A choo choo train to Leum Ulliem

 Hill: Leum Ullien (Williams Leap)

Type: Corbett

Height: 906m

Once again the weather forecast made grim reading, high winds, heavy rain and cold, but for once this summer it was wrong in one major factor. It was definitely not summer so a tick in the cold box. It was very windy on the tops and ridge. But the predicted heavy rain was only a light drizzle for a short time, result.

Peak of Leum Ulliem

Always exciting to start a walk with a train journey and the one to the remote Corrour station did not disappoint. Major confusion about which door to disembark as the on train announcement differed from the on train conductor shouting instructions. All got off safely.

Beinn na Lap behind

Leum Ulliem's peak

The walk decision was to go anti clockwise. A good estate track takes you up on a gently climbing gradient. As it was a short walk we extended it by continuing on the track up to the subsidiary top of Beinn a’ Bhric (only about 30m lower than the main top) where there is a large cairn and despite the greyness of the day some fantastic views. 

The ridge and the top does not look pointed from here

Grey Corries

Dog photo bombs train snap

Buachaille Etive Mor & Beag

As we climbed the Grey Corries were the most prominent but from up here there were additional spectacles, Rannoch Moor and the glistening pools of water but more stunning were the fantastic view of the 2 Bookles along with the Aonoch Eagach ridge.

Schiehallion

We now had an additional descent and reascent of about 80 metres over rough ground before we found the original track. We then followed for a short distance before cutting off and heading up the grassy slopes. 

Before long it flattened out and the large cairn was in sight. It has a narrow shelter for a couple of people. There were a few more of these structures on the flanks of Bhric. There is no grouse shooting here so I assume they are for stalkers use.

The views from here are good but not as good as Bhric. A different view of Rannoch Moor and the local Corrour Munros, the Alder range and the ones from Fersit all showing well. Many more in the distance including Ben Lawers and the pointed Schiehallion.

Corrour Station

Time to descend the ridge which had a faint track coming and going but I suspect we were a little too far SE and maybe missed a better track. It was quite rough at times, some deep pools to leap so it was with relief we came across the main track but almost at the end.

Time for a venison burger and a pint in the station restaurant. What a size of a burger, one to remember for the future.

So a good walk in great surroundings, not a bad day out at all.

Ascent:649m

Distance: 10.85km

Wildlife: Red Deer; Meadow Pipit; Common Frog

Short with a Sweet Viewpoint.....Glas Bheinn

Hill: Glas Bheinn (Rannoch) 

Type: Sub2k

Height: 501m

I had climbed its partner a couple of years ago so it was time to get this off the list. I was going to do the double before but heavy rain made me skip this one. Guess what forecast was for today, heavy rain possibly thunder.

From start Glas Bheinn high point on left

There was a slight drizzle when I started but hopefully be up and down this quickie. My legs were still very stiff so this short one would be enough for today.

I found the path which easily took me to the deer fence which I intended to follow to its highest point. I knew the terrain would be pretty boggy and indeed it was. The grass was slightly flattened by previous walkers.

As I neared the fence end I spotted an ATV track that had flattened some grass. Excellent as I thought I was full on cross country from here. This is red deer land so I presume it was a rare stalker incursion.

Rather than heading for the top directly this approach took me to the lowest point of the ridge. 

Pause for the view

Fine with that as the top walk gave me the views I wanted. Plenty of red deer droppings but no sign of them, the wind was in my favour but no luck.

Finally reached the cairn(s) the diddy one is the real top. Despite being a short hill I knew the views would be impressive and despite the dreichness they were still plenty good. Need to do this on a blue sky winters day when they would be awesome.

Loch Ba

Black Mount Munros with Meall Mor in foreground

Rannoch moor spread out in front with its multiple water sources, the largest Loch Ba, feeding into the distant Loch Rannoch. Behind me 5 mighty Bridge of Orchy Munros. In front the Black Mount Munros with Etive and Glencoe hills in the greyness. This is some viewpoint for no effort.

Back along the ridge Tyndrum hills in distance

Descent back to A82

Took the same route back with the exception of following the ATV track all the way. A very short walk but well worth it. Once again a wee sub2k delivers.

Ascent: 210m

Distance: 3.3km

Time: 1.01

Wildlife: Red Grouse; Meadow Pipit

Short walk, great views Meall Mor Rannoch

Hill: Meall Mor Rannoch Moor
Category: Sub2k
Height: 492m
On my way to Fort William for the ADRC walking week I decided to have a short leg stretcher on the way up. I have had this on my mind for ages so today is the day.
It is only short walk back from the parking area and then across rough moorland.
I had previously read about the memorial cairn as well as the excellent views for not a lot of effort.

As I came through Tyndrum the rain came on and I thought this wee walk would not happen. After all it was just to be a leg stretcher in good weather not full on walking gear!!

Meall Mor from parking area

However, when I reached the lay-by the rain was off, so boots and gaiters on, rain jacket as well, just in case but travelling light.

Thankfully the grand prix driving on the A76 had passed by and I crossed the road safely.

The short hill of Meall Mor is directly ahead. For the first two hundred metres or so it is wet and boggy, just wade through it.

Use the rocks for easier walking

There are many tracks crisis crossing but I suspect these are deer trails, not enough humans trek up here, but they guide you along. The terrain is typically moorland with lots of tussocks.

On the slopes just pick a line and go for it. There is a rocky thrust that I followed on and off, much easier walking on the stone.

Some very good views already over the lochans looking over to Perthshire & Schiehallion’s obvious peak in the distance.

Looking across to memorial cairn

Before long the high point cairn is reached and over to the north there is the well constructed memorial cairn which the following tells the story.

View over Rannoch Moor from memorial cairn

Text from Geograph internet site.

'IN MEMORY OF
RONALD HARVEY
WHO DIED DEC 1 1962
AGED 26
The following are the words inscribed on the plaque attached to the cairn:
WE CAST HIS ASHES TO ROAM
IN THE WINDS OVER THESE HILLS
WHICH HE KNEW, LOVED AND ROVED SO MUCH
WE LEAVE HIM TO TRAVEL ALONE
THE PATHS WE TREKKED TOGETHER
HE SHALL BE WITH US WHEN WE RETURN
THE ROAR OF THE STAG
THE CRY OF THE BIRD
THE SIGH OF THE WIND
SHALL BE HIS CONSTANT COMPANIONS
HIS PASSING
HAS BEEN THE SUNSET OF OUR FRIENDSHIP
I was contacted in December 2009 by a site visitor who gave me the following information:-
The Ronald Harvey Cairn was made by my grandfather Joe Howitt along with Jim Harvey. There were five climbers but there is only one left.
His grandfather would appear to be the only surviving climber and visited the cairn regularly to maintain it but he has not been there for four years due to failing health'.

View towards Glencoe

Excellent views despite the rain coming in from the west.
In this isolation I was surprised to see another walker appear from behind. A brief chat interrupted by the rain.
I headed back down the same way to the car. Found a meadow pipits nest, only wildlife seen.
An hours exercise, great views and a warm up for tomorrow's biggie.

Wildlife: Meadow pipit.
Time: 1.02
Ascent: 224m
Distance: 3.2km