Red kites

I was glad to reach the sheltered trig to get a mid layer on. Also delighted to see a pair of red kites flying slowly and fairly close but the sun hindered my view of them. They seemed equally unconcerned with the buzzing ravens. Great views across Deeside but Lochnagar has heavy cloud cover.

Heading back to Mid cairn with Deeside countryside

Decided to just descend by the same route. I knew there was an easier less steep descent but as I was not sure where the track went no point. The descent was more awkward than the ascent as the steep path was full of loose stones/rocks and heel slipping dirt.

Back into the hanging clouds

Glad to get back through the lingering clouds. An excellent little Corbett and in good time.

Below clouds sun shining and after the moor lush fields looking down to the start

Although we have had a couple of poor days overall it has been a rewarding trip. This area never disappoints with plenty more unconquered hills so health permitting I will be back for years to come.

Wildlife: Red Squirrel; Red Kite; Red Grouse; Black Grouse; Meadow Pipit: Wheatear; Raven

Ascent: 674m

Distance: 7.7km

Time: 2.42

Another Graham for the good lady.....Geallaig Hill

Hill: Geallaig Hill (White one)

Type: Graham

Height: 743m

Another straight hill for the good lady with the prospect of good views. After yesterdays rain fest it was just nice to think about getting out. Yet another grouse moor but is there anything else around here?

So much for the forecast it was still heavy rain when we got up and continued mid morning before we decided to just go for it. It is great to be driving short distances and a new hill each time.

Instructive signs and they are different for each route

From the starting point near the small farm of Braenaloin it looks a fairly featureless hill. Looking around it is hard to believe that within a short distance a sizable population lived and farmed here. In fact the OS map has 'hut circles and field systems'. Now just sheep and grouse.

Track can be seen scarring the moor

As always my research picked out a hill for the good lady that has a track most of the way, this time it went all the way. 

Patchwork moor looking towards Mona Gowan

A pleasant walk in slightly damp conditions enjoying the sound of the grouse as they burst out from the heather. Not really a lot to say just walk slowly taking it in, the best views are looking back and did that a few times to give her a breather.

The final section is the steepest but levels off when we reach a fence. However, we met the clouds so the wind and rain had picked up with a significant drop in temperature. In fact the nearby Lochnagar forecast was for sleet but we were not quite that high.

Big cairn

The cairn came into view, not hard to see as it is another huge pile of stones. Looking down Balmoral Castle is not far away and estate track looks like it could go all the way there. So the likelihood is that this is another pile for Victorias coronation. 

Track all the way round the cairn

Oddly there is a well worn track in the heather circling the cairn, maybe a few rituals take place up here because it certainly won't be by the number of walkers bagging the Graham.

It is nor all moor, looking back to the start

There is an option to track back a bit and make it a circular route by following the obvious estate track across the lower tops but it ends with a long road walk so we opted to just go back the same way.

Amongst the heather, pretty but not sure what it is

Although the weather never really lifted there were still decent views on the descent and the bilberries were ready to be picked although most were tasteless, not enough sun recently, an issue for all of us.

Still an enjoyable short walk and just enough for the good lady. She enjoyed it and another Graham bagged for her, I doubt she will be focusing too much on that. Now time to head to  Ballater for coffee and cake, that will appeal more! 

Wildlife: Buzzard; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear; Raven; Golden Plover; Red Grouse

Ascent: 413m

Distance: 6.2km

Time: 2.08

The 'I'm on top of the world feeling'.....Ben Gulabin

Hill: Ben Gulabin (Hill of the Curlew)

Type: Corbett

Height: 806m

The day before the predicted storm and a free morning opened up for this quick but lung bursting hill. The initial section was up a steep estate track followed by an unrelentingly steep section almost to the top.

Do I go or do I pass?

Another crisp blue sky morning as I got myself ready to walk. Ominous was the sign at the start of the walk, real of fake news? If it was grouse shooting it could be on this hill, if deer probably going further inland. As it turned out it was real deal as after about 10 minutes on the track I was aware of a vehicle behind me. Turned out to be deer shooters, the two guys in the front friendly but presumably the paying guest in the back just glared at me so I just glared back. 

The Cairnwell on left other Munros on right

As I climbed the views were already superb looking up the winding road to The Cairnwell Munros. Plenty of short stops to take in the views.

Doesn;t look steep from camera, wrong.

It was now time to take on the steeper section which was now a muddy ATV track alongside the gun butts. Just as well the views were outstanding as I was taking plenty of short breath back pauses. On the right Glas Tulaichen dominates. I could hear the occasional stag roaring but they seemed quite far away. I was also listening for the sound of a high powered rifle but nothing, hopefully the wind was against them.

A golden eagle comes over the top and glides down low over the heather trying to spring a grouse but no luck as far as I could see. 

Finally the gradient relents and it is a pleasant stroll across to the summit and its small cairn. Checked the watch and 57 minutes to the top, surprised but pleased. 

Glas Tulaichean on left Cairnwell on right

The views don't disappoint and I can see far and wide. Beinn a 'Ghlo looks so close. All the Cairnwell Munros on both sides. Mayar and Dreish just superb. Time to just sit and enjoy this wilderness. 

Bowl of Glas Choire prominent

I regularly get good panoramas but days as good as this are relatively rare. I really feel like I am on top of the world and so lucky to be able to do this without any crowd around.

View down to Dulmunzie House

I took a stroll over to the far end and look down onto Dalmunzie House hotel and the surrounding slopes. The estate track that goes all the way to the summit of Glas Tulaichen is bright and a bit of a scar on the landscape.

I walk across to the subsidiary summit which is lower but has a much larger cairn. The views south are good but the low sunlight is bright and reduces the impact.

This looks truer than the ascent angle

Standing at the top of the steep section it looks a lot steeper from here but I certainly go down it quicker than I ascended. A kestrel is hovering, wings and tail constant movement to keep its station, but it moves on, no voles here.

Looking up the track presumably the deer shooter took

At the bottom I met a couple of guys with very big backpacks who were concerned about the shooting sign. They were going to jump off Guliban and paraglide around. I hope mister grumpy does not see them chasing away his deer, that would be a laugh.

What a morning everything a short walk can deliver. Now time for a shower and a walk in a glen hoping the good lady will hear some stags roaring.

Wildlife: Golden Eagle; Kestrel; Raven; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit.

Ascent: 507m

Distance: 7.4km

Time: 2.18