Morrone a straightforward Corbett with stunning views and new butterflies

Hill: Morrone (The Big Nose)
Category: Corbett
Height: 859

A forecast of wet and windy in the west meant me following Judith’s tip (BBC weather) of heading to the east so Braemar was the pick.

Morrone from track start

I parked in the village centre car park, free parking and toilets and walked through the town heading up the road, passing the site where the Highland Gathering is being readied. At the top of this road there is a car park you could use if time was an issue.

I walked on by following the signed track. A short while later in a different brain world I followed the circular route until I slowly realised height not being gained so back tracked to the main path.

Easy tourist track

Follow the sign right and now you cannot go wrong as the path meanders up the hillside. It is a tourist hill so a wide track at times.

So far so good no rain but windy and cold so light jacket on.

Braemar

Looking around there are super views of Braemar and the hills behind. On my left Lochnagar stands out.

5 cairns

Not sure why but there are five small cairns ahead but they are a marker to pass as you head for the mast summit, built to increase reception for the mountain rescue. 

Barren but mast now in sight

Very few people on the hill today but amidst this desolate landscape section I spot a mountain hare.

Messy summit

Now on top, there is a round trig and the wider all round views are superb from Lochnagar via Cairnwell via the Cairngorm massifs, although all the west Munro tops still in cloud so a good choice staying a bit lower. 

View to Lochnagar

Despite the biting wind time is spent taking it all in trying to identify all of the tops and passes.

Descent track

Rather than just take the up and down like everyone else I saw today I walked the long way round. A hard packed service road is not easy walking for the descent but the views make up for it and you cannot go wrong. Apart from one girl coming up, so well wrapped up I felt for her, not another person on the descent.

Old road back to Braemar

Head down amidst the grouse moors, sprung quite a few of them, then down below follow the old road round Morrone, alongside the river back to Braemar.

Good old Judith was right, mixed weather but no rain, a good day for a walk.

Happy sunflowers

Even some sunflowers to bring brightness to the day and a smile to my face.

Final stretch across the beautiful golf course which is deserted, why? Butterflies are flying I have grainy not well focused snaps of what I believe is the Northern Brown Argus, and also a Mountain Ringlet two firsts.
A good choice and another excellent walk. Looking forward to Mount Blair tomorrow.
Wildlife: A single mountain hare, Red Grouse, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Northern Brown Argus, Mountain Ringlet.
Time: 3.12
Ascent: 605m
Distance: 13.2k

Leagag a fine little hill with lots of deer

Hill: Leagag
Category: Sub 2k/Marilyn
Height: 601m
After 3 Munros without any views it was time to refocus. The forecast remained pretty much the same, grey, cloudy and potentially very wet. Although this is the 10th highest Sub 2k I was optimistic that it’s summit would be below the cloud line but would it escape the rain? The good lady in tow today.

The Start Leagag on left

We parked up about 100m from the start in Bridge of Gaur and walked up the road. A well spoken elderly man stopped and asked where we were going. Put it this way the hill has only 6 letters and I was well out on the pronunciation, no surprise there, put right by an Englishman, humiliated off we went.

First deer herd

The hill top could be seen from the gate at the start, clear of rain and cloud so optimism. There is a very good track for the first mile or so.

Off to the right we spotted a herd of deer on a far off ridge, mainly stags, a good start. The rain has started, heavy not so good. Despite the gloom there is the impressive bulk of Meall Garbh directly ahead.

Iron red rocks

The rocks in the burn are an unusual reddish colour. Looking at the map a ‘Bloomery Mound’ is marked. It turns out this is a medieval mound used for iron smelting, the legacy clearly lasts a long, long time.

Turn left here

A small cairn marks the spot to turn off left unless you want to walk on up into Glen Lyon. The track is now wet and boggy underfoot as it circles around the back of Meall Dubh. You can go straight up but this is easier for the good lady, the moans will start soon.

Some of the 2nd herd

We came to a sudden stop as a herd of over 100 red deer are down below us on the moor. They have spotted us but not concerned yet. A mixed herd, the stags with velvet antlers so I presume a younger group. After a minutes stand off they run for it. The rain was heavy but I risked camera damage and got a couple of hazy long shots.

Head up to Leagag no path now

They headed up the grassy slopes we were heading for which was helpful as they laid tracks through the bracken, easier walking for us. Just pick a spot and leave the track and head for the grassy slope. Leagag can be seen but not the cairn.

Loch Rannoch

It was tough going for the good lady but before long we reached a heather shoulder which was better walking. The views were great despite the low clouds.

Another sharp but short ascent and we were at the cairn. 

Towards Glen Lyon Munros

The views were well worth it and I would love to see it with clear visibility. The Glen Lyon Munros stand out in bulk but their summits shrouded in cloud. 

Meandering river

The glen below look fantastic with the twisting Luban Feith a’ Mhadaidh sparkling in the odd glimpse of the sun. The views down Loch Rannoch don’t disappoint except sadly Schiehallion can’t be seen.

The wind has really picked up, buffeting us, so a more direct route off the hill, more or less straight down to the inward track and then easier walk back.

Lichen

The sun briefly comes out, butterflies start flying and we spend some time admiring the lichen covered rocks. How long did it take for the lichen to cover this rock?

The rain flanks us, the top of Leagag is covered but we make the car dry.
A surprisingly good little hill and glad we went. I would love to see the views on a clear air day, I suspect they will be grand indeed. The good lady declined the offer of doing the other nearby sub 2k, Meall Chomraidh, instead we visited the Rannoch Stations tearoom, coffee and large portions cake, a better idea.
Wildlife: Red deer, Meadow pipit, Dunnock, Scotch Argus.
Time: 3.35
Ascent: 417m
Distance: 9.71k

Three Newtonmore Munros a circuit in the clouds

Hill: Carn Dearg, Carn Sgulain, ""A' Chailleach
Category: Munros
Height: n/a
The forecast was for a miserable day, persistent rain and the resulting low cloud all day so not the best outlook for these 3 Munros.
It was raining when I drove to the start but surprisingly it was off when we started walking. A muggy wet day what gear to wear?

You can just see the trail in the gap

To start a pleasant walk up the track in Glen Banchor before heading right into the hills via Gleann Fiondrigh where we spotted our first deer of the day and our one and only golden eagle.

Remote already

The burn was still very low despite the recent rains and the enclosed hills gave the feeling of isolation and remoteness.

Turn left here at bridge

We seemed to complete a circular route around the hills before finally heading out onto the boggy peat moor. 

Carn Dearg ahead

On and off estate ATV tracks to follow but mainly heather moorland to negotiate but spirits are high and our first Munro is in sight. Its cairn prominent and close to the edge. But to get to it it's not across the peat hags, we go further into the glen towards its head before going left and climbing up the grassy slopes before reaching a stony track. On the rocks a raptor screeches, a youngster and an adult peregrine circles, watching us presumably.

This is meant to be the best view!!

A little further on and Carn Dearg’s cairn appears out of the mist. The rain was now fully on and with the low cloud no views from here as you can see from the cairn snap.

Old fence provides guidance

We now enter the second section of the walk a long six kilometre trudge across the rocky plateau. The clouds occasionally lifted for 5 minutes to give us a snapshot of the landscape but equally quickly descended into the gloom again. We mainly followed the old fence line and spotted two shapes moving past in the opposite direction, heads down into the rain and gloom.

The clouds lift a bit but not a lot to see

About half way along the plateau the rain had eased and more short term views appeared, giving a glimpse of the way ahead, easing the trudge a little.

Carn Sgulain

When we reached the 2nd Munro, Carn Sgulain and it really is an anti climax, a pathetic little cairn, the clouds down once more, is this it, the GPS says yes.

A short backtrack and then across the peat hags before descending sharply.

Peat hags over back to grass for 3rd top

 The burn is in clear sight, nice views up and down but of course the last top cannot be seen in the clouds.

A'Chailleach 2nd best views apparently

A last short steep climb and our final Munro of the day, A’Chailleach, is reached. The most impressive cairn of the 3 but once again nae views. 

Descent views opening up

Not long after starting the descent, you guessed it, the weather cleared and we had fantastic views across Badenoch all the way down, typical. The initially badly eroded track becomes better as you descend back to the car park.

A very long walk today but in good company. Disappointing with the weather but back to normality for hill walking in Scotland.

Wildlife: Red deer, Golden Eagle, Meadow pipits, Peregrine.
Time: 7.37
Ascent: 1137m
Distance: 24.7k

More solitude and isolation, Arran this time.

Hill: Beinn Bhreac Arran

Start at Lochranza

Category: Sub 2k
Height: 575m
I decided to tick off one of my outstanding Arran hills. After the bedlam of the ferry and the bus it was nice to start my walk just outside Arran distillery in Lochranza. I didn’t expect to see anyone on this walk today and I wasn’t far wrong.
The route I chose looked straightforward, a 3 mile walk through the tranquil and isolated Gleann Easan Biorach to Loch na Davie, then pick a spot to my right and go uphill to the summit. More on that later.
The bus was late arriving in Lochranza so my tight trip was even tighter to get my bus back.
The route through the glen has a burn all the way on your left so no excuses for getting lost here. To begin cut in at the bridge, there is a sign and now there is a straightforward but steep track which leads to a deep gorge which can be bypassed before it opens out into the moorland.

Past the gorge heading out onto the moor

For the first mile the track is obvious and in good condition but deteriorates after about a mile when you reach the waterfall.

Lots of small waterfalls

Now the rising track comes and goes, it is very stony and boggy, lots of boulder hopping and wet boots, gaiters on. The rains of the last fortnight have made this very wet, did we have a dry summer?

Marker stones, this snap is looking back taken on the descent

I reach a small stone cairn, indicating a turn off? From the map this would take you between Beinn Bhiorach and Bhreac. In retrospect I would have taken this and made the ascent an easier gradient.
After the 3 miles I reach the lochan which despite its small size is important. Its run back to Lochranza feeds the distillery and its fine malts. At the other side it descends into Glen Iorsa and its waters.

Loch na Davie down below, Caisteal Abhail behind

I have climbed to 360 metres with just under 200 metres of direct ascent. The first section was okay but the final 100 is rough and rugged heather moorland with plenty of holes hidden underfoot.

Castail, Cir Mhor & Tarsuinn in shot

I was glad to reach the plateau and headed towards the cairn just as a stag and 5 hinds spotted me and ran off. It looks slightly higher further across but not according to GPS but there are good views down Glen Iorsa.

Glen Iorsa

Despite the low grey clouds there are still great views from the top. Arran’s Corbett’s showing their moody best. Looking west Beinn Tarsuinn looks dark and foreboding. Towards Catacol, Meall nan Damh, another sub2k to be climbed soon.
Time is not on my side so off I went descending further along the ridge before cutting down to the track, slow but sure as still lots of holes. I disturbed another group of hinds, certainly plenty of fresh poo around, there are lots of deer here.
Walking down the track I spot a Merlin flying low over the heather, stopping on a boulder and I get a grainy long distance snap confirming it. Maybe looking for one of these?

Meadow Pipit

Also a golden eagle appears above, getting lucky today but again the advantage of solo walking.
About half way down I meet a family with a young kid, tourists it turns out. I am asked if they are near the village, what village? Map out they were heading to Catacol and were dismayed when I showed them how far away they were from it, the rough terrain already getting to them and the kid not equipped. Thankfully they heeded my advice and followed me back to Lochranza.

Scotch Argus

On the descent I was also lucky enough to spot this Scotch Argus butterfly near the gorge, getting better identifying these now.

Lochranza in sight

Back at the bus stop with 10 minutes to spare but no time to browse for a bottle of malt, there will be another day. 
An excellent short walk, I am getting used to this isolation and solitude walking lark. The constant backdrop of running water helps the mind.

Wildlife: Red deer, Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Meadow Pipit, Merlin, Scotch Argus.

Time: 3.39
Ascent: 579m
Distance: 10.9k

Delightful butterfly surprise on otherwise insignificant Cairn Pat

Hill: Cairn Pat
Category: Sub 2k/Marilyn
Height: 182m

The start

On my way to Portpatrick I couldn’t miss the opportunity to pick off my most south westerly sub2k. The added bonus was that it must be one of the lowest and hence the quickest. It was a gloomy low cloud morning hope it stays dry as no outdoor gear with me.
No obvious nearby parking so I parked the car a couple of hundred yards past the start of the walk at a deserted farm/works building.
The signpost confirms the short hike so up the brambled clad track on one side I went. Farmer came down quite fast so as I stood into the grassy verge on the other side, to let him past, I touched the wire fence, ouch it was electrified. I bet that gave him a laugh.

Clear track to top

Soon a locked gate which I climbed over to observe lots of coo pats and fresh. The track was now muddy and on full alert I spotted them but they were in the field on the other side of the hedge but this track is part of the field.

Disinterested coos

I then reached the next fence with the mast in clear view not far away. At least this gate opened. This field was also full of coos, a different kind and closer but they just stared and kept their distance.

Trig to Loch Ryan

Before long the trig appears to the right hand side of the mast.

Lake District over there somewhere

Despite the very low clouds there are some distance views back up Loch Ryan. I can see Stranraer and the Solway visibility not good enough to see the Lake District.

Mating pair of The Wall

Back down the trail taking a bit of time to watch the butterfly mating game that was taking place amid the brambles and thistles. Later when checking my snaps I realised that I had a 1st for me, this mating pair are called ‘The Wall’, as said never seen or heard of before so chuffed.

Red Admiral & bee

Also a nice snap of a red admiral about to be removed from the flower by the bumble bee.

Small White

A short walk and objective achieved. With the butterflies it reaffirmed that no hill no matter how insignificant could be well worth it.

Wildlife: Red Admiral, The Wall, Small White.
Time: 45min.
Ascent: 298ft
Distance: 1.59m

A wet and wild summers day on Binnean nan Gobhar

Hill: Binnean nan Gobhar
Category: Sub 2k
Height: 586m

Map of Cashel forest

Out for another trip with the KOIR to visit a lesser climbed top at Loch Lomond.
We began at the Cashel visitor centre parking area, £2.50 charge so be warned. 

Turn right at end of building

Going past the buildings we took an immediate right going alongside the old buildings and following the track from here. You could go straight on and it would shorten the walk but we used that for our descent.

Loch Lomond and high bracken

This grassy path meanders up through the forest at a good gradient and soon rewarded us with views over Loch Lomond and the Luss hills. People can be seen on top of Conic Hill.
The path lasts for about 3k before meeting up with the direct stony track where we turned right and continued up the hill. 

Objective straight ahead

There are now good views of the summits ahead, the trig of Beinn Bhreac and the slightly higher sub 2k top of Binnean nan Gobhar, only 9 metres of a height difference.
At the junction we headed left to the iron gate, easily opened and before long we were out on the open moor.
The track had now deteriorated to a faint ATV offering through very wet ground. Also the weather had deteriorated the predicted rain arriving early.

No path now

There is no obvious way up so take what you think is the best way through the heather, bracken and marsh grass. We had drifted further north than intended before cutting in but in retrospect the ascent from here was miles better than the descent.
After the initial deep stuff we were on slightly easier walking heading up towards the left flank of Gobhar, as we looked at it. The going was very wet with hidden holes but at times also a faint track to follow.

Gobhar from false summit

We cut along the face and then went straight up to where we saw a small cairn but of course this was a false summit, further north and higher was the real cairn. 
The crossing to this was short and another short ascent got us there in what was a now very strong wind. It was also freezing, it is still summer isn‘t it. 

Ben Lomond from Gobhar

Excellent views across to Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Also in between in the above snap is the other Sub2k of Beinn Uird. Had this been a solo outing I would have incorporated this as well.
Beinn Bhreac was just a short distance away but to get to it was a delicate crossing. The plateau here is covered in peat hags and some were very soft indeed, not nice when you went deep.

Beinn Bhreac from Gobhar

At the trig the rain had arrived in force, the wind driving the rain into our faces. Pity about the trig it is starting to erode, I wonder if they get repaired these days? It was actually sunny and clear to the south west, is that conical hill away in the distance Tinto? I think it is. A short refreshment break and warm and/or wet gear donned and my camera stored away in its waterproof bag so no more snaps after this point.

Sad looking eroded trig

We opted to take the direct route down from here back to the tree line (this should have been our ascent) but it was a serious mistake, it was brutal going. The number of deep hidden holes was a serious risk of broken limbs. I don’t know if this was a previous tree plantation but I have rarely encountered so many holes in terrain like this. Of course it was also wet, muddy and waist high grass at times and we could hear but not see the burn.
Muddy and wet but no serious injuries back to the car park. Its true that these sub 2k’s are frequently tougher than bigger hills.
A hard but enjoyable outing but I won’t be rushing back until off season for the undergrowth.

Time: 4.15
Ascent: 704m
Distance: 11.65m