It certainly was not scorching on Beinn an Dothaidh

Hill: Beinn an Dothaidh ( Hill of the scorching )

Type: Munro

Height: 1004m

This was the last day of my mini trip and i wanted a short half day outing close to my digs. The decision was relatively easy as I had Dothaidh on my list for some time. The last time I was here we had such bad weather we retreated after Dorain and did not do the double.

As I packed the car this morning it was bright blue skies but also a lot cooler than yesterday. Ben More could be seen in full profile so no cloud issues. Just after 8am I parked up at the bridge of Orchy hotel, only one other car and nobody about, normally this is a busy place but more on that later.

Dry track today, Dothaidh on left

The initial walk is a long gradual rise in pleasant surroundings. The last time I was here this lower section was a real messy boggy trudge. Today it was still a very eroded path but lots of work has been done particularly the amount of stone added. 

Heading for low point, avalanche crags mid left

I was in a good rhythm a slow but steady plod so the distance was covered without effort and before long I was entering the grandeur of Coire an Dothaidh, I have always liked this spot. A couple of years back the Oban Mountain rescue team were training in the Coire and got avalanched. Thankfully nobody was badly injured but accidents on the hills do also happen to the most experienced. 

No snow today but the terrain is the worst of the walk, ascending via boulders, scree, loose rocks and stones. Very awkward I didn't want another accident so slower going.

When I reached the cairn at the bealach I turned and looked back and could only see one other person ascending, another quiet day. 

Good track for a while

The track is clear and obvious to my left which climbs via some hands on rocky sections to reach the plateau. there are already good views into Glen Lyon.

Despite the good weather the plateau is still a boggy walk, feet going deep into the mud and soggy terrain but it does not last for long.

Crianlarich Munros from Ben More furthest left

There are a couple of tracks but I headed for the most direct ascent to the middle top  knowing I would be circling round the all three of Dothaidh's summit tops. 

Pt 993m Crianlarich Munros far horizon

When the summit ridge is reached, first go right to point 993m where there are fabulous views into the glens and there are many Munros showing their tops.

Backtrack a bit and take the short walk up to the highest point where even better views are to be had northwards over the remote and wild Rannoch Moor. Sadly a haze stops me seeing Big Ben but I know it is there. 

Achaladair from Dothaidh

The wind has got up and I don't feel the cold easily but it is absolutely bitter. If this had been autumn you would have said winters coming, it is only June! The closest mountain in view from this top is Beinn Achaladair which although it is only 30m higher, it looks massive. The views into the surrounding corries below are also impressive, an excellent viewpoint.

Plateau to north top

zoomed to mountains behind

No hanging about for too long as I wandered across the wide flat top to the big westerly cairn where if anything the best views of the day. 

Loch Tulla

All the Mounth hills prominent but looking down to Loch Tulla and watching the traffic heading north, miniature vehicles. The might Stob Ghabhar dominates, a very good spot indeed.

Looking back to Bridge of Orchy

A straightforward descent back down the same route. Talking to the few bodies coming up. Taking great care on the scree sections but safely down.

Marsh orchid

I had been looking forward to a coffee and scone at the hotel before driving home but its doors were still closed with walkers milling around. A sign said a positive Covid test had closed it for a few days for deep cleaning. Plenty of West Highland Way walkers were arriving looking for refreshments. I hope they were stocked up because there is absolutely nowhere else until either Glencoe area or Tyndrum to get refreshments. A tough one.

Common Frog

Still for me an excellent walk, really enjoyed it and time for home, wished I was staying longer. 

Ascent: 914m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 3.51

Wildlife: Raven; Meadow Pipit; Common frog; Golden Ringed dragon fly.

Will I get a view or not?.....Beinn Chuirn

Hill: Beinn Chuirn ( The cairn hill )

Type: Corbett

Height: 880m

The weather forecast was just as grim this morning, particularly for late morning/lunch so a change of plan to do the nearby Corbett to see if I could get up and down before any inclement weather.

Choice of paths at the start, go for the middle one

I started from the normal spot at Dalrigh, not as many cars around as I thought there would be. An overcast low cloud morning but very humid and the midgies already out and about. This time I am armed with not one but two sprays lol.

A long straightforward walk along the Cononish gold mine vehicle track. It was all very quiet, just the birdsong. A couple were walking ahead the only people I spotted until my return walk.

Mine scars ahead plus Chuirn covered in cloud

Before long Chuirn comes into view, covered in cloud along with the mine. The gold mine buildings are a distinctive unsightly scar on the hillside of Chuirn. The track goes past Cononish farm. I presume this has been sold to the mine as I have walked for an hour and there is a distinct lack of livestock around.

There is another deep scar, the Eas Anie's very deep gorge and waterfall although it was only a trickle today. However, you would not want to accidently walk into the gorge when descending.

View as you leave the track, camera flattens the gradient

Finally after just over an hour along the track I reached the small cairn to turn off. The couple still walking so presumably the cloud hidden Ben Lui their destination.

A faint track soon lost so just take a straight line and head up. The grass is short and the ground hard so better going than expected. After a couple of hundered metres I come across the track again and follow it up to the moor at roughly 600m. 

On the flatter plateau

The ground is now boggier but still reasonable as I head NW to cross the burn at a higher point. The burn is so low that there were many crossing options but on another day the fast flowing burn could be more problematic.

Looking back Oss & Lui

Despite the cloud swirling around the surrounding hills I still had a clear line of sight so delighted. Ben Lui coming and going nice views. 

Close up of the cloud cling to slopes of Oss

Ditto looking back to Ben Oss.

No real difficulty on this section just keep heading upwards but it is a Corbett so the top always seem that bit further away no matter the progress made.

No come back if you take the wrong step it just appears

Reached the top ridge, found another track which skirts within a foot of a precipitous drop down a gully into the cloud covered Coire na Saobhaidhe, A cautious look over the edge, a dramatic view indeed, it would be pretty impressive without the cloud. That could be a real danger in bleak conditions.

The Munro tops showing themselves

Also some Tyndrum Corbetts appearing

From the top there were special atmospheric views as all the Munro tops along Glen Dochart, Lawers range and even Schiehallion were poking their heads through the clouds. Blue skies are good but this is spectacular for a change. 

Oss & Lui from summit

OLd fence, Ben Lawers biggie on left

For a minute the 3 Munro tops of Dhubcraig, Oss and Lui had shed their cloud shrouds but only for a minute before normal service resumed.

Dhubcraig and the ridge to Oss, hopefully ascend them soon

Disappointingly my stay at the top only lasted minutes as the low clouds were coming down from the north slowly swirling around both flanks. I had got lucky with the ascent but now it was time to descend.

Typical of day about to be engulfed by another cloud

Simply retraced my steps, the moor section poor visibility but visibility improved again when I reached the 600m mark. The track could be seen winding its way back to Dalrigh.

The long track back to Dalrigh

When I reached the track the rain came on, light but constant all the way back, so my early start was rewarded.

The pitter patter of rain hitting my hood accompanied me on the long walk back. The track is alongside the River Cononish which is on its bones, it will be glad to be filled up a bit. The last time I saw this river it was a full on raging torrent in spate, how times change.

On the way back I reflected that although it was a last minute change I had really enjoyed the walk. Now time for coffee and cake somewhere.

Ascent: 734m

Distance: 16.9k

Time: 4.33

Wildlife: Buzzard: Chaffinch; Meadow Pipit; Wren; Ringed Plover.

Third time lucky....Meall Buidhe.....Glen Ogle

Hill: Meall Buidhe, Glen Ogle ( Yellow Hill)

Type: Graham

Height: 719m

On my way to a planned trip I was looking for a quick up and down hill and decided to travel via Glen Ogle to tackle this hill at the 3rd attempt. On the previous two occasions I was intending to stop off on my way home but the weather was awful both times. Not a walk to bother about without the views unless you are a don't care less bagger and to be fair there are a few of them around. This time the forecast looked good for everywhere in Scotland apart from this section which was forecast for showers and yes they arrived. The annoying thing was that 10 miles down the road Tyndrum had no rain at all, that's showers for you.

Although this is categorised as a Graham the starting point is at the top of Glen Ogle thus giving a head start so an easy walk. 

Ferns here had grown to head height

At the start the track starts beside the car park and the ferns had grown much taller here than recent hills but luckily I was not wading through them. Food for thought for planning future walks.

There is an aerial mast about two thirds of the way up the hill so unless you are a masochist and want to go cross country the service road is the one to take. This zig zags its way up the hillside making progress even easier. 

1st view of the crags at the mast

Initially the track meanders through trees but then opens up to give you a view of the mast. 

Almost out of the plantation

Further on the track escapes the trees giving good views which become better as you ascend. The clouds were rolling over but no rain yet.

High point Meall Buidhe from the mast just pick a route

From the mast the cairn can be seen but the terrain in between is full on moorland, not D&G tussocks but not far off. The walking was awkward but not difficult. There was the occasional very deep hole to keep me wary but mainly it was heather and sphagnum bogs. 

Typical peat hag moor

After about a kilometre the ridge was reached and surprise, surprise on came the rain. I had swapped to my light rucksack and had put in a waterproof jacket but not the trousers, so wet shorts!!

The big cairn as a shower passes

Once on top there are two of cairns, oddly the smallest being the high point. 

Looking down Glen Ogle towards Lochearnhead

Slightly further west there is a more substantial cairn which would normally give good views down into Glen Ogle but for me atmospheric would be a better description as the clouds prevented downwards looking, still not bad.

It had been a short walk and I was feeling good so rather than return the same way I decided to head along the ridge to the north top of Beinn Leabhainn. Strongly recommended as even in these conditions the views are so much better and on a good day would be quite stunning.

The traverse is not all ridge, there is a descent into more very wet bog but thankfully short lived before heading up the ridge again, once on top the cairn is in sight. Fresh deer and grouse droppings around but no live ones spotted.

Killin with Lawers range behind

Loch Tay

As you head towards the cairn good views of the Lawers hills directly ahead and to the east Loch Tay opening out more and more. 

Looking West up Glen Dochart to Tyndrum

From the cairn the full vista also covers the Tyndrum hills and closer the Munros along Glen Dochart. Pretty dammed good but would be fabulous with the air clarity I had on Dun Rig.

Mast ahead

From here the top of the aerial can just be seen peaking over the horizon. Easy navigation and an easy descent albeit along more poor walking terrain but the aerial mast is soon reached.

Winding track back to the start

To finish just follow the track back to the car. A young couple passed me heading up, the only people seen on the hill all day. 

Back at the car the humidity had brought out the midgies and they were having a feast with me on the menu. I had midge spray in the main rucksack but I was getting so many bites that I abandoned trying to find it. Simply jumped into the car and drove away with the windows open hoping they would be blown out. Maybe some did but others lived to continue the feast.

An enjoyable walk and definitely a small hill to return to when the weather allows the views to be enjoyed in full.

Annoyingly when I got to my digs and checked the weather forecast for tomorrow it had changed and was very poor indeed. I had planned to kickstart my Munro count with a Dalmally double but the forecast was predicting heavy rain and very poor visibility by lunchtime, so a rethink required. Next blog will tell what happened.

Ascent: 474m

Distance: 9.1km

Time: 2.28

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Blue Tit; Meadow Pipit; Small Heath

Rollercoaster circuit of Dun Rig

Hill: Dun Rig (Dull brown Ridge) (744m); Birkscairn Hill (Cairn above Birks(farm)) (661m): Glenrath Heights (heights above Glenrath farm) (732m): Stob Law (no known name) (676m)

Type: Graham x1, Donald x4

Another opportunity from my Edinburger trip to detour on the way home this time and save adding mileage to busy milometer on the car. Time to complete the long Dun Rig horseshoe. 

The star of the bunch is Dun Rig which is a Graham and the highest point of the Manor hills. Alongside the walk is a horseshoe collecting another 3 Donalds. Planning stage and this is a long walk as unfortunately all the bagging hills are at the far end of the horseshoe. The plus side is that it is a long walk in beautiful rolling border hills so embrace and enjoy. I was tempted to do this last week with some friends but the forecast was rubbish, glad I waited.

Looking back to Peebles shortly after the start

Today the forecast was good with blue skies overhead when I started the walk from the traditional spot at the end of Glen road. In my planning I debated the less reported anti clockwise route but ultimately stuck with convention. There were no wind issues to factor in so off I went, another test for the recovering legs.

It is a long walk in with quite a few ups and downs before the first Donald of Birkscairn Hill is reached. I followed the old drove road which is a cracking start but the climbing starts almost immediately. It was early morning but before long the I was dripping, boy was it warm. In the early morning light a stunning russet coloured field hare briefly appeared and disappeared. 

The high level walk ahead with Dun Rig centre

It did not take long before the views opened out and I had an option to go over or round Craig Head. On a better fitness day I would have gone over but still tired legs I followed the drove road round around the hill There will be enough climbing ahead. The signpost warned of coos which were spotted but not interested in me.

Cardrona forest on the left, track up to Kirkhope and Birkscairn behind centre

The drove road continued beside the forest with excellent views of the horseshoe ahead. A few more ups and downs before the long pull up Birkscairn Hill and its big cairn. I was having a break and eating my banana when I heard a snort and a springer spaniel appeared beside me. Its owner said a brief hello before jumping the fence and headed off downwards towards Birks Hill, He was the only person I saw all day.

Dun Rig ahead from Birkscairn, Glenrath behind on right

Off now with a clear view of the fence ahead that would lead me to the peat hags and then Dun Rig. The ground was as dry as it probably could be but no doubt that this section from here to Huddlestone Heights could be a significantly different/harder walk with the hags and sphagnum bog terrain.

Dun Rig trig

Dun Rig trig reached without incident, just under 3 hours, pleased with that. Another food break, a good scotch egg and take in the views. 

Half way view back from Pt713m

The horseshoe heads further south, following the high ground, before turning round to head for home and the next Donald of Glengarth Heights. This section had some serious hags here. Even in the very dry conditions my feet were breaking the crust and sinking in quite deep, the joys it could be after a prolonged wet spell!

A raven flies over, the first and only corvid spotted today and on Windlestraw circuit the other day.

Heading back now Glenrath Heights ahead with Stob Law back left

After the turn another fence to follow, plodding slowly up the slopes of Glengarth Heights with one eye looking at a top over to the far left which my mind was in no doubt, that was the spur of Stob Law. 

Glenrath summit looking to Drumelzier hills

Excellent views particularly to the western hills of Coulter, Tinto and the Drumelzier hills. No jagged peaks but still a special view.

Looking to Stob Law

When I reached Broom/Middle Hill the motivation to do an out and back to the final Donald of Stob Law was low but it had to be done. The descent was steep and when I reached the col it was rucksack off and followed the track to Stob Law, a strange feeling climbing a hill without the weight of a rucksack. 

The flatlands of Stob Law

Stob Law is a flat top with not a lot going for it, a few stones make up the cairn, it feels appropriate for the runt of the round. The descent however does give good views down into a deep valley on my left with some featuring crags interesting named 'Bleak Hope'.

The return to Broom Hill a lot steeper than the snap makes it look

I was feeling a bit bleak myself as I collected my rucksack for the return ascent to Broom Hill. A single wild raspberry was growing beside it. To eat it or not. I decided I would let it seed and maybe some future nutrition for Donald dafties. This was easily the steepest gradient of the walk so just kept muttering 'its the last climb' over and over.

Now really heading for home via Huddlestone Heights. Another moorland section strewn with hags and bogs, the softest terrain of the walk. A clutch of red grouse fledging's burst from cover, fun to see. 

Huddlestone Heights, Pentland Hills in background

Finally the last high point, Huddlestone Heights, a non status hill but it has a trig and more superb views of the horseshoe I have just walked in its entirety. There was a cooling breeze and the air quality was so clear I could see the Bass Rock and even further afield across the Forth the multi stories at Kirkcaldy and behind them the Lomond Hills. Makes all the effort worth while.

All that was left was the very long walk back out. From the trig there is an ATV track which follows the broad ridge of Dead Side passing more gun butts. Nothing left other than to enjoy the walk and take in the views. 

Raven trap

Near the old settlements I came across a raven trap. Clearly not in use at present but might explain the lack of birds seen. 

An excellent walk particularly with the weather but it was certainly a roller coaster of a walk, confirmed when I looked at the GPS profile. It would be a shame to do this on a cloudy day and miss out on the views. I would certainly do it again but miss out the spur, don't need to bag it twice lol.

Just two to go for a Donald completion, that will be July's task.

Ascent: 1068m

Distance: 24.7km

Time: 6.27

Wildlife: Field Hare; Woodpecker (pair), Pheasant, Buzzard. Raven. Blackbird, Jay (heard), Cuckoo (heard), Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Red Grouse chicks, Small heath butterfly,