An unrelenting ascent on a hard track and nae view.....Mullach Clach a'Bhlair

Hill: Mullach Clach a’Bhlair (The summit of the stony plain)

Type: Munro

Height: 1017m

Third time lucky for this ramble. Twice this year I have been in the area planning to do this but on both occasions there had been torrential rain. The problem for me as a solo walker was the two burns that have to be crossed. In spate conditions one at least is considered dangerous, so safety first I left them to another day. I remembered that one of the Glenmore Lodge instructors posted an interesting report when she got caught on the far side with the water levels too high to risk, even the experts get caught out. 

Yesterday the hills were covered in cloud but today's forecast was promising cloud free summit from 9am onward, better get cracking.

Driving to the starting point I could see my target which disappointingly was covered in thick cloud!

The walk is in two parts. It starts with a long walk in to the bottom of the hill. Then an estate track takes you all the way up.

In recent years the River Feshie has suffered from two major floods resulting in some of the original track having been washed away. Warning, the Walkhighlands map follows the old route but the narrative is correct. Even so there are a few points where you could go wrong and have to backtrack.

1st burn snapped on the way back. Its width could be the issue in deep fast flowing water.

I reached the 1^st burn and it is easy to see how it could be dangerous width its width. Even today feet had to go under the water for a couple of steps.

Nearly missed the cut off

An example of River Feshie landslip

Burn 2 on the descent. Deeper and rocky could be a serious challenge in deep fast running water

The track is undulating over fairly open country before the 2^nd burn is reached. Not as wide but deeper today and again easy to see how it could be troublesome.

Then the forest section, lots of short ups and downs and a few false tracks to mislead.

Then I reached the fork where I turned left and stage 2 begins. Five kilometers of ascent with 700m gained.

The terrain is now a hard packed stony track that starts with a fairly brutal gradient that just goes on and on. I knew what my tactic was, simply head down, very slow steps, getting in that rhythm where I just grind it out without stopping.

Bikers ahead the top was clearer at this point

On one of my infrequent glances of what lay ahead I spotted a flash of blue. Turned out it was 2 MTB riders who were pushing their bikes. My tactic was working for me and I soon caught them, had a chat then moved on.

Getting closer to the top cloud coming and going

The gradient was ‘slightly easier’ but the cloud was now hovering around 800m with no signs of it moving but you never know.

When I reached the viewpoint, where you can look into the only real view of the climb, Coire Gharblach, I was looking into cloudy mist, maybe on the return.

With a whoopee I reached the flat of the plateau but there is still a bit to go with the positive that I could get off the hard pack onto softer grassy terrain, my feet were very happy.

Lots of tracks crossing the plateau but this is the one

Out of the gloom

Heading up the small hump to the summit the clouds lifted, I saw the small cairn, there was warmth and 30 seconds later it was gone.

Just a plateau and in the mist so decided I would go back to viewpoint for my food break, ever optimistic.

Met the bikers had another chat before going to the viewpoint. Sadly the clouds had not lifted and indeed seemed to be descending along with me.

Descending now below the clouds it was a nice day

Passed 3 more groups ascending but a very quiet Munro for a weekend.

Just before burn 2 on the descent the power of the flood and its devastation is huge. The water is out of sight just below the trees so see how wide it can get

Just wandered back the same way taking in the views down to Feshie Lodge and the wild terrain behind it. Through the tree section the track was dotted with Pine Martin scat, purple and blue the blaeberries abundant.

This Meadow Pipit kept posing so I had to take its photo

My legs were aching when I reached the parking area, but a was lot cooler as it had drizzled for the last half an hour, job done.

I was glad I got third time lucky despite no views from the top. For a single Munro it is a long round trip and although not the biggest ascent the constant aspect of it makes it a long slog, a wee toughie.

Ascent: 861m

Distance: 22.61km

Time: 6.03

Wildlife: Redpoll; Meadow Pipit; Siskin; Golden Plover; Blue Tit; Crossbill;