More ice dancing than maypole dancing on May 1st.....Beinn Udlaidh & Beinn Bhreac-Liath

Hill: Beinn Udlaidh (gloomy hill) (840m) & Beinn Bhreac-liath (Speckled grey hill) (802m)

Type: Corbett x2

It was May day which many see as the first day of spring, dancing round the maypole etc. Didn't quite seem that way on my very early morning drive through the Loch Lomond area as newly dusted snow tops hinted at a very different time of year, made me shiver looking at the tops.

I was looking forward to todays walk but now wondering what we were going to face weather wise. The forecast was for regular showers and at our top altitude possibly sleet or snow.

Beinn Bhreac-Liath from start, Beinn Udlaidh off to the right

An early start and the cars heading north passing Loch Lomond  at just after 7am showed how popular the countryside was going to be today.

The SMC book kind of dismisses these two hills, not even a full page. A short description head up the burn then bear more steeply onto the ridge. Right, I can tell you they deserve much more. Whichever hill you choose to ascend first you have a very steep and very long pull up. These hills don't take prisoners.

Steep, steeper and steep again slopes of Udlaidh

We started with Beinn Udlaidh, a wise choice for two reasons explained later. After walking through the wooded area we reached the parched burn before going through a deer fence gate and after that. Well just start walking uphill and keep walking uphill etc, there is no relief until almost at the top. At least the ground is reasonable walking, far better than if you started with the other one. 

Quartzite rock formation

There is also the line of quartzite rock forming a dyke which is a main feature of this harshly named dull/gloomy hill. A good reason to stop, look, take in the views and just take a rest.

Top around here somewhere

As I plodded up the hill the sweat was running down my face but the skies suggested things would soon change and they did. Sods law, very close to the summit the first full on snowstorm. No sleet, no hail, this was the real stuff heavy snow and lying. When the skies relented the views were excellent but so much better when we reached the 2nd top. On Udlaidh the grand old summit cairn has been removed and now only a small pile of stones marks the spot.

Tyndrum Munros Ben Lui right of centre, Oss to the left of it

Food break minimalised we all geared up with our worst weather gear, remember this is Mayday! If we had done the round clockwise we would have had the snow storm driving into our faces so a good choice meant we had it at our back.

Mighty impressive Coire Ghamhnaim

Careful navigation required in this poor visibility. There as some potentially deadly drops into Coire Ghamhnaim, as we descended the 300m drop to the bealach and then our next deer fence, through the gate and then plodded up more snow covered grassy slopes. 

Beinn Udlaidh and our descent via the crags on left

Thankfully the weather cleared and we decided to have our food break, good, I needed some nutrition. No cooked breakfast today just a banana before the start and light grazing as we climbed.

As we ate we enjoyed the views into the Coire and back up the snow covered descent. Good views over to Ben Lui and the other Tyndrum Munros. Refreshed and nourished we headed up the grassy slopes, at least we had got half way up these slopes before eating. 

Fast ones get to ridge first

So a shorter ascent and then we reached the flat plateau before heading to the small cairn summit of Beinn Bhreac-Liath, 2nd Corbett achieved.

Beinn Dorain on left

Another break in the weather as the clouds closed in and moved away to give brief and longer views of the beautiful landscape. Just stunning how many Munros and Corbetts can be seen in a 360 degree panorama. I don't know the answer but it is plenty, it really is special and the snow coverings just improve the vista. All 4 points of the compass and all you see are hills and tops, stunning, we are so privileged to have this beautiful landscape and thank god we can get out and enjoy it. As fine a viewpoint of the peaks of the Southern Highlands as you could ask for. 

Beinn Odhar & other Corbetts

Looking across the Corbett Odhar looks a long steep slog from this side, worthy of many a Munro. Indeed for the super fit there is a 5 Corbett traverse of the these hills but too tough for me. Probably a 3 and a twosome.

Long plateau with Dorain peaking up.

Back here a long broad plateau is walked before starting the descent. Fantastic with the constantly changing conditions and light. 

Just about to start descending with the road to Glencoe and Loch Tulla

But yet another deer fence is reached, this one with no gate so a climb is the only solution. why have all the other ones got a gate and on the walkers route this has none?

All safely climbed over and it left a long grassy downhill section. The grass is quite deep and clumpy so walking is awkward. Another good reason to do the round anti clockwise. 

Cottage in cleared horseshoe

About two thirds of the way down the cottage at Invergaunan comes into view. A slight alteration of direction and we head straight for it and our finish.

An excellent walk, super company, fantastic views, mixed weather but a super day out. After 12 hills in 7 days it is time for a few days rest before my next trip.

Ascent: 997m

Distance: 13.5km

Time: 5.37

Wildlife: Hare; Osprey; Meadow Pipit, Cuckoo & Woodpecker (heard).