Hill: Glas Tulaichean (Green knolls)
Type: Munro
Height: 1051m
I was later in setting off but wanted to make use of the glorious forecast over few days. Opted for a single Munro that I was passing. It can be made into a double or even a treble but I suspected it was going to be far too hot for that.
As I was running late I parked at the exclusive hotel where they give you the privilege of parking with the guests for a fiver. Saved 3 miles of walking important on a hot day.
Headed
up the road where Walkhighlands says continue through the farm. A
very old jeep with a pleasant young girl stopped and asked me if I
was a guest of the farm cottages. Negative reply so I was encouraged
to walk back a bit and follow the old railway sign. So I did and as I
walked back she could not get her clapped out jeep to start, karma I
thought.No go houses into field on left
On the old track which simply circles below the properties and re-joined the existing track.
This is one of the very few Munros where you could follow the estate track all the way to the trig.
After
a short walk through the glen a sign asks you to leave this, head up
a grassy section and rejoin the old railway track which looks down on
the estate one. Nice soft grassy walking, occasionally wet but today
fine. It was hot though. Finally you have to descend to rejoin the
estate track but there is a burn to cross. Not that easy even in
these dry conditions so it could be fun at other times.Old railway track scarred track ahead
After
that it is simply a slog following the estate track. Initially steep
sections that got me huffing and puffing but before long there were
good views on my left over Beinn a’Ghlo hills.2 of the 3 Beinn a'Ghlo circuit
But
really in the early stages not a lot to look at until a cairn is
reached which gives a view of the target including the unsightly
track. I suppose it is up to each individual whether they approve of
these tracks but cannot slag them as I am using it.Not sure why a cairn here but 1st view of the top
Then
the hill comes alive with people. My dodgy eyes could not confirm if
it was people or a fence I could see near the summit. As it turned
out it was a junction of people some ascending and some descending. A
group of 5 came by descending but barely an acknowledgement, strange
people. Then a couple from England who stopped for a chat, there 1st
Munro. Whilst we were talking another 3 came by with only one
nodding.Stick figures at top of the track
As I neared the top there was a small cairn with a worn track. What off roading? I decided to take it and for a short section I was proper hillwalking lol.
Reached
the trig and to be fair the panoramic views were absolutely
excellent. 2 hours 10, happy with that. Just over from the trig 5
youngsters who again made no eye contact, must have forgotten the
aftershave!!Nice view from the trig
Carn a Righ Beinn Iutharn Mor on right
Excellent
views of the other two Munros but definitely a stretch too far today
in these heat. I reckon they would double the ascent and add about
another 10-12k to the distance.Beinn Iutharn Mor on left and Loch nan Euan with An Socath behind it
It
was actually breezy up top but as I started my descent the heat built
up. Rather than go back via the old railway I stuck to the estate
track and found out why they recommend the old railway. You have to
cross 3 fords. Just like the one on the ascent all three were just on
the line. Quite wide water with a few balancing strides on rocks but
avoided wet feet. Again in other conditions these could be
interesting.Follow track again, hard stuff!!
With
hills on either side the heat was oppressive. Not sweating on the low
level track but feeling that the body was overheating, it was a full
on warm one. Water from the water sac being used to douse my head and
from the burns the hat got a good soaking.Old railway track on left contouring hill
Back
at the car and took a small bounty bar out of the rucksack, it was
almost melted. When I drove the car away from the hotel the temp was
showing as 28deg, for walking in Scotland that is hot.Common Blue
A good walk but priorities now are a shower and then cold beer time.
Ascent: 702m
Distance: 16.7k
Time: 4.19
Wildlife: Buzzard; Wheatear; Skylark; Wood pigeon; Dark green fritilary; Small Heath; Common Blue
No comments:
Post a Comment