Hill: Beinn Mholach (Rough hill)
Type: Corbett
Height: 841m
There are two options for this remote hill, Loch Rannoch or Dalnaspidal. We opted for Dalnaspidal. A light drizzle and low clouds suggested another poor viewing day.
The walk begins by walking the length of Loch Garry, how low the water level is despite recent rain, clearly having minimal impact. A bike makes this tramp a lot shorter.A pleasant enough walk along an estate track only spoilt by the lack of long distance views. Initially hemmed in by Meall na Leitreach on one side and the Sow of Atholl on the other. Even if the weather had been better the target is well hidden.When the estate track ends it is now a grassy wet boggy moorland romp. There are some white posts as guidance but not to be fully relied on as I guess they are more pointers for the estates grouse feeding stations. This land only supports two things, blasting grouse out of the sky or stalking the deer. Both of which there were plenty around.
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| Duinish Bothy hopefully not required today |
Another estate track is joined and we cross a modern bridge, the old one nearby looks better but clearly not fit for modern estate machinery. |
| Head for the hill from here |
Soon it is time to branch off and head up a wet grassy moor heading at for the prominent ridge of Creag nan Gabhar, well it would be prominent if it wasn't in cloud but we knew where it was. Luckily I spotted movement and a herd of 50+ red deer who had also spotted us and decided to take a runner but still an impressive sight. |
| The ridge certainly not drier |
Once on top there was a 2km high level walk. Lots of ups and downs and lots of large peat hags. All done with minimal visibility as well and truly in the clag.They say you can see the huge cairn from far away but today was certainly not far away.  |
| For a few seconds the cairn showed itself |
It appeared then disappeared. A few more downs and ups and finally there it was. Still in the clouds so lunch taken and for once recently the weather gods began to relent and wispy views appeared and disappeared. But the views lasted longer than the blanks and the stunning rugged landscape of the moor could be enjoyed. Lochs Ericht and Rannoch shimmered, two sides of the triangle from up here. But remote, remote and remoter. Just wilderness, no cottages, no nothing, not a place to get lost or injured. |
| Heading back to Loch Garry |
The descent was a retracing of the ascent route but thankfully the cloud had lifted enough to give views to enjoy. Red grouse were rising everywhere I cannot recall a walk where I seen so many. Deer could be seen and smelt. Droppings were steaming and fresh and there aroma was at times so intense that they must have crossed us very recently. |
| Sun coming out over Dalnaspidal |
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| But looking back more rain clouds rolling over |
A long but enjoyable walk as time passed quickly with good conversation. A walk of two halves. It would have been disappointing to have missed out on the views totally but at least the second half did not disappoint. Ascent: 658m
Distance: 24.7km
Time: 7.11
Wildlife: Red Grouse; Red Deer; Meadow Pipit; Kestrel
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