Trig Point

Ime Enjoying Myself

2010-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Late August 2010, took a well earned half day off and left work Friday lunchtime. 75 minutes later, I was stripped to the waist and setting off up the glen to Bealach a' Mhargaidh. About twenty degrees of heat I reckon. Nice!

I met a few other gudgies on their way down and pondered awhile with some on which of the two flankers was the corbett as they are so similar in height.. At the Bealach I was alone at last and spectacular views of the back sides of the Cobbler and Narnain hove into view.

I dont remember seeing them before. I've only managed cloudy weather on Ben Ime the other two times. A right turn and an easy angled ascent threading through rocks and sheep tracks took me rather quickly to the summit of Beinn Luibhean.

The summit is actually the top of a flat rock, with a steep drop on the far side. A very hazy view down to Ben Donich & the Brack. Beinn an Lochain, a recent conquest looks steep from this angle - which it is.

Back down at the col it was 3 o'clock and decision time. With an additional walking pole today I felt unusually fresh and decided I may as well bag Beinn Ime again. Why waste the weather? I had traced out a suitable route while on top of the corbett and dutifully started up avoiding the rocky precipices on the left. The faint skirl of the bagpipes from the Rest and Be Thankful sent me on my way. The afternoon sun disappeared for this part of the ascent which kept the body cooler just when it needed it. A few more bods were spotted descending the path from Ime to Narnain. By the time I reached it I had the place to myself. A short distance along the path the summit rocks were reached and the magnificent view unfolded.
As I looked around I realised there was a fellow walker on each of the tops of Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich, the Cobbler and Narnain. No doubt we were all peering at each other through the haze. A cracking view I never knew existed as I've missed it previously in the gloom of late autumn.

I didn't fancy backtracking to the col I'd come up from so traversed the hill and descended to the Glas Bhealach under Beinn Chorranach. As time was marching on, so did I and knee crunched steeply back to the burn below by guessing my way down a rocky road. Sweat poured. I hit the river and noticed a shoulder height cool waterfall issuing off a huge boulder. Half a shower later I was clean and refreshed for the drive home. I think I'll return.

Volcanic Activity on Skye

2009-12-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

While geologists have studied Skye for centuries looking for evidence of volcanic activity, finally there is a breakthrough!

Ben Nevis Summit Hotel

2009-12-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

More nostalgia, the hotel on top of Ben Nevis, actually a weather observatory, courtesy of this new website . Thats a young Billy on the left.

Mountain Rescue Game

2009-11-28T09:21:00.001-08:00

Try this out - its harder than it looks!

Mountain Rescue Game

Munros in a Minute

2009-11-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

BBC Outdoors Munros in a Minute

How they used to do it

2009-11-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Back to Galloway

2009-10-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

It had been around 25 years since I did Corserine in the Galloway hills. Last time I did it from Castlemaddy in late autumn and all I remember is rain and mist and the cold. This time I picked a nice day. A 50 minute drive through the first sub-zero temperatures and freezing fog took me to the start point in the Forest Estate. I didn’t realise it was owned by Fred Olsen, the Scandinavian shipping magnate.

The first issue was stalking. There was a big red sign up at the car park saying “Warning Stalking in Progress”. I wavered for a few minutes while putting on my boots then decided nothing ventured nothing gained and took off up the track towards Forebush.

Inside the gate of the lodge near the car park there is an interesting and colourful relic of World War 11. It is the vibrantly painted figurehead of a highlander from the vessel Black Watch. That ship plied between Britain and Norway until the outbreak of the war. The Germans took control of the ship when they invaded Norway and the Fleet Air Arm then sank it in a Norwegian fiord along with its sister ship. When the ship was salvaged the highlander was returned to Fred Olsen. He eventually decided to give it a suitable Scottish home in bonnie Galloway.

Wee Jock Poo Pong McPlop

No sooner had I started off again when I met someone coming down. Someone like me, overweight and sweating despite the mere 2 degree temperature. “Were you turned back by the stalkers?” I asked with trepidation “No, I got a migraine so no point continuing. Was here at 7 30 am, minus three on way here. Got to the tree line and discovered just before that the obvious path was the wrong one. Make sure you turn off right at the causeway over the burn. I’m off to watch Queens Park get beaten” answered the chap.

I pushed on, shivering in the cold shade of the trees. I noticed one thing as I made my way through the forest, a lot of money had been spent on it, in particular on signage. Many of the forest tracks were named after Scandinavians such as Birgir Natvig, Fred Olsen and, of course, Billy McLelland. I passed an eco-office, with a turfed roof and solar panels where the company was managed from.

Corserine

Once past Forebush the silence was complete, there was no one about and it remained that way for the rest of the day. The forest was just as I had first encountered it, gloomy and slightly spooky. I couldn’t put my finger on why it was spooky until I realised that it was the lack of bird song which made it totally silent, as if listening to you pass. Good signage indicated offshoots of the road to Lochs Harrow and Lumford. The road is worth a mention. It seems that since last winter it had been vastly improved, being raised by up to 8 feet in places, presumably for the commencement of logging. It must have cost millions, the best forest road I have ever been on. I wished I had brought my bike, however, although now carefully levelled off, it was still quite steep in places. Eventually I reached the tree line and the stile over the deer fence, having spotted the none too obvious right turn into the trees. A faint path led up the right hand side of the corrie. Without too much effort the ridge was gained and a couple of cairns pointed the way to the summit of Corserine at the back. The weather was clear, although hazier than the day before, when I was on Arran and could see the Trossachs and beyond. The summit had both a cairn and a trig point. Merrick dominated the 360 degree view , with all of the Galloway hills in view, as well as Glentrool.

The Merrick from Corserine

I continued on to neighbouring Carlin’s Cairn. I had seen a herd of what looked like white, brown and black goats from Corserine and as I got closer, I realised I was not wrong. You could smell them before you could see them just beyond the skyline. I managed to get within around 30 feet before they edged away.

A few of the 50 odd smelly Goats Scruff

Carlin’s Cairn has quite a big cairn but certainly not the biggest in the world. As I studied the map, I realised that the next hill along and to the North was named Goats Craig. Perhaps the Goats were on holiday. As I sat at the cairn I looked up Castlemaddy on the map. In the intervening years the forest had been cut down around it and now it was plainly visible in the distance. It used to be an outdoor centre owned by Dumfries & Galloway Scouts and I used to go for weekends there. We once cycled to it from Dumfries for our Duke of Edinburgh’s award expedition.

Castlemaddy (Centre) from Carlin's Cairn

I retraced my route without event and made my way ever more wearily back down through the forest. I took a short detour up an unmarked track to look at the dam on Loch Harrow. Again, total silence and solitude and disuse. Part of the forestry had been flooded by the dam, the trees dying in situ. If you want to know what the world will be like with no one in it any more, then this is the place to come.

Loch Harrow

Back at the car I noticed even more signs had been put up during the day, this time giving directions for the DA Autopart’s Solway Coast Rally see here, A stage to be held there the next day. I then realised I had been over concerned about disturbing the deer!

Little Chamonix

2009-09-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Little Chamonix is a rock climb on Shepherds Crag in Borrowdale in the Lake District. I was dragged up it when I was about 18 by a real climber. I was walking around Lake Derwentwater recently when I saw the crag from a distance for the first time in over 20 years. It was much higher than I remembered. There were two climbers on it. The leader had reached the end of the second pitch and was belaying his climbing partner while straddling a slab. The final pitch is very exposed but straightforward. You really feel the height and I still remember the satisfaction of pulling over the final lip onto the grass. It is graded "V Diff" so its a good one for the inexperienced but at 230 feet high its quite a challenge for those who suffer from vertigo.

Suilven, the Grey Castle

2009-06-03T12:39:00.001-07:00

Above:Evening sun on Suilven from Achmelvich campsite

Above: A 180 degree panorama from the summit of Suilven

Above: Billy about to twist his ankle

Above: Suilven from 5 miles away near the start of the walkin at Glen Canisp Lodge

Suilven dominates its surroundings. An "Inselberg" island of sedimentary Torridonian Old Red Sandstone surrounded by a sea of metamorphic Lewisian Gneiss. This sandstone was laid down by rivers originating in what is now Greenland and Canada directly on top of the gneiss. Over millions of years the sandstone has been eroded away by glacial ice leaving the slightly harder rocks of Suilven behind, presumably tougher due to a localised quartzite layer near the now summit.
It is a 5 mile walk in to either side followed by a very steep pull up to the ridge. The path is good but eroded in places. Rocks dislodged by those above could be an issue. This path is especially hard work on a hot day. The section of ridge to the summit involves some easy but exposed scrambling. Not the place to twist your ankle eh Billy?
Suileag bothy is on the way in to the northern side and is a fine building with arguably the best view of all bothies.

Above: Gryff Rhys-Jones did this bit in the snow. Big drops either side.

Achmelvich

2009-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Achmelvich is one of the nicest places I have ever been. The hot weather helped. If you like white sand, turquoise ocean, spectacular views of the north western highlands, fabulous sunsets and swimming in sub zero seas, then Achmelvich is the place to go. It has a wonderful campsite with hot showers and even its own tea time chip shop but it was closed when we were there.

Hill Quiz

2009-06-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

OK so called hill buffs name these hills. For a bonus point, where was the photograph taken from?

Last Munro....again

2009-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

I retraced the walk of my last munro of June 2007 yesterday in good weather. What a difference. The views from the summit of Stob na Broige were superb.

Sackful of Kittens

2009-05-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Favourite Ridges of Uncertain Death

2009-04-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

Am Bhasteir on Skye is a favourite because of it's undercut bad step where a misplaced foot could land you off the side of the mountain and a long drop.
Tower Ridge on Ben Nevis was fun on a rope of three. The step down into the notch with 20o0 feet drops on both sides. Even 10 year olds in bare feet can do it though :see photo.
The mighty Horns of Alligin: a spectacular ridge in a fine mountain setting. Funny that I met someone from work halfway along it.
An Teallach. This is Lord Berkely's Seat, an overhanging fang of rock on a tottering ridge where the way was unclear. Even the easy escape path around it had had its fatalities shortly before we did it.
Aaaah. The round of Coire Lagan on Skye. A whole days worth of scrambling and roped upness, capped with an ascent of the Innaccessible Pinnacle and an abseil off it.
The Inn Pinn from below. Yoiks!
Striding Edge Helvellyn. Hmm seemed hard when you were 17.
Am Fasarinen pinnacles Liathach. Felt like you were walking along a church roof, only much higher.
Pinnacle Ridge on Skye. A good scramble and a long abseil off the fourth pinnacle. Real climbers only rope up for that bit.
Aonach Eagach ridge Glencoe. The Clachaig Inn is conveniently sited at one end.
Above and below: The Forcan Ridge, The Saddle Kintail. Spot the climbers in the pic below.

A'Chir Ridge Arran: Surprisingly difficult.

Highland Helicopters

2009-04-16T11:40:00.001-07:00

Helicopters are a common sight in the mountains. While they are mainly of the search & rescue (SAR) type, others are utilised on sight seeing trips or even to help maintain the many miles of mountain pathways.The SAR helicopters are based at HMS Gannet at Prestwick and RAF Lossiemouth can often be seen in the mountains of Scotland or the Lake District, whether on exercise or on an actual rescue mission.

The Royal Navy SAR squadron at HMS Gannet is based at Prestwick airport in Southwest Scotland; it provides 24-hour military and civilian search and rescue across a large area of Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland. The flight operates 3 Sea King Mk 5 helicopters. Tasking is varied and ranges from recovering fallen climbers in winter snow to rescuing injured fishermen up to 200 miles offshore. Additionally, Gannet SAR provides an important medical evacuation service to the many island communities on Scotland's West coast.

RAF 202 SAR Squadron at Lossiemouth operates Sea King aircraft. D Flight is based at Lossiemouth. 202 Squadron also operates aircraft from RAF Boulmer (A Flt) and RAF Leconfield (E Flt).
The above photo shows an old Wessex rescue helicopter, used before the Sea King, which swooped down on me, Brian and Simon while staying in Corrour bothy in the Lairig Ghru. Apparently they were searching for a missing walker from the GUM club (our club). The mountain behind is the Devil's Point or Devil's Penis. Two choppers for the price of one.
The above helicopter was spotted ferrying rocks to the summit of Cairngorm to repair the tourist path.

The above helicopter was seen landing at the Kingshouse in Glencoe while on exercise.
The above helicopter appeared to be on exercise in the Lake District as it swooped down past Grasmoor.

Competition

2009-03-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Its competition time here at Trig Point. This week its the old favourite "missing trig point " competition. The above photograph was taken on a well known Lake District hill.

The competition is in two parts

Part one: Name the hill: 1st prize : 1 boiled egg
2nd prize 2 boiled eggs
3rd prize: A weekend away with Billy

Part Two: Where is the Trig Point now?
1st and only prize: a whole rucksack full of boiled eggs

Chamonix

2009-02-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

Chamonix is a great place for mountains and pubs. Chilly in the mornings in September before the sun hits the valley. We went up to the Aiguille de Midi on the telepherique but unfortunately Dave Rosie forgot the rope so we didnt climb Mont Blanc. Nice views though.

The Eiger

2009-02-15T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dave Rosie making haste for last orders with Wetterhorn behind

After we climbed the Matterhorn we caught the bus to Grindelwald and "had a look" at the North Face of the Eiger. However, decided it was "not in condition" and went to the pub instead.

Favourite Mountains - The Matterhorn

2009-02-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

In lieu of any new hill snaps, its time to look back at some favourite mountains. This is when we climbed the Matterhorn by the Hornli ridge from Zermatt. Unfortunately I was using both hands higher up and couldnt take any more photos.

Winter Envy

2009-02-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to get out on the hills for some time now. I'm missing the best snow conditions for years. I do however have a new camera and was testing it at the weekend. The zoom lens was as close as I got. Bah!

A Day Among the clouds

2009-01-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

25th March 2005 was a good day. As we toiled up the slopes of Beinn Ghlas from the National Trust Visitors Centre we walked up out of the mist and into the sunshine. Not a proper inversion but close enough. It was busy that day, with many people on the hill. For a change there were no problems driving up the road to the visitor centre due to the lateness of the winter season. Quite often it has been snowed up when we arrive and the car can't make it.

Summit Mast of the Week - Ben Udlaidh

2009-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Above: Bidean in the distance.

Ben Udlaidh is an interesting corbett in many respects, geological features , good views, ice climbing, mine shafts and a wrecked mast on the summit.
I recently walked (and not ice climbed) up this hill and its neighbouring corbett, both conveniently situated for a dull mid winters day, above Tyndrum.
Certainly value for money in terms of summit furniture.

For a moment I wondered what kind of mast it had been, and then I realised I didn't much care. It made a good seat while I ate my sandwiches.

Above: The mast as it was.

Below: The mast as it is.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2008-12-01T12:15:00.000-08:00

With last year's "global warming episode" was well and truly behind us it was time to get back to another few thousand years of normal temperatures. We drove up to Glencoe on 30th November, but carefully. The snow line reached down to road level north of the Drover's Inn at Inverarnan. After a somewhat late start the sun was fully up and the mountains glistened in their white winter cloak as we passed by. We stopped every ten minutes to take photographs, in awe of the scenery. Everything looked different, fresh and new. The usual glum fog had hung over Glasgow that morning. The rows of closed kebab shops in Dumbarton road underlining the depressed nature of the place. There was no reason for anyone to venture outdoors or even out of bed that day.

Meanwhile further north, the Southern Highlands shimmered in the winter sun. Ben Lomond crowned in white, Ben Lui, a small cap of cloud rose gargantuan over Tyndrum.
We stopped at the car park overlooking Loch Tulla. A vista of snow beneath us that stretched for miles. Further on at Lochan na-Achlaise, the famous calender view of the Black Mount. Serious photographers scuttled about with their digital SLRs and tripods. Even the lazy were rewarded with a stunning view without having to venture from the layby. Finally we arrived our destination, beneath Buachaille Etive Mor. Getting out of the car the temperature gauge showed at -9.5 degrees. It was cold. After a false start due to losing an iceaxe we battled our way up through a few inches of powder snow, unbonded to the rock beneath climbing up to the col. A tricky scramble at the top The view from the summit was awesome, at least thats what we were told by those who had got there early enough. For us the day was over, the mists had closed in. So it was back down the way we had come, careful not to trip over the crampons on the steep descent. The Drover's Inn beckoned, its Christmassy interior unusually very quiet. Another worthwhile day, snatched from the jaws of life's stultifying mediocrity.

Meall nan Subh. Soo what?

2008-11-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Meall nan Subh, hill of the Soooooo or Raspberry is not a very extreme physical challenge. You can park one's automotive transport near the top on the Lairig nan Lunn above Loch Lyon. Well half hour or so walk anyway to said top. There are excellent views of Beinn Heasgarnich, from the summit especially if you go on a misty day which then becomes non-misty as we did. The true summit has a strangely shaped trig point thingy on top. Not a lot of people know that and go to a different spot which seems higher. This is an optical illusion which you will not find mentioned in any guidebook. Bonus.

The Peninsula

2008-10-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

The day after climbing Donald's peak we went for a tour of the Ardgour peninsula. Here are some of the photos......

Sanna Bay

Sanna Bay paddle

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

Ardgour Antics

2008-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

It was towards the end of February 2006 when I, Billy and Craig managed to get a weekend away. We decided to camp at the Kinghouse at Glencoe. Craig had forgotten many things that weekend, a sleeping mat and an ice axe.
After a cold night in Craigs Force Ten we awoke to a perfect morning of blue skies and a frost. As usual I got up quickly and ran about taking photographs before it clouded over - which it did about half an hour later. We decided to go across to the Ardgour penisula, somewhere I had never been due to the fact that there are no munros there. I was in for a pleasant surprise.
We took the ferry over at Corran. Ardgour seems pristine and deserted, the landscape unfamiliar to me - a new adventure.
Initial thoughts of doing Garb Bheinn were put aside for Ardgour's highest hill, Sgurr Dhomhnuill (Donald's peak). This hill had a bit of a walk-in but it was easy due to a landrover track and firm path-at least until the mountain proper started.

By the time we hit the grass and heather the wind was up and it was biting cold. Frequent snow showers were being blown in from the west. A great day to be out. I think "bracing" is the word. Progress up the slopes was slow due to the number of photographs being taken and I was starting to feel chilled in a "distinctly non-chilled sense".
The first top gave great views down Glen MhicPhail, all the surrounding peaks had a cap of snow above 2000 feet.
A steep but easy snow slope led us on to the final ridge. Due to the late-ish start the snow was quite soft and we were not wearing crampons.
Eventually the summit was reached. We could not hang around due to the cold wind and decided to descend a different way to a nearby col. I thought it had looked viable in the guidebook so I led off down a steep snow slope. There seemed to be footprints going this way but we hadnt seen anyone. Immediately I became concerned. I dont like following footprints down a slope where I cant see where it ends, too often it turns out to be a false trail. And this is what happened here. It was an avalanche trail- or a mountain hare.
After descending a hundred feet or so I was forced left past an outcrop and the slope opened out below. I realised my stupid mistake. The slope fell away for hundreds of feet. It was steep but do-able in the summer or on hard snow. It was a different story this day. I probed the snow. The snow was soft over iced up rocks below which were not visible. Below the slope was pitted with rock steps and outcrops all the way down to the distant col. This is the kind of deceptive slope people die on in winter I thought.
I decided discretion was finally the better part of valour and turned my body around in preparation of retracing my steps. It was then that I had a moment of very clear thought. To step back up I would have to step onto a piece of treacherous ground. If I got this wrong it would be all over. I remember thinking "you stupid bastard" but it was too late for that.
I was somewhat surprised by my sang froid at that point. 15 years ago I would have panicked. This time it was all hanging on my next step. Billy had turned back a few minutes before. Craig even earlier. I was alone. A slip here would be final. I would slide over the rocks I was on and land on the next rocks below, and so on , cartwheeling down the snowy slope for hundreds of bone breaking feet. I wondered if it would be sore, but strangely was not that concerned. I think my mind was suddenly very focussed on the technical issues of how not to die. I took a deep breath, planted my axe as firmly as I could above me and took the step to the side. My boot held, I didn't slip. I was now on firmer ground and plodded my way slowly back the way I had come.
I got slower and slower as I trudged up the now threatening slopes. Cramp appeared in both my legs at the same time. That had never happened before. I wondered if I could make it. I turned the corner of the outcrop and saw Billy looking concerned. I think he asked me something but I can't remember and could only look at him with what felt like a grey face. I was back from the dead.

Photographic Competition

2008-10-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

As you know Billy I'm not one to boast but I've just won a prize with a photograph of the hills. It was a work related competition for the whole of Scotland, with categories "People", "Places" and "Work".

Most prizes were won by the professional Crime Scene Photographers but I managed to scrape second prize in the "Places" category with this shot from Ben Ledi. That day is now officially my nearly favourite day in the hills ever.

The judges included professor Vaughan Judge (Professor of taking pictures from Ben Ledi) from Glasgow School of Art and "The Scotsman" Picture Editor Andy O'Brien.

Unfortunately my pic of Glencoe (above) didnt make it to the shortlist.

Bothy Test - Part Two

2008-09-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Craig only....Name this bothy. Don't tell him Billy!

Ok how about the one below. I'll give you a clue. Neither of you were there and a RAF rescue chopper swooped down to check us out while looking for a missing GUMC member.
Number 3 and this Number 4

A drive along the Applecross road

2008-09-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

This was a Sunday we didnt go up a hill because of injury. We went for a drive up the Applecross road from Strathcarron and round to Torridon.

Name this hill part two

2008-09-29T03:32:00.000-07:00

A few more difficult ones for you..... Anyone?

Name this hill

2008-09-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Craig....I challenge ye to name this hill.

Sharp Edge

2008-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Above: 1986 check the rucsac straps blowing horizontally in the cross wind

OK so its not in Scotland but its a good half days walk with a fine and airy ridge, Sharp Edge. Blencathra is about 7 miles from Keswick in the Lake District.

I have climbed it three times now and thoroughly recommend it for those who enjoy a good scramble with only a small chance of dying horribly.

The first time, in 1986 there was a strong cross wind, the second time it was iced up and the third time, October 2007, the conditions were perfect,blue skies and no wind.
There is a bad step on the ridge. This is the crux and where most people come a cropper. The step involves a step down to the right at a notch in the ridge. There is a drop of several hundred feet beneath you. The way to do it is to face into the rock and keep as many points of contact as you step down across the sloping slab. Its straightforward in dry conditions but not in the wet. as the rock is extremely polished.

Recent incidents (for Billy, who hasnt done it yet) from Keswick MRT website

30 December, 2007 Blencathra - Sharp Edge Incident No 2486	13:13	A man (60 yrs) slipped and fell about 100' down the 'usual' gully. Despite the best attempts of those around him and the services of a RN Sea King helicopter, the man sadly died from the injuries he sustained.
29 August, 2008 Blencathra - Sharp Edge Incident No 2535	14:43	A family of 3 (mother, father and 6-yr old daughter) simultaneously slipped while traversing the Edge and all fell over 100' down the 'usual gully'. 3 helicopters assisted in the rescue, as did RAF Leuchars MRT. Despite the well-resourced rescue, the mother sadly died. The father received minor injuries and the daughter, head injuries.

Above - Kev with a worried expression, January 1989.

In January 1989, although the skies were blue there had been a hard frost. The eastern side of the ridge was iced up and we had no crampons. We ended up traversing the western side of the ridge, which, although even more exposed, was easier that day as the sun had melted the ice on that side.

Above October 2007, Ben negotiates the bad step then it is a superb scramble on good holds with spectacular views.

Easter Day

2008-08-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Easter Day we decided to do the Buachaille again. This time in the snow. The coire was well snowed up. Some guy was skiing down it. There weren't many people about, in fact we were the only walkers without a rope. A party of folk were being instructed on winter climbing skills. We had to bypass them at the steep part at the top of the coire.

Unfortunately above the col the weather closed in. It was cloudy and snowing slightly. We made it to the summit of Stob Dearg just in time to see some climbers finishing Crowberry Ridge. On the way back down to the col the compass came out then it was an enjoyable canter down the snow slopes again.

Beinn a Chrulaiste - The Rocky hill?

2008-08-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

3rd February 2007

I picked up Dave Ramsay from Queen Street Station then Billy and we headed north to Glencoe. Billy & Dave fancied the Buachaille but I had my eye on Beinn a Chrulaiste behind the Kings House. Not much of an ascent but I was hoping for excellent views of the Buachaille having seen Craig's photos of Billy a couple of years ago - fantastic!.

So I set off myself on a very good morning. I enjoy walking alone, but only on a good day. It was very peaceful. No one else was about. I followed the Allt a Bhalaich for a while, then vut off (too early I think) up a ridge. It was rocky and there was no path but I contoured up and around to the left and finally made it into the sun again. The Buachaille towered over my hill and I wondered how Dave & Billy were getting on. I heard a helicopter. It took a few moments to locate. It was the yellow SAR Sea King far below, just a dot. It flew across the Rannoch moor and circled the Kingshouse a couple of times before landing. I never found out what it was doing.
A stony walk let to the summit and fine views down Glencoe. Mist was swirling around these imposing giants. Unbeknown to me at the time, another guy I knew was attempting Bidean nam Bian, which I could also see. I recently sold him a pair of crampons.

From the summit looking north, Ben Nevis and the Mamores were clearly visible , the Ben peaking above a cloud bank. I hurried on down to the col to the north where I passed 3 guys looking like they were having an easy day after something fearsome the day before. The descent down the glen was uneventful but very quiet. A strange feeling that day of being a long way from anywhere yet only a couple of hours from Ayr.

Ben Ledi -God's Hill

2008-08-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ben Ledi on 12th January 2008 was one of those days it all came together on the hills. A miserable drizzly start in Ayr, same in Clydebank. It was only when we reached Stirlingshire that we hit the edge of the fog bank. The orginal plan was to do Ben A'an due to Billys sore shins. However, when we saw the day was going to be a winner, Billy decided to sacrifice his recovery for a slightly longer day. We setled on Ben Ledi as it was handy. Last time we did it it was damp and dull, with no view. This day was going to be completely different.

The car park south of Stank was full already and there were hoards of people heading up. We donned full winter gear and felt a bit overdressed for this 879m hill. A warm walk up the normal route took us to the south of the main ridge. We took our time, stopping to savour the ever expanding views and take photographs. We left the normal route and floundered up a soft snow slope to gain the main ridge. It wasn't much of a short cut but was slightly steeper than the usual way. As I stepped onto the broad ridge the full glory of the panorama was revealed. Ben Lomond and the Trossachs in full winter rainment. There was a temperature inversion to the south and west. Rarely if ever have I managed to be up a hill on a day like this. No wind either, except the excited kind! As we made our way up to the summit we found the odd patch of hard neve to crampon up , but they were not really needed.
On the top it was kind of quiet, hushed, there were about twenty people there. You felt everyone was stunned into silence by the views. The snow at the summit was harder and there was nowhere to sit down. One girl put down her flask and could only watch as it slithered off down the ever increasing slope. She did go after it anmd caught it just before the flask and her would have been unable to stop. After hanging around as long as possible we headed down.

We met a women on the way up who we talked to. I think we had met her before, as warden of the Glen Brittle Hut on Skye, Liz. She is still correcting my pronunciation of the hills.

As we descended further we noted that the fog bank had advanced and we walked back into it just at the tree line. So it was farewell to the blue skies and hello to the damp clag which covered the central belt that day. It was minus five degrees in Callander. Non-walkers living there would not have known what they missed that day.

Campsites of the North

2008-08-21T11:32:00.000-07:00

The camp sites on the north west coast of Scotland are stunning and a great place to catch a 'sunset. We saw the Northern Lights at Ardmaig Bay in 2006 and from Scourie, you could see the lights of Stornoway. Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool went one better and was right next to a) a pub, b) an Indian Restaurant.
Simply the best!

Above: View of Ben Mor Coigach from Ardmaig Campsite just a few miles North of Ullapool September 2006

Below: Broomfield Holiday Park Ullapool May 2008. Watch out there's a pirate about! AAAAAAAARRRRRR!

Third one down : sunset at Broomfield Holiday Park Ullapool

Fourth one down: Campsite at Scourie, Sutherland May 2008. Fortunately Billy's trousers reflected and amplified what was left of the sun's rays. Photo taken without flash.

Bottom:Its Scourie again. "Hey get up Billy its 3 30 in the afternoon.....!"..

"uuuuuurgh lets do Fionaven - after a cup of tea of course"

Quinag the Milk Bucket

2008-08-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Quiniag, a three Corbett feast of a day. On 23rd September 2006, Billy and I headed up the slopes to the first C Spidean Coinach. From there the views were fantastic, all the Sutherland bumps were in view, even Arkle and Ben Stack to the North. There was a steep descent onto a very narrow ridge with a path. We traversed gingerly overlooking the lochan below. One false step here and it would be a painful headlong descent into oblivion. Another tricky downclimb followed from point 713m , it felt a lot higher. A slog up to point 745m which you couled skirt on either side then a long and interesting meander along a ridge with some nice drops and a narrow traverse to Sail Gorm. Good vista including Kylesku bridge. We walked back the same way but headed off east to bag the final Corbett of the day, Sail Gharbh. Descent was then back across and down to the lochan. Interesting geology on Sail Garbh is pictured. This is the boundary between the quartite cap and the lower Old Red Sandstone. You could clearly see the difference in colur between the two types of rock.

My Last Munro

2008-08-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Glencoe 1st June 2007. From left to right Dave Ramsay, Simon Dennis, Craig David, Stu Minto, Big Al Burt, someone with white trousers, Calum Murray, Mr Paul Allcock, Dave Rosie, Stu Rae, Brian Doogan, Paul's girlfriend.

Over twenty years of waiting -for this one day. A relatively late start and poor weather meant we did not also do Stob Dearg , my first munro in April 1987. A stiff pull up the motorway to the main ridge then along. A wrong turn led us to downclimb off the wrong side until we realised the error of ourt ways. Back on track Simon and Calum went AWOL as Simon had cut his hand on a rock. An uneventful plod through intermittent cloud and increasing rain led to a somewhat anti-climax of a summit where I was presented with a T shirt, signed by all (thanks Billy), a bottle of rather fine Whisky (thanks Craig) and a pair of slippers. Champers and whisky folloowed but as we were getting very sodden we quickly left for the wet trail down to the Kingshouse.
Everyone else buggered off on ahead and left me trailing behind. A finer slap up meal with lashings of gingerbeer followed and a grand evening of drink before retiring to our tents. An even wetter day on the Sunday many of us left early after another feed in the Kingshouse.

THE END

Roll on the Corbetts

Foinaven - Better than Most Munros!

2008-08-20T12:41:00.001-07:00

19th May 2008. 1100-2200hrs Fionaven was a late decision for a walk. To get to it you have to walk past another Corbett, Arkle - a sort of poor man's Fionavon, but impressive nonetheless. It was a fine morning and the walk in around Loch Stack was scenic to say the least. After taking a wrong turn at Lone and a quick detour we crossed the river in the forest and were back on track. The walk to the bealach is about 5 miles and of gradual ascent. Nothing here but a plod up the Allt Horn and eventually the bealach arrived. Impressive views of both Arkle and Foinavon from here. Billy fancied doing Arkle and Meall Horn but, of course there was not enough time. It looked like we'd done most of the ascent. Plenty of evidence of glaciation with exposed smooth rock. As we turned North, we could see Ben Hope to our East, and slightly South. A good path took us up to the ridge. I left Billy to follow the left hand route while I sadly "bagged" a minor top. We then met up again to tackle the ridge. I think we both got a surprise when we saw the vertical overhanging gravity but not neccessarily death defying pinnacle ahead of us - which reminded us of the Cuillin. Fortunately, at the top of the first bump, this turned out to be much less steep on the West side. Nevertheless it was an airy scramble in places. From the top of this sharks fin we descended, into a scramble down loose rock with an eventual short down-climb. Another steep ascent keeping to the crest or slightly west took us to top number 3. Pulling up onto the ridge after that was a relief. Great views now and more hanging valleys, stripped bare of vegetation. A final descent and re-ascent up gentle slopes took us to the summit. We did a top to the east just to be sure. So this was Ganu Mor. We met a couple of hard old guys who had done the northernmost top as well. They had walked in from a bothy somewhere to the east, a much harder walk. The retreat was back the way we had come. We realised we had scrambled down the direct and hardest way earlier as we stopped to watch a guy coming down it to avoid being hit by dislodged rocks. Back on the rounded bit we spotted pipe rock everywhere. Water ran out. The next couple of hours were difficult as energy was sapping and thirst was stopping us eating anything. Eventually Billy found a stream, about 7 or 8 pm. Quenched we strode on down enjoying the wind down. We reached Loch Stack as the sun was setting. The deer came out in number, not shy these. The final stretch of road back to the car seemed twice as long as on the way in. A short journey and we found a superbly positioned coastal campsite at Scourie. Dinner at 11pm never tasted so good.

Glen Clova

2008-08-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

28th April 2001
0900-1745hrs Tom Buidhe was my 250th munro. We then plodded up Tolmount. Some cross country skiers appeared from the Braemar side. I dont remember much about this other than Jock's Road had a shelter on it just where the path became buried with snow at the plateau. Billy can you add anything?

Tom Buidhe, a modest hill, 957m/3,140ft, just another rounded bump on the less attractive Mounth, the moorland plateau that extends from the A93 in the west to Lochnagar in the north-east.

Tom Buidhe simply means yellow hill, the name describing its comparatively pale grassy slopes. There is a minor 905m bump to the west, Ca Whims, and to the south-east are the two Kilrannoch bumps, Meikle and Little.

Tom Buidhe and Tolmount are centrally placed, separated by little more than an easy half-hour stroll. Both share a similar rise of just over 70m in an area pinched by three glens, Callater, Doll and Canness, that offer a wide choice of routes. That central position, however, does not apply to maps as both hills are on the left side of Ordnance Survey map 44. To identify views west you will need map 43. Fortunately the walk described below comes in from the south and so only map 44 is required.

Due to the height and closeness of the road, plus the lure of bagging many easy Munros in the one day, the popular approach to Tom Buidhe is from the A93 via Cairn of Claise, but it is not the most attractive way.

Jock's Road, an old drove way linking Braemar and Glen Clova, bounds the east side of Tom Buidhe such that only an insignificant diversion is required to climb the hill. While this is a right of way, the east slopes of Tom Buidhe fall within the Glen Clova stalking area. Stalking continues to 20 October, so it is essential to use the Hillphones service, Ballater 013397 55532.

Drive up Glen Clova to the road end at the Glen Doll car park, map ref 283762. Follow the track west on the north side of the White Water to enter the forested area of lower Glen Doll. Leave the main track at a junction at map ref 268760, for a lovely sheltered wooded walk. After some two miles and clear of the trees, the rugged terrain of the upper glen may come as a shock, a bouldery floor surrounded by crags, and the first hint of being on the edge of a wilderness area. Fortunately, Jock's Road climbs high on the north side and eases its way through difficult craggy terrain to reach the foot of Cairn Lunkard, to reveal the open slopes of the Mounth.

If any warning is needed as to the potential danger of this area, look no further than the plaque erected near a shelter beneath Cairn Lunkard. I do not normally approve of such plaques. This is the exception and should be mandatory reading: University Hiking Club Glasgow. Erected to the memory of five members who died New Year 1959.

They lost their lives in adverse weather conditions on a traverse of the Mounth, heading for Glen Doll. One body was found just a few hundred metres from the shelter. The shelter, though close to the path, is easy to miss on a poor day.

If the weather proves to be adverse at this point, the shelter is an ideal spot for a rest, before returning to the safety of the forest track.

Leave the path a short distance north of the shelter, and descend slightly to follow the stream north-west before climbing west on grassy slopes to reach the broad saddle between the Kilrannochs and Tom Buidhe. Gentle slopes then lead north-west to the summit.

On return, make sure to cross the stream to reach the path well north of the shelter, ie well clear of the rough ground above the crags of the glen.

Factfile

Map Ordnance Survey map 44, Ballater and Glen Clova

Distance 11 miles

Height 700m

Terrain Excellent track and path, then grassy slopes to the summit

Start point Glen Doll car park, map ref 283762

Time 6 to 7 hours

Nearest town Kirriemuir

Nearest refreshment spot Clova Hotel, Glen Clova

Connoisseur's Arran

2008-07-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Beinn Bharrain is the highest group of the Western hills on Arran, the backside that no one visits, except of course those who have done everything else and are looking for a new challenge. You could actually do these hills in a day trip from the mainland using the Calmac Ferry and the local bus service, which links to it. Get off the ferry and stride meaningfully onto the Blackwater foot via North of Island bus which departs around 10 mins after the ferry docks. The journey to Pirnmill, the starting point, takes about an hour.
I was lucky enough to get a lift from my Brother-in-law who was holidaying in Brodick. It took about 30 mins to drive across the island.The starting point, like Ben More on Mull at sea level, de rigeur for altitude burners. A helpful chef-dressed bloke emanating from the rear of the restaurant next to the “Post Office” quickly put us right. Thereafter a pleasant stroll uphill through fields and a closely knit forest of birch – I think, to the river gorge. The path was very overgrown with grasses and ferns giving the impression no one had passed this way in weeks. Eventually we left the forest and reached open land full of wild flowers such as Marsh Poofters and the like. The river chasm was most impressive and at some points a stride too far would lead you to your doom far below. All too soon the slopes beckoned. We elected to climb the nearest ridge, not the hardest. Stu was fiddling with his new digi camera. The wind from the sea was picking up. Trusty Arran granite led us in quick file to the summit, with great views of Alisa Craig, Kintyre and the back o’ the main peaks like Cir Mhor and A’Chir ridge.We traversed around to Beinn Bhreac. The wind in the col was superbly high for summer. You had to lean into it. We met our first fellow walkers – I saw a hat take off and fly away. They never even missed it. All too soon the descent was on. Down a narrow ridge to a lochan, wind-rippled but with its own sandy beach. A huge path took us down to the road and a scenic flat walk along the road back to the car. Two gannets were hunting the waves. A day for connoisseurs of the hills!