Ben Tirran

Hill: Ben Tirran (aka The Goet) (Hill of the hillocks)

Type: Corbett

Height: 896m

What a difference a day makes. Although yesterday had showers today's forecast was much bleaker and the reality did not disappoint. Heavy rain, becoming bright, becoming heavy rain, which then turned to prolonged hailstones, back to bright for a spell then light rain that stayed on for the rest of the walk. Did we not use to say ‘Flaming May’ because of its high temperatures? Certainly not today.

Today I was tackling Ben Tirren which is a bit of a misnomer as the as it is not the actual top, the real one nearby is called The Goet, so why is the summit not known by that, answers to SMC not me.

My walk started in the rain from the walkers car park, just over the bridge in the direction of Glen Doll, god forbid not the Glen Clova hotel parking. 

Looking back to the hotel start

In pouring rain I followed the footpath sign for Glen Esk. When I reached the open hillside the rain had gone off. The path has been reconstructed recently with a mix of traditional track and stone ladders. 

Clouds coming my way I love it when they hug one side of the hill

Eyes watching the clouds coming down Glen Doll knowing that they were going to engulf me sooner rather than later.

After yesterdays efforts I was blowing a bit and my legs a tad reluctant to drive on up the hill. I could see walkers ahead and then seemed to meet them all at Loch Brandy. Did not see anyone on the walk after this. 

Loch Brandy

Loch Brandy is a spectacular water filled corrie with the slopes of The Snub on the left. I was going to go up via the Snub but the looming clouds and rain put paid to that so the easier route for me.

Taking the easy way round

The improved path continues for some way up the Broom Shank but half way up the rain turned to hailstones making the easier ascent more gruelling. Some noise as they thudded off my hood. 

The Snub disappearing in that cloud not hugging one side any more

Still I was glad I did not climb the Snub as nae views. I had seen a couple of mountain hares but suddenly out of the rain this monster sat on the track just ahead of me. When it moved I thought it was a wallaby, it was huge. Big grey body but still with its winter white socks. Of course by the time I got the camera out of the dry bag it was gone but a sighting I will never forget.

Loch Brandy with hailstones

Slightly higher up same view without the hail

The problem with hood up, head down, rain/hail hammering down is even an easy ascent seemed never-ending as you look at your feet. Finally the cairn reached and dry again.

Plateau & hags

Now for the featureless plateau, at least I got some views of my route as this can be tricky for navigation in poor visibility. As per yesterday I also spied the peat bogs but thankfully not as severe.

Keeping my head down as I dodged the hags I followed the deer fence on the left and instinct kicked in, it did not seem right even though there were some small route cairns, why when there is a huge deer fence to follow? I should have gone through a gate way back and come up the other side of the fence.

I knew that I was vearing away from the route so I decided to climb the fence. Easy apart from my hanging foot got stuck in the wire  so quite a pickle to get out of, few sweary words then onward.

Still snow patches as I look down to Loch Wharral

Continuing featureless terrain and this time I hung too far right, quick position check and realised my mistake, I was heading for Ben Tirran not The Goet, 

Goet summit trig

I climbed back up towards the deer fence and found the trig marking the Corbett summit. And of course looking across there was a gate in the deer fence right here!! Numpty.

I was tempted to retrace my route but elected to continue the circular route. 

Ben Tirran top 

Firstly heading across the barren top to reach another cairn, this time Ben Tirran would you believe. Then an easy descent across grass and heather with excellent views of the corrie surrounding Loch Wharral, another impressive piece of landscape.

Loch Wharral

I could see an estate track from Loch Wharral so headed towards it. When I reached the gun butts there is a path of sorts but it was more a running stream but it got me there.

Green Glen Clova below the clouds

A long walk down the estate track in light rain but with good views of the very green Glen Clova.

Sad times

I was going to cross the burn near the deforestation but it was running high and very fast so crossing would have been dangerous. Risk averse I followed the estate track down to Wheen cottage and accepted the extra road walking. Looking at the deer fences down here any cross country stuff probably would have met these.

A cuckoo called at the start of the walk, how often has that happened recently? Along this minor road section both male and female calling trying to find each other.

A very damp walk to say the least but it had its moments of excellent views to remember.

Ascent: 896m

Distance: 17.2km

Time: 4.12

Wildlife: Mountain hare; Cuckoo (m&f): Swift (1st this year); Meadow Pipit; Red Grouse; Pheasant: Curlew; Chaffinch

A very wet day on Mount Battock

Hill: Mount Battock

Type: Corbett

Height:778m

Mount Battock is the most easterly Corbett and has been on my list for a while. It is straightforward and has extensive views, really, probably but certainly not today.

According to the weather forecast a low pressure front was due to hit just after lunch. So, with the prospect of a morning weather window I had an early breakfast and was ready for walking for 9am.

Lovely start but snap taken on descent when rain off

Problem was nobody had told the weather that there was a dry spell as it was bucketing down. No cuckoo calling a bad omen. 

The ford well flooded luckily a bridge nearby

This will be one of the shortest blogs as not much to say and not many snaps, scared of ruining phone and camera.

Mount Battock through the middle somewhere

Was expecting hill track but actually goes round the side can just be seen

The ascent followed a standard estate track almost all the way to the summit. This is a huge grouse estate so when the visibility is bad like today all you can see either side is heather along with the sound of springing grouse, lots of them.

Side track still no sign of Battock

About a third into the walk I was carrying my poles and realised a leg had fallen off one. This scuppered my planned horseshoe so I returned the same way but surprisingly did not see it, an odd one.

It was the grimmest ascent I have made for yonks. Solid rain all the way. Head down looking at my feet listening to  the rain drumming on my hood. As the track zig zagged fine at your back but into your face constantly trying to adjust the hood to stop the water entering, why do these hoods never stay tight?

Grouse butts so know I am getting close to the top

Visibility was as expected on the ascent with some views of the trail until around 2000ft then visibility came down to 20-30yds maximum. On the descent the clouds lowered further and it was around 1300ft before I could see anything around me. 

Getting the eye, took me by surprise

Solidly built grouse butts appear from time to time and this one made me look up twice lol.

Summit

There is a flat area at the top from the Wester Cairn but this was like walking on a light flood plain, splashing and squelching every step to the summit, a trig and a double sided cairn, which despite its size just appeared out of the gloom. Extensive views, nope, just happy to see the fence to get me back the way down.

I did not hang about on the top, damp and cold I just wanted back to the car. The things we do to bag a hill but the trip had been booked and planned, the weather you just have to take.

Heading back can finally see but how could I not find pole end on this sandy track

Spirits rose when I exited the gloom and the rain went off allowing me to take in the moorland views back down Glen Esk.

Looking down to the ford and the small bridge

Far from the walk that I hoped for so I will probably return to see them one day but not tomorrow! 

Lots of squirrel feeders but none spotted

At least I got changed in the dry and it was a very fast walk, no hanging about today.

Ascent: 751m

Distance: 15.9km

Time: 3.33

Wildlife: Red Legged Partridge (1st of year); Sand Martin (1st of year); Red Grouse; Curlew; Peewit; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Buzzard; Mallard.  

Big trek for a Cairngorm double from Glen Doll.....Tolmount & Tom Buidhe

Hill: Tolmount (958m)(Mountain of the Dale) & Tom Buidhe (957m)(Yellow Hill)

Type: Munro x2

So much for the best walking day of the week as I listened to the rain hammering on the window and roof giving me little sleep. In 24 hours the forecast had changed totally. I decided to go along anyway and the amount of roadside flooding was amazing even vehicles in fields presumably aquaplaned.

Another favourite Angus glen, Glen Clova, was still stunning but the low level of cloud was disconcerting as was the trees dancing away in the wind. The forecast was now predicting sleet/light snow on the higher tops with 30+mph winds and stronger gusts. 

River running in full spate as I was to discover later

I was originally going to do these from the traditional Braemar side but after talking to a friend he suggested the Glen Doll route. A long trek in and out but still shorter with craggy corries, a deep glen and waterfalls, what's not to like? The big carpark had only 3 cars and it was blowing a hoolie and light rain. To go or not? I was here so decided to walk the trail and see what it was like after the woods when I entered the exposed glen.

The route is similar to Braemar in that it follows Jocks Road which is a long distance trail between the two. Originally a drove road used mostly by smugglers and cattle thieves. Later more famous as a historic right of way land dispute.

A very long undulating walk through Glendoll Forest, pleasant enough and sheltered but it was a very boggy trail. 

Glen Doll from the trees

Finally out into the magnificent amphitheatre of Glen Doll itself, hemmed in by high cliffs and crags on each side and a tantalising view of the trail ahead. Sir Hugh Munro considered this 'to be as wild a little glen as one could wish to see'. The immediate wind hit meant an additional layer of protection required. Waterfalls cascading all around, quite a sight. 

Spotted

Then I spotted movement  on a slope and delighted to see a red deer stag with his small harem.

Head of Glen Doll

Jocks Road is an excellent narrow track and on reaching the head of the glen, about 4 miles from the start iIcame across the famous bothy, Davy's Bourach. 

Not a post box but entrance to the bothy

Certainly an unusual place. Love or hate, your choice. I wouldn't want to spend the night in it but as a lifesaver a different answer.

Flanks of Tom Buidhe but it would be a couple of hours before I would be descending them

The track has climbed on a good gradient to around 800m and now opens out and is a very open and exposed landscape. Feels quite lonely in these murky conditions.

Crow Craigies

Sadly the clouds are covering the tops so no big views. The track heads round to Crow Craigies, (Tolmount's only other top), exposed crags drop off to the left, where I now left Jock's Road to head for the peat hags in the general direction of Tolmount which I could still not see despite being so close. 

Tolmount

The hags were ok to negotiate followed by a short climb to Tolmount. 2 hours 40m but this did not feel like a Munro summit.

Rough terrain to the bealach

The rain was on and nothing to see so I followed a track in the general direction of Tom Buidhe. Through the gloom I could just see a lower bealach which I wanted to reach. Once reached took a right turn and headed up the grassy slopes to the summit, aided by a track I found.

Uninspiring top 2, Tom Buidhe

Just 35 minutes after leaving Tolmount I was on the summit of Tom Buidhe, another uninspiring small cairn. There are 5 other Munros on this relatively flat Cairngorm plateau so on a fine viewing day the views would have been more inspirational. 

However today it wasn't so no lingering and no more tracks as I wanted to re-join Jocks Road near the bothy.  Easier said than done as I had hoped to pick out the trail but it was well camouflaged. I daresay on a better day there would be the odd walker to spot and take a bearing from. Once I was out of the clouds I could see the peat hags to be negotiated but I could also see the burn which was in spate and could be a challenge, it was.

I guided myself down without incident over the rough moor and yes the burn was wider than normal, running fast and deep pools. I wandered up and down with no obvious crossing. I was thinking about just getting soaked when I spotted a large rock I could just stand on hoping it was not too slippery as this was my anchor foot, reached over and just touched the other bank with a pole. This was an odd angle looking down at the water and no comeback from this position. Could I make the final leap over a deep pool, just with a lot of relief.

More peat hags to overcome and then the final climb up to the track was the hardest part for me, my legs were tired and it was further and steeper than I thought.

Descent back through Glen Doll heading to the trees

Still finally found it and only the long, but not unpleasant descent back to the car. When I checked I realised why my legs were tired. Despite no major steep sections it was a long constant climb and at almost 1400m a lot of ascent for 2 Munros.

Thankfully despite nae views, the forecasted snow and high winds did not come to fruition, so a good walk and a good day out.

Ascent: 1376m

Distance: 21.2km

Time: 5.29

Wildlife: Red Deer; Buzzard; Red Grouse

An outstanding winter walk, two White Mounth Munros

Hill: Mayar(High Plain)(928) & Dreish (probably Obscure)(947)
Category: Munro
Height: circuit c835m
I had been waiting to do these hills for yonks and finally the day arrived. I had been told that once you exit the woods the view of the bowl/ampitheatre are so good, make sure you leave it for a good day to enjoy it. So today the forecast was good and that day had arrived. 
Walkhighlands description helps the juices of anticipation flow: ‘A stunning ascent through picturesque Corrie Fee leads up to the extensive rolling plateau above - visiting the summits of Mayar and Driesh. With the descent on the excellent Kilbo path back to Glendoll forest at the head of Glen Clova’. For the east coasters Driesh is one of the best-known and most climbed Munros.
I have also been intrigued by the two unusual names, what kind of double act are they?

Snow capped mountains glimpsed from the start

It had been the coldest night of the year so during the drive I entered heavy fog and doubts were setting in but with about half a dozen miles to go it all cleared and what a drive down the glen, so beautiful.
My next stage of doubting set in when I reached the turn at the Glen Clova hotel to be greeted with a sign ‘Road Closed’. What I have come so far for this!! Just then a local farmer appeared and said I should be okay just be polite when you reach the workies. I was almost at the car park before I met them creating passing areas. Suitably polite, the charm worked and the workies decided it was tea break time and moved their vans, great guys.
A bit later than planned I arrived at the Glen Doll car park to find about a dozen cars, more polite people? Geared up, paid the £2 parking charge and off I headed. 
From the start there is a great view of the Scorrie - the steep shoulder of Driesh, very imposing. Looking through the trees another snow topped hill.
You can do the circuit either way and it is easier to go clockwise up the gentle gradient of the Kilbo path but I wanted the views of Corrie Fee so took the long forest track. Birds singing again as if it is spring, just wait until tomorrow little birdies!

Corrie Fee heading for left of the waterfall

Climbing all the time until I reached the forest end, was it worth it, absolutely. The amphitheatre bowl shape of the corrie is now in full view, worth the walk alone.

Path meanders through the glacial moraines

A flat walk along the corrie bottom, icy segments easily avoided. The problem was keeping an eye on the track instead of the magnificent scenery.
The path is excellent and climbs in a winding fashion to the left of the superb waterfall and it was steep, plenty of stops for the views.

Looking back down on the corrie floor

However after a while it was constant ice so crampon time and the spikes did the trick, walking became easier. At least from a slipping perspective, just ignore the stressful puffing and panting. Last nights pub visit now seeming like a mistake.
The walk description talks of a gentle climb up the last section. As I plunged knee deep in drifts I was not convinced. This was very hard work, knee deep at times. All the major snow was lying on this short section. A deep plunge through a drift into a burn just missed. Close one. Additionally the sun had appeared over the horizon, so bright it was blinding. Excuse for a breather to put goggles on.

Icy flat top of Mayar

Still toiling upwards I was more than pleased to reach the icy summit. A few minutes earlier in the deep snow I really had thought it might be a trip too far in these conditions.
Still not to be and the rewards were here. Some great views across the plateau and over the Northern Glen Shee hills and nearby Lochnagar appeared to be snow free, not fair. There also were a lot of estate tracks scarring the landscape.

Path to Dreish clearly seen on the plateau 

The path across the wide plateau towards Dreish was obvious and I could even see some of the car park occupants heading that way.
The plateau was excellent walking but the temperature was certainly below zero with the wind chill factor, great visibility, take in the views. There is also an old occasional dilapidated fenceline to follow if required. 

Little Dreish front and the big boy behind

When I started up the climb to Dreish 4 figures had stopped half way up Little Dreish, probably taking a break but my bad side said they were laughing at me. I had the last laugh as none of them had any sort of spike for the descent.
Surprisingly the ascent went better than it looked and another plateau was reached.
I was heading for a small cairn but clearly this was not the top. 

Big cairn on an even flatter top than Mayar

Soon the trig point and the large shelter cairn summit of Driesh comes into view. Backwater reservoir looks huge shimmering in the haze, it was large (see Hare Cairn report)
It was too cold to hang about for long. Popped into the cairn shelter for a few minutes for some coffee and quickly off again.
I retraced my steps and spotted a white coated mountain hare (my 2nd in a few weeks) running ahead of me. I had noticed plenty of tracks & droppings so pleased to actually see one.

On descent Mayar top left and the Kilbo descent path to the right

I reached a short cut off which took me to the Kilbo path. A couple I met earlier had came up it without crampons and said I would be pleased to have them on the descent, yip it was solid ice. 
The steep path leads down the side of the Shank of Drumfollow with good views of the bowl between Dreish and The Scorrie. 

Weather front starting to close in from the west

Looking back the summits were now cloud covered, one of the forecasts had said light snow by 3pm, glad I was on my way down.
Just after the forest I crossed the Burn of Kilbo using the stepping stones and immediately stepped into a mud hole, curses aloud my boots had been clean all walk. A wade in the burn sorted that.
A deforested section opens up the views before rejoining the out track near the parking.
Another outstanding short day out, completed in good time despite my weakness going up the Corrie Fee. Exceeded my expectations on a blue sky day. Now for that beer.

Wildlife: Red Squirrel (pair): Buzzard; Chaffinch; Wren; Robin; Ermine mountain hare,
Time: 4.52
Ascent: 864m
Distance: 15.4km

Badandun Hill a fine alternative

Hill: Badandun Hill (Angus) 
Category: Graham
Height: 740m

I set out to do Mealna Letter as my first hill today but as I approached the parking area there were gunmen hiding in the bushes!! I spoke to one of them who said they were going to be shooting in the woods that I would be skirting. So no go.
Off then to my back up hill, a few miles down the road where I found a parking area near the gate at the start of the walk, just after the 15th century Forter Castle. Badandun is a fine viewpoint hill in its own right.

The start no climbing there is a side gate

The initial walk is also a section of the Cateran Way, a circular long distance footpath. 

Looking towards Cateran section to Spittle of Glenshee

Fresh cattle poo on the track but thankfully they were down near the river so no issues.
A small woodland had a song thrush sitting at the top of the highest tree taking in the scenery.

Lower slopes of Badandun Hill

The initial slopes of the hill are directly ahead with a few options to ascend it. There was a newly constructed ugly estate track on the left and a grassy path directly ahead as well as the Cateran Trail which goes off to the right (my descent route). My planned route was the ugly track so off I went.

At least views looking North

At least the scenery was improving as I ground my way up the bulldozed track, which was initially good but became pretty muddy at times.

Interesting light for a while

Some splendid views towards the northern Glenshee hills and looking back some interesting light and skies. Although it was dry it was a lot colder than yesterday.

Looking back to the start Mount Blair on right

The disadvantage of this route is that there are no views of the top, just as well the other views are there. Down below it looks like a very remote section of the Cateran trail.
However after a few twists and turns it was not too long before the trig was spotted.

View north

The track takes you right to the trig. Not the best route but it had to be done. 

Zoomed in

Excellent views north over the Glenshee hills with Mayar & Dreish closer by.
Despite the very nice views it was cold so time to move on. A roe deer spots me and scarpers over the top.

Steep moor descent

On the descent I walked with the path for a while but decided to cut across the contour of the hill and it was good to be off an estate track.
I was on a grassy path for a while and the highlight of the day, just ahead a mountain hare in its full ermine winter coat. I thought I spotted a golden eagle earlier and if so this hare would be easy pickings. It was the only one I saw so presumably they are slaughtered up here.
The steep slopes of the moor took me back down to the Cateran Way which I followed back. 

Looking back down the Cateran Way

This is truly remote countryside with a satisfying sense of isolation.

Auchintaple Loch

Up a slight rise and Auchintaple Loch came into view. You can detour and circle the loch but today I continued on the current path until I met the junction.
Followed the out route, the cows were still down below so an easy walk back to the car.
A decent hill with a good circuit and only one other person spotted so not one for the tourists.
Wildlife: Mountain Hare Ermine; Buzzard; Raven; Song Thrush; Red Grouse; Roe Deer.
Time: 2.37
Ascent: 501m
Distance: 10.2km