A fun bike/hike.....Beinn Dearg (Atholl)

Hill: Beinn Dearg (Red Mountain)

Type: Munro

Height: 1008m

The forecast for today had varied dramatically over the last 72 hours. 3 days ago torrential rain & strong winds. 2 days ago showers & strong winds. Yesterday blue skies & strong winds. I woke very early, looked out the window, low grey clouds scudding across the sky, back to bed. Up for real, looked out, higher clouds still scudding across, brighter outlook, go for it.

From the planning stage I had this pencilled, no inked in, as a bike/hike. Decision backed up by a torn medial calf muscle 3 weeks ago which meant I did not fancy a forced march for almost 30 kilometres. It had improved but it was far from normal so if it strained again it could be a long, painful hobble back. So no debate bike/hike it was.

Although I was an early starter I was surprised that only 3 other vehicles at the car park.

On the road, literally, for a short section before hitting the track through the trees, a lovely early morning setting.

From reports I knew that there was a gate to access the moor and my only concern was would I get the bike through it, kissing gates are a no no for a bulky ebike. Main gate locked but thankfully there was a normal side gate that I could squeeze it through.

Not even any sheep

Now onto the old land rover track where there was a fair amount of climbing for a heavy MTB so the battery power was used more than I wanted but hey that’s what I bought it for.

I cycled with the Banvie Burn on my left along with the vast open moorland but the track required full concentration so viewing was limited unless I stopped. A pity as this was my first visit to Glen Banvie.

View back towards Blair Atholl

The track ahead

Reached the large Lady March cairn which has no significance other than a rich persons picnic spot. Stood around and took in the long desolate moorland, really glad I was not walking this.

Beinn Dearg pointed top in centre

Just before the 4 mile mark I got my 1^st sighting of the huge boulder cairn at the summit of Beinn Dearg. I would not see it again until I was on the top plateau towards the end of the walk.

From the cairn it was more rolling with some ups and downs, battery power on and off.

Picturesque bothy

There is a final fast drop of 60m to the bothy. This descent tested the brakes and my bike skills, everything bouncing and juddering and trying not to fall off with the many boulders kicking the bike sideways and potentially off the track. Still, it got the adrenalin going, good fun.

At the bothy I spoke to a couple who had overnighted and were about to walk back to Blair Atholl. Said it was very peaceful place to spend the night.

Corbett of Beinn Mheadhonach directly ahead

Start of zig zags

I had originally planned to leave the bike at the bothy but with the deteriorating forecast for the afternoon I cycled further on to the start of the zig zags. Before that I had a wee bike push across the burn, glad it was not running deeper.

The track up the zig zags was in good condition and the gradient was not too bad at all, views behind opening up for my brief respites.

Been a while since I spotted the top

The final section was a straight line up to the plateau. Just before reaching the plateau I spotted the summit which came into view on my left. On the plateau I stuck to the high path, just one boggy section with deer prints deep in the mud.

The predicted wind for the top was 30mph gusting to 45mph and it felt every bit like it. Luckily it was mostly behind for my final ascent. Spoke to a walker coming off the top, another bike/hiker,who told me it was worse on the summit. Why do people constantly do that, do they think I will turn back?

The boulder strewn rocks were sandy and the top occasionally gave gave an insight of what might be viewed in the right light for the named red hill. Ptarmigan droppings around the boulders but never spotted one.

Impressive trig

View north towards the Cairngorms and a lot of nothing

Reached the top, 2.35 from the start which I was delighted with. No 10 hour walking day today. Although with the wind I did not hang about, a few snaps and gone. To be fair one gust did almost knock me off my feet. 

Bottom of zig zag. On left track via Glen Tilt if doing a circular route

Happy to see bike still there

Back the same way into the face of the wind so very glad to be off the plateau, descending on the zig zags and back to the bike. I had not eaten since my brief stop earlier so cycled back to the bothy for a pleasant break, minimal wind and some warmth in this sheltered spot.

The track up from Glen Tilt and a quarry

The return cycle was obviously more downhill so fast and fun, full concentration very much still required.

When I was back into the woods I diverted from the ascent route and followed a couple of marked trails. I had made good time and was happy cycling about the woods before heading back to the start.

Apart from the distance it is as straightforward a Munro as you get.

It was only when I got back to the parking area that I noticed it was now an electronic pay car park, I hadn't paid so wondered if I would get fined?

A cracking bike hike which delivered everything I wanted from this outing. A bit less wind would have been nice, it is meant to be summer after all!!

Ascent: 1187m

Distance: 34.1km

Time: 4.55

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark; Chaffinch

More straightforward than expected.....Ben Lui circuit

Hill: Ben Lui (Calf Hill) (1130m) Beinn a’ Chleibh (Hill of the Creel) (916m)

Type: Munro x2

A month or so back, on a beautiful day, I drove towards Tyndrum and over on our left Ben Lui looked stunning, every bit a pointed Alpine peak. I remarked to the good lady that I was negligent to have not bagged this peak already. I reflected on why this should be as it was on my original 100 list. The main considerations were to do Ben Lui as a solo from Dalrigh or both with the day being potentially stopped in its tracks if the River Lochy was running too high to be safely crossed. The river crossing was the main deterrent.

So onto the new to-do list it went.

A month or so later the opportunity arose and my decision was to do Ben Lui as a solo by bike/hiking from Dalrigh. Everything was packed and prepared for that adventure. Bike attached to the car and all set to go early in the morning.

Then after dinner that evening I watched the weather forecast which had changed from a reasonable day until 3pm, instead being high winds from early doors and rain by 1pm. The Dalrigh route has 4 possible route options with some routes being exposed and some routes with significant scrambling. Despite watching videos I was still not convinced of the best route from Dalrigh in poor conditions so I changed my plan.

The Munro double was now on from the River Lochy side, river allowing.

I made an early start and as I drove north it was clear that the low clouds were unlikely to lift much. I still had the bike attached so if it came to the worst I would just go for a cycle, no hardship in this beautiful countryside.

Approaching the Glen Lochy car park the positive was that the river was running low so one potential obstacle ruled out. However looking upwards Chleibh was clear but Lui was well covered. Decision made, I am here so go for it.

Crossing the river was fairly straightforward apart from testing my balance on the boulders. Crouching low enough to get under the railway bridge was not so easy, my old body not as flexible as it once was.

Just after the river spotted this Scotch Argus hiding in the grass

Over the river the track was narrow and the growth full. After a burn crossing Walkhighlands recommends crossing another burn and going into a new plantation. The trees looked well established and from this side of the burn and I could see no obvious path in the plantation so just continued on the track this easterly side. On this muggy morning it was probably full of nasty beasties after my blood. A good decision as it was boggy in places but straightforward and brought me to the forestry road.

The next track was straight across the forestry road where I was now on the boggy path from hell. Walkhighlands describes it as ‘some sections are very boggy’. Really, almost all of it, for about 30 minutes is one of the worst mud fest I have walked through. At times I was prodding my pole to test the terrain and it was disappearing easily knee high length into the gloop.

It was a major relief to reach the deer fence gate albeit with muddy legs.

Heading up to the cloud doesn't look steep from here, snaps are deceptive! 

I decided to to take the easterly route and make a circuit of it. This was the grassy slog of all slogs, around 600m straight up. The faint track came and went before disappearing altogether. 

The ridge finally appears

Summit clouds were joined by these scudding through, made for a nice snap

Unrelenting grassy slopes were getting tiring, not helped by the clouds coming in and the route ahead becoming a grey vista with the odd big shape looming out of the gloom.

Soon be time to use my hands

Finally I met up with the western ridge track from Dalrigh, but the track did not last too long. It was still a steep ascent. Poles away as a section of light scrambling beckoned good fun. The track occasionally flirts with the edge with glimpses of grey crags but no downward views. After some minor hands on the good news was that the summit of Lui was unexpectedly reached. 

Summit cairn looking back the way I had come

Sadly no views in the clag and with a strong gusty cold wind I did not hang about. A brief chat with a couple of guys before heading back to find the track to Chleibh and lunch at the bealach. 

A brief glimpse of Chleibh & Fionn corrie

The clouds parted briefly to give a good sighting of the way ahead and as most people have said Chleibh looks an underwhelming Munro from this perspective. Not that I was complaining an easy ascent I was looking forward to, I had done my hard work.

This type of rocky, stony gravel track is not my favourite descent terrain but it does zig zag so not a severe downhill. After around 200 metres of descent I was below the clouds which lifted my mood as I had views again.

No climbing that erratic today

Final track to summit

I had my nutrition break at the track junction, thankfully now out of the wind, before making the final short ascent of my second Munro Beinn a’ Chleibh. Nice to have such a short hike to bag another Munro. 

Cruachan hills & Loch Awe

More passing clouds the rain is due anytime

The 1^st cairn is the summit but I wandered along to the 2^nd to take in the views, no rush now as my climbing over, time to enjoy the views. There is a 3rd if you fancy and if the rain had not been due soon I would have. Good views down to Loch Awe and across to the Cruachan Hills but not with great detail, still better than nothing.

Lui still under cloud

Back down the corrie to the trees, Ben Nevis can be seen back right

Spotted another walker on my ascent ridge

Back to the bealach where the descent track, initially steep, was a mixture of stone and grass, all with a flow of water, of course it disappeared from time to time.

The only section of gloop with some boards for assistance

Glad to have the odd section of trees

The descent through the gloop section was slightly easier as I could spot better lines and make better use of the trees but as soon as I felt smug another gloop section barrier was reached without an alternative.

Thankfully I reached the forest road and followed my original track back to the river and the parking area. As I approached the river light rain started to fall, good timing. The river was ideal for boot cleaning.

A good but tough ramble. A shorter distance than most double Munros but that was offset by the very steep climb to Lui.

Ascent: 1124m

Distance: 11.6 km

Time: 5.55

Wildlife: Scotch Argus; Golden Ringed Dragonfly; Meadow Pipit; Raven; Robin; Wheatear;

Tiring for the wrong reasons.....Derry Cairngorm

Hill: Derry Cairngorm (The Blue hill of Glen Derry)

Type: Munro

Height: 1155m

After the previous nights stop start sleep I slept soundly last night and awoke at 6am feeling fully refreshed, but more to follow.

I arrived at the Linn of Dee car park around an hour later and what a greeting the midgies were ferocious and they love biting me. Jacket fully zipped and hooded, glasses on, I quickly removed the bike from the back, boots on and cycling as quickly as I could.

Luckily I had kept on my light jacket from the midge protection as it was on the cool side when I cycled to Derry Lodge. 

The forest section ahead with Creag Bad an-t Seabhaig beyond

Upon arrival at the lodge and securing my bike the car park midgies cousins erupted so I was very quickly on my way across the bridge.

Apart from the buzzing of bees on the beautiful pink/purple heather it was silent as I made my way up the ever steepening track.

I had been surprised at my sound sleep, not normal for me to sleep so deeply. On the bike ride my legs did not feel too good and as I steeply ascended I was very chesty. I had two prominent insect bites from yesterday and I suspect one of these was responsible.

Now I was wondering how far I would get on today's ramble. I therefore had less focus on how nice a start this was. Upwards through the tree lined heather on a very good rising path the only sound apart from the bees and my heavy breathing was a small family of Coal Tits moving through the trees. They got quite agitated at one point but I could not see any predator.

I had a few short stops which were much required as I knew I was struggling a bit. The last break was where I took half a banana and an energy gell and these made all the difference. I have never known a nutrition hit to energise me so much. 

Easier walking and thus easier breathing

Mind and body improved, even more so when I cleared the steep ascent at Creag Bad an t-Seabhaig and the vista started to open up. An unexpected wow moment as I took it all in, the steep start was now worth it.

It was still much colder than expected. Blame the midgies, I had grabbed a lightweight jacket from the car but it was designed more for waterproofing than warmth.

Still looking at the summits ahead and around there was still a lot more cloud shrouding them, maybe the wet gear would be required.

I was really enjoying this open section with all round fantastic views. The first sighting of Derry was with a clear summit but at the next sighting it was cloud covered, one of those days.

View into Glen Derry and a very dry Derry Burn. Beinn Bhreac behind Beinn a' Bhurd behind that again.

Onwards and upwards, bypassing Carn Crom I now had Little Cairngorm in sight. Eventually this lump blocked out views of Derry itself. I had not realised that the term ‘Derry’ was a relatively recent addition as the hill was previously known simply as Cairngorm. But then you have had two in the region with the same name, hence the addition of Derry. Although does it matter, there are 3 Corbetts named Carn Dearg’s in the Fort William section.

Ben Macdui

Little Cairngorm

There were some smashing views on either side as I ascended which helped break the hike as I rested and checked what I was looking at.

As is frequently the case a nice ramble is spoiled by the final section to the summit. In this case a large boulder field which led to quite a few hands on manoeuvres and a few sweary words before I reached the summit.

Northern Cairngorms

Beinn Mheadhoin ahead and Beinn a' Chaorainn on right

Lochan Uaine

Thankfully no cloud up top with excellent views all round apart from Beinn Mheadhoin which did still have cloud cover so I did not get a view of its main feature, its Torrs.

I had considered doing it as well but it was now a hot day and my legs were feeling it. Knowing when to stop is as important on the hills as when out for a drink. 

Getting over this stuff is easier going up than down

The positive aspect of not going further was that I got to enjoy a leisurely descent taking in all the glorious views.

Although it wasn't as peaceful as the ascent. There was a lot of helicopter activity with a pair of very noisy Chinooks both in glens or hovering above ridges, possibly civilian hires bringing materials for repairing tracks etc. but they covered a fair amount of ground.

But the special moment was just as I passed Carn Crom. I heard a fighter jet down in Glen Derry and new it must be close and within seconds it had crested the ridge just in front of me. I have never been so close to a fighter plane, what a noise, ears pounding but a stunning sight. The plane did a full 360 degree roll, not for my benefit I’m sure, before heading towards Glen Tilt. Never mind the Munro that made my day.

Cracking spot for a break

No more drama on the descent. I stopped for my last break with excellent views of the descent where I had struggled earlier plus looking down on the start of the Lairig Ghru which brought back memories from last year.

Final descent and a view of Glen Lui for the ride bike

Collected my bike and cycled back to the car with no midgies at either spot.

A good ramble and it was just enough. When I got back to my digs I showered and fell asleep for almost 2 hours, not normal, blamed those bloody insects.

PS: After this away trip I was still fatigued a couple of weeks later so I went to my GP and got a full set of bloods including my 1st Lyme's disease test. All negative so good news on that front. Also it was good that I waited as the GP said they will not do a Lyme's Disease test until 2 weeks after a bite.

Ascent: 943m

Distance: 23.2

Time: 6.02 (Bike/Hike)

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Raven; Coal Tit;