Ben Dearg Callander via Ben Gullipen

Hill: Beinn Dearg (Callander) 

Type: Sub2k

Height: 427m

I wanted a short morning walk so opted for a Marylin just outside Callander, another one on my winter programme ticked off.

Almost got off to a non start as the walk start was plastered with yellow timber operations warnings and I could see and hear them. They had obviously started at the road and were working their way up into the forest. But at least the signs did not say’ no entry’ so on I went.

No warm up here straight into a steep climb and heavy breathing already. I soon met up with the workies who were working slightly in from the track. Not many trees left here but the air was still full of calling birds, larger numbers in a smaller space.

Gullipen comes into view

Them Coos are somewhere on this road

According to the map the good track is a service road for the Ben Gullipan transmitter, so far so good, breathing back under a control when I reach a gate with a sign saying no more waymakers, appropriate clothing and all that, this is not somewhere you would expect to die but hee ho.

The sign had omitted any mention of livestock which I took as good news for about two minutes with lots of trampled ground and coo pats, but they looked old.

I could see the transmitter and followed the winding and actually quite steep track. What was noticeable was that as I progressed the coo pats looked less old and were soon decidedly fresh on the last climb. Was I going to be ambushed?

Ben Ledi from the Gullipan track

Reached the transmitter and the coos had clearly been here but still no sign. 

Over the style with Beinn Dearg peaking out but a bit to go yet

I crossed a fence and presumed that they couldn't so headed across the moor towards Dearg. There is a faint track as the route descends almost 60 metres to climb back up another 80 metres. The track is faint but there. Intermittingly wet and boggy amid patches of solid grass. At least it continues onto the small ridge of Dearg so no heather bashing. Well there was when I lost the track for a bit but soon recovered.

From summit Loch Venachar and the dimple of Ben An in the middle

From summit looking back to Gullipan

Good views across to Ben Ledi and the Crianlarich hills beyond. Spotted some smaller peaks; Ben An; Dumyat; Dumgoyne. It was a very cold wind and for a few seconds small balls of hail were bouncing off me.

Lochan Balloch & Ledi behind

Down below the Lochan Balloch is a pretty water, wonder if there is any fish in it?

The winding road back down from Gullipan, Callander behind in the valley.

Dumyat just seen on the right

Headed back the same way, chatted to a couple who were only going to do Gullipan as they did not know Dearg was the real hill, wonder if they went over. Got the nod from the timber guy as his machine was now stripping trees at the track edge, amazing machinery.

All in all just what I wanted, never seen the coos, a good wee ramble and another one off the to-do list.

Ascent: 424m

Distance: 7.7km

Time: 2.14

Wildlife: Chaffinch; Wren; Blue Tit; Great Tit; Meadow Pipit; Raven; Red Grouse

 Hill: Meall Odhar (Dun coloured hill)

Type: Graham

Height: 656m

Lui on left, Chuirn on right

Another wander alongside the River Cononish but in totally different weather conditions. Less than 2 weeks ago it was cold and wet with the river almost in spate. Today, I was wearing just a light baselayer and getting my face skelped by the sun. Yes, it is March in Scotland, unreal.

As I wandered I spotted my 1^st butterfly of the year, had to be a Peacock. There were a few flying but annoyingly they were not resting to get a photo, maybe tomorrow.

I also spotted this common frog who would have got squished by one of the mine vehicles had I not been there to slow it down and move the frog to the side.

Ben Lui

Odhar on the right of Chuirn

After a gentle ramble enjoying the views I reached my cut off point near the mine and was surprised to see 3 people crossing the field near the trees, so I would not out be alone on the hill today!!

To get to the trees there is a scrubby field with no livestock but 4 fences to cross. The largest was a deer fence with a locked gate, why when the field is not in use? The have built an access climb beside the gate but it is made of flimsy wood so not long before that gets broken. Plus when I met the other walkers they had to lift their dog over, not easy.

Reached the trees and as I suspected I could get through them here. There is a burn but the fire break was large enough. The 3 walkers + dog were resting, they took a few rests lol, but probably the way to do it in this weather.

For me it was just a wee slog up the hill. Short steps and a few short stops to recover and take in the view. Funnily legs felt way off compared to my walk 2 days ago, weird, must be an age thing.

The corrie on Ben Chuirn clearly seen

Small cairn looking north to Orchy hills

Got to the plateau and had a wander over to various stones before deciding the last lot on my left was the top, added a stone to the small cairn. Despite the heat haze restricting long distance viewing the local stuff was superb. As I snacked the tranquillity was only broken by a small commercial helicopter flying overhead and the standard raven looking for a handout, will an apple core do? Apparently so as off it went core in its beak.

There is an option of making a 360 route by descending the other side to Tyndrum via the abandoned mines but from the Tyndrum side it looks a dirty walk. There are also some dangerous mine workings if route not followed carefully.

Nicer view looking down to the winding River Cononish

So rest over and I just went back my ascent route. A good ramble and even though it is warm time for some Green Welly soup, they do make a good soup.

Ascent: 528m

Distance: 12.2km

Time: 3.46

Wildlife: Raven; Common Frog; Peacock butterfly: Meadow Pipit; Hooded Crow; Coal Tit; Blackbird;