Just what I needed as a recovery ramble.....Beinn na Feusaige

Hill: Beinn na Feusaige (Mountain of the beard)

Type: Fiona

Height: 625m

Yesterday had been one of my worst physical days on a hill with a general feeling of fatigue and weakness so much so that I really struggled complete the route but I did and todays another day. I had been bitten on the neck a few days ago and had not felt right since but other people have said that there is a lot of Covid about so who knows.

No alarm set so a slightly longer lie. Stiff feeling stiff legged and a bit under the weather but I did not want to laze about so Plan A aborted and Plan B enacted.

Beinn na Feusaige on left with Carn Beag on right

When I was out for a cycle the other night I noticed an estate track going a good way up towards a ridge where there was a Fiona that I wanted to bag. Looking at the map and I could utilise the track for 2/3rds of the ramble then a tough but short moorland section. Surely I could make that? If not the summit at least I could use the track to the lochan for a workout. You can combine this hill with Carn Breac but the ground between is not the nicest so not for me today.

At the gate there was a sign to contact the estate as deer stalking was in progress but this was a Sunday so no point.

As I shuffled up the track I was hawking up a lot of phlegm, a clear sign all was not well with my body. Thankfully that was short lived and I felt better.

Decent views after the climb

It was a nondescript track until I reached the high point where the views opened out over the Torridon Hills. Plenty of high and low cloud/mist giving an atmospheric feeling to the hike.

Scotch Argus

There was a strange quietness as I walked along the high track, the atmospheric conditions had also brought the sound of silence. No birds singing for the last few kilometres, no deer, no sheep and not even the obligatory raven so far. The only sound apart from my feet crunching on the stone track was the buzzing of bees on the very beautiful, but sporadic, patches of purple heather.

Headed for high point on the the right to get on the plateau quickly

Found the turn off to the lochan but before I went too far up it it I spotted a faint deer track heading onto the peat hagged moor. My signal to get off the track onto the moor so lets go for it. Of course the track only lasted for a short time but it was enough to avoid the worse of the eroded hags and the sphagnum patches.

Lochan Sgeireach

I have rambled over a lot worse terrain, the hags were straight forward to avoid and as I rose I had good views down to the lochan where the ripples of rising fish made me wish I had brought a travel rod. It took no time to gain the plateau. 

A line of Torridon giants

Looking across to my left in the distance I could see a small herd of deer on Carn Beag. Also on my hill there were lots of hoof prints in the peat as well as droppings fresh enough to have flies on them, so they were around. A little further on there was a distinct aroma of musk. They must be close but I was slightly downwind so they might not be aware of me. No such luck. I spotted one head looking at me, then other two before off they scarpered, over the ridge. But having seen enough deer I knew the next step in this process. Sure enough a head appeared peeking over the ridge then more heads and bodies appeared. They had a good stare at me before they scarpered for good.

View from the top

I was close to the top and wandered up to the high point. This could be a superb viewpoint but sadly the low clouds prevented views of Moruisg and the nearby Monar hills. Nor of the more distant Strathfarrer, Affric and Kintail hills. Still you take what you can get and it was good enough. 

It was so humid that I was sweating buckets which alerted all the beasties. Human warmth and sweat a la carte to them so I didn't hang about for too long.

Looking back Loch Maree

I love clouds sweeping through fast, hate them when they linger

Clouds passed through and I can see my track

Simply backtracked taking in the clear views over the nearby Torridon Hills. Most summits coming and going with cloud apart from Slioch whose top seemed to stay under cloud for the whole trip. But even from afar they looked impressively huge beasts.

Meall a' Chaorainn, I remember a lot of deer and peat hags up there

Back on the track the views descending were of rugged moorland with the Achnasheen Fiona of Meall a’ Chaorainn breaking the flatness.

The solitary cottage with the Strathfarrer Munros way behind

Then on the final descent the Strathfarrer Corbetts were showing well and down below me a solitary cottage. I thought it was abandoned until I noticed smoke from a chimney, must be a cool cottage inside.

Thankfully the midgies had disappeared from the parking area. Physically I felt better so hopefully the shorter ramble did just trick.

Ascent: 582m

Distance: 13.4km

Time: 3.49

Wildlife: Buzzard; Red deer (hinds); Meadow Pipit; Scotch Argus

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This ramble was literally a last minute decision so I had not done any research on the hill prior to the walk. It was not until after the event that I read that there was a 2^nd World War crash site near the summit. Had I been aware I would have investigated the area. My second crash site in two days.

Notes were taken from the Blog ‘Old Mans thoughts and tales’. Heavy Whaller MBE.

USAAF Martin B-26C Marauder 41-34707 was on a transit flight from the USA via Meeks Field (Keflavík, Iceland) to Prestwick in Scotland. This was a recognised aircraft ferry route, which should have taken the Marauder over Stornoway in the Western Isles. However, for some reason, the aircraft was flying too far East of the prescribed course, and therefore over high ground on the Scottish mainland.

As the Marauder continued on its course through mist and rain, it struck the side of Beinn na Feusaige (625m / 2,051ft) in Glen Carron, near Achnasheen [map] on the NW mainland of Scotland.

Sadly all the airmen died in this accident. The crashed aircraft was destroyed by an ensuing fire.

• 1st Lt Merritt E Young (26) (O-662715), Pilot, USAAF.
  (Buried, Payne, Paulding County, Ohio, USA.)

• 2nd Lt Robert A Anderson (O-729949), Bomb Aimer, USAAF.
  (Buried, Madingley Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.)

• Staff Sgt Vincenzo (Vincent) Bravo (24) (11021367), Flt Engr., USAAF.
  (Buried, Medfield, Massachusetts, USA.)

• Staff Sgt Marshall R Miller (38111816), Radio Op., USAAF.
  (Buried, Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas, USA.)

• Master Sgt Lewis M Cross (14069227), Gnr., USAAF.
  (Buried, Madingley Cemetery, Cambridge, UK.)

A wee stunner.....Biod an Fhithich

Hill: Biod an Fhithich (Point of the Raven)

Type: Fiona:

Height: 644m

Unusually I had a poor sleep last night and I did not really feel like climbing a hill but as I had this planned for ages it was time to get it done. I knew it should be a delightful short romp so off I went.

Yesterdays blue skies had been replaced by dull grey skies but at least the clouds were above my summit albeit some of the higher Munros were coming into view and then disappearing on a regular basis.

View from parking area Biod on the right

Only one other car in the parking area. As I changed I looked up where I could see a figure topping the stalkers path, must be the other car and an early starter I reckoned.

Good path starts here

The stalkers track was excellent, an initial zig zag section where I was worryingly perspiring early doors but thankfully I was back to normal for the long rising section to the bealach. At one point I looked up to the route ahead where I spotted movement, another single walker. Then a minute or two later I spotted another pair cresting the ridge at the top of the path. Where had all these people parked?

Stalkers path

Today, I was in no rush and despite the greyness the views were excellent. The track was in good nick but I knew from the amount of stone debris it would be a slow and careful descent.

Path to Forcan going up the centre

Wider view including the ridge

I reached the bealach where I got excellent views of the Forcan ridge. I spotted the walkers ahead of me circling towards the start of the ridge. I had not realised how much of a route junction this section was, more of which later.

Short ascent to Biod

These walkers had all turned left whereas I was going to my right to climb the short pap of Biod. There was a track to begin, which I soon lost, but no issues as the short ascent is mainly on grass with the small crags easy to avoid.

Looking back I spotted the walker who had been coming up behind me having a good look up at me. Presumably a Forcan walker deciding whether to bag this as well.

Looking back up Glen Shiel (east)

View west down Loch Duich

I meandered around and behind and then unexpectedly I had arrived at the top, Great 360 degree views, I was glad I had done it. the standard view back down the north ridge towards Loch Duich and the tourist trap of Eilean Donan Castle. Peeking over to look at the view down to the A87 it is certainly steep, a straight 600m down, not standing too close, could sense the vertigo pull.

5 Sisters

Views across to the 5 Sisters were great. Turning 180deg the full Forcan ridge and much more, certainly a fine viewpoint.  

I took a few snaps and was going to have something to eat when a voice greeted me. Blimey it was the guy from down below and he was rapido, mind you he was built like a whippet.

We had a good chat, turned out he was a walking guide who had been in the area with clients. Today was a free day so he was doing a recce of some alternative descents. Turned out he was staying in the hostel and had spoken to some of our group last night.

As we chatted we watched a couple of separate walkers coming from the direction of the ridge, I didn't think that was the Forcan descent as well but he told me that it was also a junction for the Cape Wrath trail and sure enough they headed down the other side on a track that I had not spotted.

I had my food break whilst he headed off and next time I looked he was almost on the ridge, he really was quick.

When I reached the junction a girl arrived from the stalkers path carrying a huge pack. She was also doing the Cape Wrath trail but had broken the route as her parents had arrived and put her up in a hotel for a night for a birthday present, a diversion down and back up the stalkers path a small price to pay for a comfy bed, meal and a shower she said.

Descent

For me it was now a careful descent to avoid a heel slip on the small stones and debris but still able to take in the views up and down the glen. Feeling much better, more refreshed and glad I did it. Time to meet the kids off the Glasgow bus.

Common Heath Moth

Colourful lichen, over 1500 species in Scotland, 

On the way down I had time to explore and I just love the colour variations of the rock lichens. Each colour is a different species, growing at less than 1mm a year and it is a battlefield as they try to take over the space.

The ramble turned out to be even better than expected but considering its name this must be one of a very few walks this year where I have not seen a raven!

Ascent: 610m

Distance: 7.2k

Time: 3.39

Wildlife: Cuckoo; Hooded Crow; Moth; Meadow Pipit; Wheatear;

99 up but no ice cream yet.....Creag Dhubh (Glen Spean)

Hill: Creag Dhubh (Glen Spean) (Black cliff)

Type: Fiona

Height: 658m

My ascent today was almost a case of deja-vu. I had planned this hill one day last month but after a long drive, just as I arrived, the heavens opened and the wind was blowing a hoolie. I stepped out of the car and immediately stepped back in, no motivation, not happening.

This week it was the meteorological summer weather but it was totally unseasonable, very high cold northerly winds from the Arctic resulting in snow lying on the high tops, a distinct lack of sun and warmth. Another why do I live in this country debate as the year to date has been abysmal?

I was heading north for something else and I was literally in my bed this morning looking at forecasts before deciding to take a chance, a low level walk would be done if required.

A no rush drive, brekkie at the Green Welly meant it was about 12.30 before I reached the start at the paring area near the church and cemetery. Surprised to see that there was another fool parked up. Hillwalker or grave visitor? A well kept graveyard with a good view. The old church Cille Choirill thought to be here since the 15th century.

Now I can see the hill

But heading away from it to start at the grassy area in the distance

I headed up the grassy slopes at the carpark to get a view re where I was going before heading for the junction of fences that I had read about. This point is also a section of the parallel roads, seen on map, but it was not obvious.

Creag Dhubh is a typical Fiona. It is pathless. The going is rough boggy moorland. At lower levels all around the hill the bracken was fully in growth and in a month would restrict route options.

It is a hill where you can always see just so far but never far enough.

Aiming for the point in the middle

I was following the easiest routes that I could find, on-off animal tracks, grassy lines through the tough heather sprigs and avoiding as many boggy patches as possible.

About half way up a figure appeared over the ridge on the descent, the person from the other car? It turned out it was and also it was someone I knew, so we had a few minutes chatting, which was good for me to get a breather.

Now towards the lump on the right

It is a short walk and after about 30 minutes of ascent it started to level off and I stumbled across an ATV track which initially brought some easier walking before disappearing.

Then it shows itself

Now it was just a case of plodding on. As mentioned earlier I could see a rise which as soon as I climbed it brought another rise and so on. Not overly hard work but it gets a bit annoying, where is the top? As it turned out I didn't see it until almost on it.

Cairn & trig looking north

View west

The wind had been coming off the west and behind me so I was not as aware of it until I reached the open top section. Wow, I was now in the ring with Mike Tyson, being fully buffeted and battered, the wind trying hard to turn me around. The trig was a welcome sight and on a good day it would be a fine spot to hang around with good views. But struggling to stand I wanted away from these winds so no hanging about.

The terrain on the upper sections of the descent seemed rougher and from this perspective much wider and open. In bad weather there is no real difficulty re crags but the way the terrain lies it would be very easy to start heading north into very remote countryside.

I was glad to drop below the wild winds and enjoy the descent and the views. The very snow clad northern flanks of Aonach Mor dominate but plenty more to see in the grey skies.

Graveyard mid left & Cnap Cruinn behind

The church

There were plenty more Skylarks and Pipits rising but absolutely nothing else, a disappointing wildlife day.

Overall it was exactly what I expected so I was not disappointed, despite the negative of the wind but the positive of no rain. A good ramble that sets the legs up for tomorrow if the forecasted winds allow that to go ahead.

Ascent: 549m

Distance: 5.6km

Time: 2.18

Wildlife: Meadow Pipit; Skylark

Another grassy lump.....Cruach nam Mult

Hill: Cruach nam Mult (Heap of the wethers/sheep)

Type: Fiona

Height: 611m

I have not been out on the hills that much recently so I wanted a shortish walk to get my hill legs going again, by that I mean some short suffering on a hill not full fitness. Heading on a wee trip so looked at my to-do list and this was only a 20 minute or so detour to the start. Whilst it was on my winter list it was also on my ‘don't bother with this one list’ but sometimes needs must and the logical part has to be overruled.

This area has been massively deforested and I arrived at the parking area to find the construction gate open. I could also hear machinery somewhere on the hillside. There is enough room for 2 cars to park but of course another car was in place, right in the middle, what a prat. I parked right on his front bumper but my tail was sticking out, hoping no large timber machinery would swing by.

Not that way up unless you like very rough walking

Crossed the road and headed up another forest road, initially lined with trees as well as lots of birdsong before it opened out to a barren deforested landscape. I think most of the hills in the Arrochar area are bleak and barren but at least the higher ones have tracks, not an option on this one.

Spot the marker cairn

I followed the tip by Strathlassie on Walkhighlands and found the small cairn, albeit I almost walked by it, as you can see in the snap easy to miss.

Head off anywhere if you want but my fence far left

There is a reasonable track but it has been replanted so at some point it will disappear. It heads towards the edge of the trees before heading back to the deer fence. You can opt to clamber onto the slopes at any point but I opted to follow the track all the way back to the fence before striking upwards.

Stob an Eas

Always like a half cloud shot

Now it is just a slog up a steep grassy slope. Not much to say about this part just plenty of short stops to look around.

1st view of the top

Finally it levels off and the summit is about a kilometre away. The ground up top was boggier but has no difficulty. The clouds were coming and going magnifying any of the small lumps ahead into full Munros.

Typical for these small hills there is no summit marker, just a small flat top. There does look a higher point a short way ahead. I wandered over to it but looking back from here it was clearly lower.

Deforestation of Stob an Eas from summit

View south to Cowal & Arran hills

Reasonable views when the clouds allowed. Its fellow Fiona, Stob an Eas is just across the way. It has a worse reputation and looks it. That one is in bold type on my don’t bother list.

The Dalmally Munros and beyond had snow crusted tops but the closer Ben Lui looked like it still had its full on winter coat as seen from this angle. The road in Hells Glen looks quite far down, you can climb it from there but no thanks.

Pathless descent

Ben Lui

I took my time and enjoyed the views on the way down, the advantage of solo walking and being in no rush. Although I was taking it easy the track section was much worse on the descent. Sub surface wet tree roots were so slippy I needed my poles a couple of times to stop me going over.

Mrs Stonechat

The birds were singing away, robins have been huge numbers this year. But best today was a Willow Warbler, my first this year. I had read that they had been spotted in Scotland a couple of weeks ago.

Overall it was exactly as expected as well as a good leg stretcher. Despite its name I don't recall seeing any sheep.

Ascent: 438m

Distance: 6.3km

Time: 2.41

Wildlife: Song Thrush; Meadow Pipit; Raven; Chaffinch; Siskin; Willow Warbler; Robin; Stonechat