A long bike/hike but well worth it.....Stob an Aonaich Mhor

Hill: Stob an Aoinaich Mhor (Peak of the big crest)

Type: Corbett

Height: 853m

A short Perthshire trip to collect a couple of overdue hills. But help ma boab! We have had really warm weather so for once and along with the forecast I did not fill the car with all my gear, no waterproofs/warm gear. Yip you guessed correctly this morning I woke up to low grey cloud and drizzle.

A lovely early morning drive to the start with the clouds starting to lift and the odd patch of blue sky appeared.

This was planned as a bike hike trip but I already had a concern. I knew that at the start there was a locked vehicle gate which the estate were not likely to open for a cyclist. What would I find? Luckily it did have a small pedestrian side gate which thankfully my bike got through.

From here there followed an 8 mile cycle to get to the start of the walking bit. All gradually uphill so the walking bit was minimised. My other concern was that some previous reports had mentioned encountering cattle on route but although I cycled past 3 feeding stations thankfully no beasties were seen.

As it is 8 miles long the ascent is gradual with only a couple of steep pitches. The early couple of miles had quite a broken surface, lots of big holes and loose stones so constantly winding through the gaps.

When I turned one corner a couple of roe deer appeared, looked at me and just as quickly disappeared behind the lumps.

It was cool but not overly cold the cycling keeping my body temperature up. A glance to my side where I spotted the pointed peak of Schiehallion poking out above the clouds.

Along the way I had a couple of season firsts, a Cuckoo calling (about time, late this year) and the Wheatears which were numerous. 

Also I encountered a large herd of wild goats including many young looking kids but they ran just as fast as the adults when I approached.

This is rough rugged and very isolated terrain. I noticed a sizeable hydro dam which I believe is located at the start of Loch Ericht. I would get much more spectacular loch views from the summit.

This already seemed like a long bike ride and I could see the track continuing quite far away. Looking at the OS map I was only about half way through the cycle. I originally thought it was 6 miles but turned out to be 8 miles. Onwards and upwards, very cool at times.

Finally my hill is the one in the background, some sun as well!!

I had my sights on a rugged lump which I thought might be the target but it turned out that this was Carn Dearg although mine did come into view not long after. According to the map I was cycling though the Talla Bheith Forest but that forest was a long time ago as there was a distinct lack of natural trees, the odd pine plantation dotted around.

I was taken aback to see a car come over a top heading my way. I stopped to let them past and disappointingly no acknowledgement from the two females. Presumably from Corrievarkie Lodge. 

Not the most secure place to lock up the bike but I didn't really expect it to disappear

Soon after I was glad that it was time to park the bike and get those boots working on that hill.

Looks a lot flatter than it was but just keep heading to the high point, then the next etc

Looking up there was no sign of the top but I knew it was not far away, it was going to be a series of elevations. The terrain was heather and peat hags but there were plenty of dry grassy sections to take advantage of.

As such I took a direct line towards the top which was straightforward enough. The peat hags could be easily crossed or avoided so not a hazard.

I was in no rush and enjoyed the slow steady plod. As expected upon reaching a visual high line there would be another one beyond it and then repeat. But as said it was fairly gentle and pleasant ascent. There were hundreds of red deer hoof prints and fresh droppings but sadly no live beasts spotted.

Then I had a nice surprise when I hit upon the summit cairn without realising I was almost there, a very pleasant surprise.

Ben Alder range

Looking back down Loch Ericht Corrour Munros still with some snow

And also a wow moment when I hit the ridge the Ben Alder Munros suddenly appeared. Throw in the very steep view down into Loch Ericht, this was a very airy potentially vertigo feeling moment.

View North towards Dalwhinnie

Wide shot of the Alder Munros and Loch Ericht

Great views all round but the rear side hills were dark forbidding moorland lumps compared to the brighter Alder hills. The dark side were mainly the Dalnaspidal Corbetts.

After taking in the views I took a more varied track taking more advantage of the grassy sections and avoiding the hags.

On descent long view of the dam at Loch Ericht

Wheatear

Glen Lyon hills on the distance

Back on the bike there were sections of fun cycling which is why I love bike/hiking. At times fast eye popping descent trying to avoid the many potholes and not slide on the scree. Plus taking caution to avoid the large tyre damaging sharp edged stones. But I did also stop on a few occasions to take in the views. It is easy to just keep cycling and miss out on them but I was in no rush.

And this tick is also the completion of Section 5 in the SMC Corbetts book Loch Rannoch to Drumochter.

Happy with that, it would have been a long slog up and back on that hard packed surface.

Ascent: 771m

Distance: 28.8km

Time: 3.34

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Pheasant; Buzzard; Great Tit; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear; Skylark; Roe Deer; Woodpecker (h); Cuckoo (h); Feral Goats; Common Frog;

The longest bike/hike of my ramblings.....Feshie Corbetts

Hill: Carn Dearg Mor (857m) (Big Red Hill) & Leathad an Taobhain (912m) (Hill of the Rafters)

Type: Corbett x2

After a longish period of inactivity due to a combination of things mainly weather and injury, I was slightly apprehensive about today’s outing. My main concern was whether my physical injury had actually healed as it was going to be a long way from anywhere if my body broke down at the far end. 

When planning I knew that the distances involved made it a very big day if done on foot, too far for me these days. Bike/hike still a big outing distance wise but shorter in time.

So bike/hike was the chosen option. From the walk reports almost everyone bike/hiking started from Auchlean but I could not understand why. It is the other side of the River Feshie and involves getting the bike across a burn which could be problematic with water height. Then cross a bridge to get to the perfectly good road that is on the other side.

I suspected that there would be no unauthorised vehicle access up to Glenfeshie Lodge. In reality that was correct but there are quite a few parking options including one almost up to the Feshie bridge crossing, so even if walking don’t bother starting from Auchlean.

As I prepared the clouds were low, the mist was hanging and it was a beautiful autumn morning for my ramble. The forecast was for good views and no rain, perfect.

I began with a stunning ride along a tarmac road taking in the gorgeous colours of the autumn trees and the light catching the shimmering webs of the money spiders.

Although we have had a dry year there has been a fair bit of rain recently so I was surprised at how low the River Feshie was running. Not low enough to paddle across but still great to look at.

I was heading into those hills

The views ahead started to open up after I passed the Lodge with very high slopes beginning to hem in the route. I was fully aware that after about 5 miles cycling I had not done any real climbing yet but that was to kick in super soon and it was not to be a lot of fun at times.

The track took a westerly turn and it had already changed just after the lodge to shale/small stone track but still good at this point.

The track between them snap taken just after I had to push the bike for a bit, looks fine but no grip on inclines if stopped

But as I started to climb, steeply, the surface was much more loose stone and soft earth, the tyres were struggling to grip and the riding was now very technical. I had been going along ok but on a steep slope an estate quad bike appeared behind me and wanted past. I let him go but I could not get riding again as the tyres were just spinning with no grip. So a heavy MTB was pushed until it slightly flattened out.

The light patch is where the trees should be

Back on the saddle I managed to get up to the point where the track forks for the 2 Corbetts. Decision time which to do 1^st? I opted for CMD and cycled on the track up until I was in the middle of a tree deforestation site. The one main problem with bike/hiking is taking the time to stop and check the route. It looked like I had come too far so I backtracked looking for the track that the OS map showed skirting the edge of the now destroyed tree plantation. I did not fancy walking over tree devastation, too many risks involved.

I could see some people on the ridge, they had orange and yellow jackets on so workies of some sort. No way they walked from here so I cycled back up the track and went to try to find their van and maybe an easier way up the hill.

I was contouring further away from my objective so slightly concerned but then I spotted a van parked up ahead. Even better there was a rough track doubling back up the hill heading towards the Corbett.

Carn Dearg Mor ahead

The track was rough but manageable and I was able to follow it to its end. In patches there was tree debris where non native growth had been cut and just left on the track. Fine for an ATV to get over but not so much fun for a bike.

Lay the bike in the heather, grabbed a mini pork pie and headed up the rough heather which quickly gave way to short grass so good walking until I hit the ridge. From here an ATV track took me to the summit of CMD. Views not bad as the Feshie Munros were dabbled in sunshine making them stand out but everywhere else was just rough peat hagged moorland. The autumn weather at altitude was decidedly nippy. This had already been more of an adventure than expected, injury was ok but I was feeling it so would I do the other one. I could see the track and it was even steeper than anything so far!!

Clambering down the rough ground I met up with a couple of the workies who told me the tree planting was a 10 year project involving 8 million native Scottish trees, quite staggering. The forestry manager said this would eventually be a forest again and not barren moorland, teeming with wildlife, but I will not be around to see it.

Carefully back along the track to the junction, I reckon that my back and forth and additional stuff probably added on about 5k of cycling.

I passed a guy with a puncture, did he want help but nope he had just finished. An easy place to puncture with these sharp stones everywhere. As I talked to him it dawned on me that my repair kit was not in my rucksack but still in the car, what a tube (sic), much added stress to my ramble!

I took the track to Leathad and soon caught up with a group of 6 females. I acknowledged them but didn't stop as I would not have got started again with the gradient and surface. Funnily never saw them again and there was no cut offs so I reckon they had taken a wrong turn and turned back to the track heading for Glen Tromie.

It had been a challenging ride so far but this track was the steepest gradient so far and much more loose stone. The wheels were jumping about everywhere and at times in different directions. It trying to unseat me or send me down the banking.

The point I had to abandon the bike and walk

I got to the point about 200 metres from the plateau where I just had to give up and leave the bike. It was too steep to push it without a lot of hard work so off I walked.

Annoyingly when I reached the top where the track levelled off and I could have easily cycled another kilometre or so.

Shark fin stone on the top of Meall an Uillt Chreagaich pointing to my target

I knew from my prep that there was a drop before reascending to Leathad. But when I first viewed it I was tired. I had not taken a proper food break and when I saw the steepness and length of the drop off and reascent my motivation just went. One option was to return tomorrow when I was refreshed. I had to give myself a good talking to. I was almost there, did I want that cycle that again? Nope.

It now drops about 100m or so with the following ascent of 160m but of course I had to come back the same way, so more ascent added to the ramble.

The start of the descent, the up track can be seen

Thankfully it is not over the moor as there is an ATV trail to follow but in the lower slopes of both sides it is a bog. Still onwards and upwards before a short heather crossing to find the trig. 

From trig looking back to the Cairngorms

Was I happy when I reached the summit? Not really at first, too fatigued to be happy lol, but it was another blue tick, so smile I told myself. As said I was tired and my calf was beginning to ache and I just wanted that last reascent over and get back to my bike.

This is definitely a remote spot with very few people around if something goes wrong. There are more further down as the estate trail now links with Glen Tromie but not up here.

Bike just ahead and then the challenging descent.

I was pleased to get back back to my bike and then the real heart rate raising adventure began. On this type of surface you cannot go fast as you will crash, no matter your skill level. But you cannot also go too slow as braking on the steep slopes creates wheel locking. Not a lot of fun when neither tyre still cannot grip and it is very difficult trying to control a bike in a situation like that.

What should have been a fast fun run out was without doubt fast in places; so very frustrating in others; painful in parts and it was with great relief when I hit the flatlands back to the lodge and headed back to the car. I will admit to losing it once and ended up with my face looking over the grassy bank but no damage done.

A recent storm has washed away a huge chunk of the opposite bank

Overall it was a success ramble but the cycling element was far tougher than I anticipated.

Back at the car my legs were tired but so was my back and arms from all the pummelling and tension on the bars/brakes. Still I got through it and I would still not have walked them, so job done. A beer or two on the cards to celebrate a record day.

Ascent: 1309m

Distance: 44.3km

Time: 5.49 (Bike/Hike)

Wildlife: Raven, Fieldfare

The low clouds and high winds didn't spoil our ramble.....Creach Bheinn Appin

Hill: Creach Bheinn Loch Creran (Hill of Spoil/Plunder)

Type: Corbett

Height: 810m

I visited Oban on a trip with Ayr & District which led to this ramble taking place as a Plan B. The original plan had been to ascend the nearby Munro of Beinn Sgulaird but weather forecasts implied much wilder conditions later in the day so this slightly shorter/easier walk was chosen instead. Easier, maybe yes but also maybe no, read on.

Both walks start from the same location. There is only a small parking area which was full so most of our cars had to park about 10 minutes walk away on either side.

An ugly estate track has been bulldozed which despite our moans about the visual scarring of the hill we used it and it took us from sea level up to almost 600m through Corrie Buidhe. The track was in reasonable condition and had enough bends to make the gradient not too difficult.

About two thirds of the way the track our views up to the higher tops were now becoming engulfed by the lowering clouds, earlier than expected and a bit disappointing. 

Many layers of rock, would be really interesting to know what it all represented

However there were some fascinating lumps of rock dotted about, sadly no geologists amongst us to explain what we were looking at.

When we reached the high point of the estate track we took a sharp right onto the rough ground which changed the dynamic of the ramble.

The clouds beginning to lower behind Creag na Cathaig

I had read that there was a very faint grassy track and by luck or design I found it which made these early stages easier walking across to Creag na Cathaig easier but the views down Loch Etive soon disappeared.

About to become a grey world

Before long we were in the clouds which sadly was to continue all the way to the summit, which made this section a long haul.

The track made a twisting ascent, definitely not a direct steer, but considering the terrain it was longer but fine. Regularly high lumps loomed out of the gloom, most to be bypassed, some to be tackled head on.

Our big situation was after we had ascended the minor top of Creag na Cathaig when we had a gloomy view of what was to come. We had to descend and ahead of us was a steep section of crags and wet grassy rakes. No obvious route. It was probably about 50m of ascent but it looked much more and quite challenging in these gloomy conditions.

The team doing the gully scramble. Apologies for the shaky picture.

Most of us went up the direct gully alongside the burn. Steep, wet grass, slippy rocks but we got up it and most with hindsight probably enjoyed the bit of adventure.

Another wet not so steep grassy gully took us another 100m up and thankfully we had broken the back of of the climbing when we reached the false cairn. I was aware of slight mutterings behind.

It was definitely much more technical and complicated route finding under these conditions. It is one thing to have the confidence of the GPS but when you have15 people in a line behind pressure ramps up knowing a few of them will be looking at their GPS/phone apps etc.

From the false cairn there was roughly 750m as the crow flies to the true high point (all for 6 metres of height!!).

But it was undulating terrain so you could add another 100m plus ascent to that 6m. There were no really steep sections but it was continually up and down. The wind was breezy and cold but not as strong as forecast.

As the leader I knew how far we had to go but even I was demotivated by seeing lump after lump appear out of the gloom knowing this was not the top we wanted. Naturally the group behind were having their doubts but they kept it together.

Finally the summit

Finally the point we longed for was reached and another lump appeared but the cylindrical trig could be seen, wow what relief.

There was time for a few snaps but there was nothing to see, the winds were getting stronger and everyone was feeling the cold. I knew we all needed nutrition but the group were good to go back a bit to find some shelter.

The walk back to the false cairn seemed so much much quicker and I chose to shelter for our food break beside a large section of boulders which provided a good windbreak.

Enjoyed the lunch view, the wee and big Bookle's directly ahead

By absolute good fortune, as we sat down and got food out, the clouds lifted and we now had the outstanding views that we had hoped for. Soak it in.

Expanded view with the lump of Creag na Cathaig forefront, the descent track behind and Beinn Sgulaird on the left

It also meant that there was a clear view of our descent route but nothing seemed overly familiar due to the earlier poor visibility on the ascent. Still it was a much easier descent and for me much less stressful.

Typical terrain

In saying that I was a relieved leader when we got safely down the steep crags and made the final ascent of the day back up Creag na Cathaig. 

Ben Starav in the distance

Loch Etive with Ben Cruachan still under cloud

On the top ridge we had superb views up to Glencoe, Etive etc and morale was much higher all round. All the sights we could not see on the ascent due to the low clouds.

The faint track was regularly lost and found but no worries as we could see where we were heading but even so I was happy to reach the estate track.

Creran Bridge visible in the middle of the loch

After that it was downhill all the way, slightly spoiled by the heavy rain arriving with only about 15mins left to walk to the cars.

It was definitely a walk of two halves, a tougher outer section than I had anticipated under the poor weather conditions but overall a good group ramble.

Ascent: 984m

Distance: 17.1km

Time: 6.34

Wildlife: Raven; Common Frog

A fine day for an outstanding hill.....Beinn Resipol

Hill: Beinn Resipol (Homestead)

Type: Corbett

Height: 845m

This was my 4^th attempt to bag this cracking hill which has been on my to-do list almost since I started hillwalking. On the other occasions my free day had been wet and/or cloudy but I was holding out for a clear weather day as I knew that the views would be spectacular and today was one such a day. The SMC book describes the view from the top as ‘ one of the finest views along the West Highland coastline’ so not too be missed.

There are two options for the ascent and I chose the one from Resipol caravan site which is arguably tougher, longer with a greater ascent as starting from sea level. But, you do have the conical view of the hill whereas from the eastern approach the summit is of the flatter ridge and not quite so scenic.

I had been warned that the walk from here could be a bog fest but I was confidant that after these weeks of no rain the going would be ok.

Lovely view down Loch Sunart at the start

I was aware that the caravan park had changed hands and was not sure about parking but good for them they have left space for about 5/6 cars for hill walkers.

It was a very quick boot change as the midgies were in full biting mode, wow, should I get my head net out?

Headed off through the beautiful oak woods full of birdsong and thankfully no midgies. A short open section before hitting a mixed natural wood, there was good shade for a while. I was struggling to get a good walking/breathing rhythm as the track steepened.

The boggy (dry) section

Out on the hillside I now had a view of the hill which it looked quite steep from here. This middle grassy section was the bog fest and although it had dried up considerably there were still many unavoidable boots in mud sections but a lot better than it might have been.

Then onto rougher ground following the right hand side of the Allt Mhic Chiarain where it enters a nice narrow gully. The track is very narrow at times and is easily lost particularly as the ascent steepens sharply and slight hands on sections add to the interest.

Looking ahead I could not see any obvious route but the as I gain height the track does begin to head towards the bealach on the left of the summit. It looked very craggy but I was sure a route would be there.

Large cairn is up there

A slight plateau is reached and you could head up at any spot as there were a few narrow grassy sections between the boulders.

Views east Ardgour Corbetts forefront Mamores behind

Loch Sunart

But I continued on the rising plateau until it almost drops away before making my meandering route upwards through the boulders to the top.

Loch Sunart to left Loch Shiel on the right

A short easy scramble leads to the top and its huge cairn. Then a wee scramble up the stones to the wooden pole marking the summit.

Loch Shiel back to Glenfinnan

The SMC description did not mislead. The views, despite the slight haze, did not disappoint. Quite stunning a widespread as the snaps show.

Back down via the lochan

Sadly up top the midgies had returned now supported by clegs, I killed two of them before deciding to down by the same route.

Eigg on left, Rum behind

Back at the car I was delighted to find that there was a breeze and it was midge free, yippee.

Today was a top ramble to a fine peak and I was so glad that I had waited for that blue sky day. Also worked up a good appetite for the taster menu at The Kilcamb Hotel which was only a few hours away.

Ascent: 868m

Distance: 12.9km

Time: 4.56

Wildlife: Mistle Thrush; Greenshank; Meadow Pipit; Grey Wagtail; Cuckoo (h); Woodpecker (h); Willow Warbler;