Great to be out, a wee winter jaunt up Beinn an t-Sidhein

Hill: Beinn an-t Sidhean
Category: Sub2K
Height: 570m

Walkhighlands describes the walk: ‘Beinn an t- Sidhein rises high to the west of Strathyre and offers fine all round views;.
It was a relief to get a walking window of a day to get out in our great outdoors. The last few weeks have been driving me stir crazy.
The forecast was for all the seasons in one day. A mixture of snow showers and sunshine. The opportunity to get views was a plus. The wind on top was forecast to try and knock us off our feet, we would have snowy conditions from fairly low down. And a major snow storm was due later on today.
Suitably energized a few from Killie ramblers set off in anticipation.

Marked path to 1st viewpoint

We started at the Forestry Commission car park at the southern end of Strathyre, beyond the Broch cafe. The walk description goes left to the suspension bridge but we went right to cross the arched road bridge and quickly soon found the hill start.

Heading up there

After a few weeks of gym work the hill legs were not quite there so the very steep start up to the viewpoint was tougher than it should have been. Spotted a roe deer in the trees, a good start.
The viewpoint was excellent but the low sun meant low grade pictures over Loch Lubnaig. However, looking down on Strathyre reinforced the height gained in a short time.

Beautiful patterns on the rocks

No more path signs after this so we followed deer tracks up the snow covered hill.

Follow the deer tracks

We had now lost the path in the snow but headed upwards  following a small burn. Deeper pockets of snow made it more interesting.
We were aiming to the left of the prominent mound of An Sidhean, the temptation is to head straight up it but we resisted and found the faint track.

Next viewpoint looking over to Vorlich etc

This track winds up to An Sidhean but at this point the winds decided to reinforce the accuracy of the forecast. The gusts were trying to knock us over. The views from the small cairn were excellent particularly looking across to Beinn Each, Vorlich and Stuc a’Chroin.

Our route and that stile

Looking back to the viewpoint and Ben Venue

But it was obvious this was just a viewpoint and the summit was a few ups and downs away. A larger cairn here than the true top. It would be a fine place for a snack on a good day but not for us in this wind.
Back down the snow and ice path then followed the snow track to the fence and a small stile. Small maybe but this wind it made something easy a challenge.

The snow now hid some significant boggy patches, plenty of mud on the boots. Just hoped we would not be going in too deeply. The wind had decided to ramp up even further and staying on our feet was a challenge but it was fun and the views terrific.

Someone has rolled in the snow!!

The summit is marked by a few rocks thrown together but the real view was about 20 metres further on. Not just the hills but looking down on Lochearnhead, was special.

Looking across to Vorlich, Stuc a'Chroin and Beinn Each

Overall a superb 360 degree viewing hill top. Sadly we could not hang about too long in the wind and headed back down our ascent route.

Plateau top looking north

Snow and hailstone storms came and went but these did not spoil the day. Indeed when they blew through and the views opened up again, more enjoyment.

On the descent Loch Lubnaig and a couple of walkers heading up

A great little winter walk. The weather forecast spot on. Good company for a chat and views to remember. It was good to be back.

Wildlife: Roe Deer; Buzzard; Raven; Black Grouse; Wren;
Time: 3.31
Ascent: 674m
Distance: 6.6km

Glad to get out for a short walk....Cruach Tairbeirt

Hill: Cruich Tairbeirt
Category: Sub2K
Height: 415m
After a week of storms it was still not walking weather for the higher slopes but there was a glimmer of hope for a lower one today. Forecast looked ok! 
A check though my hills map showed that my closest unclimbed Sub2k was the shortish drive up Loch Lomond to Tarbert and get this one off my to-do list, it has been hanging about for too long. The views are said to be excellent.
I had company from Iain today so not a solo venture.
Previous reports have mentioned an irate local lady if you park at Tarbert train station so being cowards we parked down at the cruise boat parking area, plus it has a free loo.
The walk is a short one so no hassle to do the extra stint to the train station and enter the woods. Under the railway bridge then up the obvious track. 

More ruined stone wall dyke boundaries on the track

Take a right turn and follow it through the pleasant woods up to the forestry work.
There is a standard route up through the trees but when the deforested area is hit the fun starts as the track ends. Well not quite ending but does not go where we want to go.
The area is meant to be ‘no go’ because of the ongoing forestry work but today……..It seems everywhere I have been recently that there has been forestry work.
Today there was neither sight nor sound of operations so it did not affect us but there was machinery around so forestry operations are still ongoing.

No path just over the rough stuff and into the trees

The next section was scrambling over the debris to reach the trees. Thankfully this section inside the trees was pretty good walking and before long we could see light and were out of the trees.

It's steeper out of the trees

Still it was good to get out of the trees even if the gradient went up just a bit and the breathing got faster!

Good spot for a cuppa the top ahead

A short moorland crossing and we came across a reasonable path from our left but not sure where it came from, Arrochar maybe?
It was now much colder and damper with the clouds lowering themselves as we ascended. 

A'Chrois

The temperature had dropped, as evidenced by the new light snow dusting A’ Chrois which was just across the way from us, hopefully would not get us.

Summit on right but trig not visible 

We kept on the decent path, very wet underfoot but clear to follow.
It was not before long when we reached at the trig, hidden until the last moment and just 90 minutes from the car park. I had hoped for better views but not to be today. 

Looking down Loch Lomond Luss hills on right

Still we could see both Loch Lomond and Loch Long at the same time, not many walks you can do that on. The Arrochar and Luss hills were all covered in their grey shrouds A good excuse to come back on a blue sky day and see the real view.

Coming down if you can avoid slipping good views

On the descent we followed our original path until we found a junction so decided to be brave and explore. Very wet and slippy, took a nice heel slip, a hard smack, thought I had damaged my wrist, no doubt will find out soon.

Typical tree section

The track brought us into the trees further down than our ascent and natures fallen trees gave us a bit of scrambling exercise. Some very sharp protruding edges on these obstacles, great care required on these slippery trees.
Then we simply followed the trail back to the railway and to the car park at Tarbert.
Well that was another Sub2k ticked off. I was delighted to get out for a walk and thanks to Iain for the patter as we went round. 
Another good day experienced in our great country.

Wildlife: Chaffinch yes that was it.
Time: 2.52
Ascent: 1490ft 
Distance: 3.4m