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

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;

Living up to its name but not the forecast.....Sgor Gaoith

Hill: Sgor Gaoith (The Windy Peak)

Type: Munro

Height: 1118m

Despite the countless times that I have driven the A9 today was a new adventure for me as I had never cut off from the A9 into Glen Feshie. Kincraig and surrounding area many times but not into the deeper heartland.

Once again in this miserable summer the forecast was on the depressing side with VP visibility, snow showers on the top all day, -15 degree predicted and gusts of 45-50 mph. Bearing in mind the top is on the precipice of a 600m straight down drop the wind forecast was the most concerning.

Only two other cars in the parking area suggested other people were concerned about the forecast.

The walk starts on the level through a beautiful tree laden section of Beech and Caledonian Pine forest getting the legs loose before committing to the climb ahead, it is after all over 1100m even by Munro standards it is a biggie.

That's it way ahead

After crossing a burn the trees are largely disappearing and the opening views are impressive including the contouring trail we will be taking.

The clouds are low but we have not entered them yet, fingers crossed. Looking back Badenoch is in sunshine, nope not annoyed.

Thankfully clouds lifted once we reached the plateau

We were following a pretty good track, slightly peaty and muddy at times but a good gradient with no difficulty.

At about the 850m mark the track takes a long right loop and U turn to get onto the plateau. The wind had been behind us helping us up the hill but thankfully not yet as strong as forecast. To negate the possibility of high winds on the plateau we decided to to leave the track at take a direct line up the hill. Much to the surprise of walkers coming behind who stopped for a check of the route before continuing on the track. 

Solo guy

A solo guy did come up past us on the slope but he did not navigate properly in the gloom and headed off the wrong way at the top. About 10 minutes later he sheepishly came past us again.

Clouds lifted quickly and the top appeared

The summit

The grass was short and although boulder strewn it was reasonable going. But it felt quite a long slog to the top. As we reached the plateau the cloud had descended but the shortcut meant we were very close to the summit. Initially in the gloom the cloud lifted and the craggy top was close by.

The track goes extremely close to the dramatic edge but you have to get very close to get the amazing views, with the gusts not as strong expected, but they were still there, so risk or reward views. I did stand a couple of feet back.

Looking down the green water of Loch Einich is stunning and vibrant but the snaps do not it justice. Equally enticing was the views across to the huge bulk of Braeriach and beyond, mightily impressive, again one of these vistas that only your own eyes will do it justice, not photos.

On the summit it was bitterly cold no shelter from the wind,including the frosted grass which strangely seemed to be growing pointing into the wind direction not against, highly unusual.

Wide plateau

Looking back over the broad plateau it is easy to see how navigation would be very difficult in bad weather with potentially serious consequences.

Start of our descent, Lairig Ghru below

A lot rougher than it looks, heading for that light green strip

We decided to descend by first heading to the Munro top of Meall Buidhe but it was so cold we changed our minds and decided to go cross country to meet with the ascent track but this was a long way away over very awkward terrain. The Allt a chrom-alltain had green verges so we headed for it as it looked easier going. Indeed it was, not great, lots of hopping side to side but better than the other stuff. We found a very old stalkers track, the irony being the deer tracks now it was their route. Again this was better going until it started climbing so it was time for us to get off it. We could see a couple of people on the main track. I reckoned 10-15 minutes of very rough going would get us there. So off we went and with some relief we got there. By the way I was not the walk leader but it now seemed like it.

Once on the track it was a straightforward descent although it seemed a lot longer than the ascent. A glider appeared and reappeared many times very close to the ground at times but I am sure the pilot knew what they were doing.

Overall we were fortunate with the weather being better than forecast. 

Walkhighlands describes it like this: ‘Sgòr Gaoith gives a superb, fairly short hill walk when approached from Glen Feshie. The ascent passes through some magnificent pinewoods before climbing the bare upper slopes to reach a vast plateau. The summit is extremely dramatic perched on the very edge of the vast broken crags that plunge down to Loch Einich; the views are superb.

Not a lot to add, a superb ramble with very interesting company, a good day out.

Ascent: 903m

Distance: 13.8km

Time: 5.55

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Red Deer hind; Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit;