Surprisingly snowy up top.....Beinn Stacath

Hill: Beinn Stacath

Type: Corbett

Height: 771m

The forecast was good for a ramble but the recent snow made the choice a little easier, opting for a grassy slope that did not have a long peat bog crossing.

As we drove towards the hill we were surprised at just how much snow was on Ben Ledi this could prove more interesting.

Snowy top peaking straight ahead

Managed to squeeze into the small parking area and off we went along the boggy right of way to Brig o'Turk. It would certainly be more straightforward to use the estate track on the other side but out of bounds.

Fully in sight

It does not take too long before the lower slopes are in view but still a few kilometres to go before we reach it.

We crossed the river and headed for the whaleback

Finally time to cross the river which was straightforward but on the other side at the farm buildings were a herd of cattle with calves. Some of the calves were pretty lively so a detour away from them towards the base of the climb.

Now all that remained was a long slow climb up the grassy slopes with many, many false promises. Still the gradient was kind. The views around us were improving as we climbed along with a significant drop in temperature thanks to a strong north wind. Although the weather was fine it was not the expected blue sky and sunshine.

Snow line in sight

Superb light

We reached the snow line but compared to Ben Ledi this was patchy soft snow. Slippy to walk on at times but not an issue. 

Summit ridge finally spotted

Still very cold up here

After we crossed the small patch of peat hags it was surprising to see the summit still quite a bit away. Although we were in no hurry it would be around 30 minutes more than I predicted to summit.

More ups and downs and then the flat top was reached beside the rotting iron fence posts.

To be fair this top has pretty stunning views, far better than I expected. The Inverlochlarig tops dominated by Ben More. All the way down the ridge to Ben Lomond. Lawers Hills and all the nearby Trossachs stuff. On a day like this with snow topping most of them pretty dammed special.

Where's the Coos?

We descended on a more direct route but nearing the river we noticed the coos had moved to  now be in our way. So another version via the cow poo covered buildings. We had been spotted but they did not come our way. Using the humps to hide us we got back to our river crossing and then an uneventful trek back to the car.

Final stretch dominated by Beinn an t-Sidhein

A very pleasant relaxed ramble in fine surroundings, what's not to like.

Ascent: 705m

Distance: 13.5km

Time: 5.39

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Raven; Common Lizard; Red Squirell,