Ben Vorlich & Stuc a'Chroin 21 April 2011

I was very tired after a full days work and driving up to my usual stopping point at the Munro Inn in Strathyre with a friend.  We had arrived at the end of a funeral wake where the alcohol had flowed and it was after 1am when we found our bunks.  I had only 3 hours of sleep so it was going to be a day of 'sleep walking'

We parked up at Ardvorlich and set off on our way.  There was a nice easy track to follow. There was plenty of gossip to chat up on so I didn't particularly want any difficult navigation.  We also had a good chat with other walkers and took the opportunity to have a 'team photo' taken.

East top of Ben Vorlich

As we headed up the steeper sections there was a chilly breeze.  We arrived at the summit and I thought lower east top looked much more appealing so I suggested that we walk over to it.  The north side gave a little protection and lunch was declared while we admired the views.

Me on Ben Vorlich

We eventually had our individual summit photos by the trig point before heading on to Stuc a'Chroin.  I knew that I really had to push myself has I hadn't walked for over 2 months in addition to the lack of sleep.

Ptarmigan were relying on their camouflage as we descended down into Bealach an Dubh Choirein.  I love to see them whenever I am in the mountains. I also observed to my friend that the number of walkers had deceased somewhat.

We elected to take the bypass path up and avoid the scrambly bit. I had to lead a group a couple of days later and due to fatigue was just about   managing to put one foot in front of the other.  Injury or accident was less of an option than normal.

My friend posing near the summit on Stuc a Chroin

Eventually we managed to turn a cornice which was at the top of the by pass path and head towards the summit.  Another walker was quite pleased to see us as he had difficulty in locating where the descent path was.  We also found out that he was involved in the new Hydro electric power system on the side of the mountain which he couldn't commission until there was some substantial rainfall.

Ben Vorlich from Stuc a'Chroin

We visited all the cairns and admired the views before finding a a little shelter to raid our lunch boxes for the second time.

We slowly started the descent from Stuc a'Chroin and the sun came out to dry out any dampness from the early drizzle.  We knew we had to get a move on.  Food shopping was required and we had to drive on to the hostel at Pitlochry to meet 2 others for a walk the following day.  We were satisfied when we returned to the car and had both added to the Munro count whilst retaining some energy reserves for another 3 days of walking.


Thankfully the boys weren't too grumpy about having a late tea when we arrived at Pitlochry.  I think that they were looking forward to getting the walking boots out the following day!

Drumochter Munros (East of A9) 20 June 2010

I woke up in my very comfy bed in the bunk room at The Munro Inn, Strathyre. The previous night the rucksack had already repacked in anticipation of another day on the hills in between driving up to Ullapool. Breakfast was served very promptly by Tony the owner of the Hotel. After chatting with other guests, settling the bill I was on my way.

On my drive I was going to stop at Inverness after the walk to refuel the car to take me nicely through the week at Ullapool. The Sat Nav indicated that it would take longer than I thought to get to the start point. After 40 minutes of driving I didn't feel happy with the quantity of fuel in the tank and the pot of coffee served with breakfast had diuretic effects. A garage cum small supermarket in Aberfeldy provided resolution to both.

Shortly before 11 am I arrived at the start of the day's walk and parked up in one of the multitude of lay bys and car parks found on the A9. Socks and boots were placed on the correct feet. As rain wasn't predicted I elected to wear my prescription reactolite glasses rather than contacts with a pair of sun glasses. I set off whilst texting my friend Clare "Doing a walk. Parked lay by 87 on A9..." Changing locations did mean that I couldn't leave details of my route locally.

The route started off on a long track towards a small quarry. I knew it wouldn't be the most exhilarating walk I would do. I was soon amused by a couple of sheep of which one was sitting in a lofty position on a grouse butt. The track gradually made its way up the slopes and my car started appearing more and more insignificant in the lay by. I could see the gullies on the western slopes. Despite being June some of these still had snow held in them.

It was definitely Dunlin City, parents calling concealed chicks to remain hidden with their shrill voices. Eventually I found the quarry itself. In some ways not as large as I anticipated due to the big limestone ones near home. It was decision, which time of the Munros to do first. A look at the map and I decided that I would do the furthest one first A' Bhuidheanach Beag. Purposefully I set off on the south bound track. I had noticed only one other car parked in a lay by on the A9 so crowds of people weren't to be expected. Shortly two older ladies were walking towards me of which one was noticeable for her colourful attire. A few pleasantries and we all continued on our separate journeys.

Visibility was good so I continued not really paying full attention to where I was going and was just aiming. I followed the main track and then realised it could only go down and away from my destination. A quick check of the map and seeing a faint path on the opposite incline meant a steeper descent than necessary from A' Bhuidheanach. This was soon negotiated and I was on my way towards the trig point along with a fence post or two for company. Rucksack was dumped before I had a wander around and raided my rucksack for something to eat. I couldn't help but note this was the first Munro of the year done in shirt sleeves.

I started on the return to the quarry. The route I should have taken was quite clearly laid out in front of me. I saw another lady making exactly the same mistake as myself earlier however she was too far away to beckon onto the correct track. For those who follow there is a cairn on A' Bhuidheanach, two small piles of stones lie to the east which direct to a track which initially is not visible and then becomes well defined quite quickly.
I soon arrived back at the quarry. A quick check of the watch revealed that I had enough time to grab the 2nd Munro and arrive at Ullapool at 8pm. Food shopping was to be done the following day. I strode across the rolling ground fairly quickly. Some may see this as a rare occurrence north of the border sun tan lotion had been employed on exposed bits of skin. I wasn't long before I could see the summit of Carn na Caim. There is a cairn with what can only be described as a metal contraption sticking out of it. I could image that later in the year that the cairn had potential to house quite a few midges. I took time to look wander around looking at the view. After all this pile of stones did mark that 25% Munros had been completed. If someone had said that to me 10 years ago or even 5 I would have looked at them with disbelief!

There was no time to party - and its a bit boring by yourself. A return to the car beckoned and a drive onto pastures new. I soon found the quarry for the final time and headed down the track. The car was a welcome sight and I was pleased that I crossed the A9 without difficulty. Once the car was opened and a door opened to let out the day's stifling heat I sent another text to announce that I was down without hitch. A look at my GPS showed that by my standards I had been moving very quickly! I drove off with satisfaction. They weren't earth shatteringly exciting Munros but a good way to break up a journey.

The track up to the quarry from the A9

Snow remained in the gullies




At times the plateau was featureless more of a high level walk.

The posts guide the walker towards Carn na Caim

19 Jun 2010. Glen Lyon Munros

I arrived at the Munro Inn, Strathyre the previous evening spending the night in the bar and bunk room. I sincerely hoped that breakfast would be prompt as I wanted to be out. In the bar various people had come up with suggested Munros to do although I had intended to the the Glen Lyon 4. After I had eaten I scribbled down my route and left it on my bunk advising one of the staff.

The drive to Invervar where the route started from was longer than I anticipated but pleasant. I was quite shocked on the A827 to the east of Killin that a enormous Red Deer Stag jumped into the road then effortlessly jumped over the wall at the other side. Thankfully the rest of the herd waited otherwise my car would have come to grief. Perhaps they had learnt the deer equivalent of the Green Cross code.

I eventually gained the Glen Lyon road which was narrow and had many trees, passing places and blind bends. The sat nav eventually indicated that I had arrived and I saw a phone box. I allowed 2 cars through before turning round in a drive way. I parked as close to the phone box as possible with a car behind me. Very soon after the 2 cars I had allowed through were seen reversing up a track. The track was to the car park which was full. They took the remaining free space on the roadside so I was very lucky. Any later and I may have had to change my route completely.

Seven gentlemen of a mature age got out the cars and prepared for their adventures. I bid them farewell stating that they would be down before myself. A point that they doubted which surprised me however I chose not to argue when they described themselves as the Last of the Summer Wine Munro Baggers!

I set off through an awkward gate and up the track through trees before breaking the tree line. The camera came out for obligatory photo. Walking at a comfortable pace up the track I eventually caught up with 3 of the group of 7 gents. A brief chat revealed that they were staying at Strathfillan Wigwams and some were from the Liverpool area. I carried on past them before realising that I wanted to be the other side of the stream with a widening gully. A check of the map proved this. I mentally kicked myself for blindly following those in front. I had seen a rusty bridge and not even given it a second thought. Grrr. The 3 looked at my map agreed that I could possibly be right but were obliged to follow the carrier of the map and GPS. I think they would otherwise have been happy to follow me.

I dropped down a steepish slope crossed the burn and climbed up the other side looking for the worn path I had seen. Eventually it was found, as expected the path started to climb and I was aware of the wind speed creeping up. I sat down put on my trusty windproof admired the view and felt like giving up. Gusts of up to 50mph had been forecast and did I have the energy? I started on my bottle of cordial and soon I realised the stupidity of the thought of turning back with excellent visibility and rose to my feet. Head down I continued along the gentle ridge in front of me aware of steepening slopes ahead. As I ambled purposefully along, 3 men waved to me from lower down the side of the ridge. They were taking a much steeper route up to gain the ridge. I didn't think any more of it and assumed that the number of people I could see much higher up towards the first summit where my Summer Wine friends. It wasn't until later I realised that it was the fastest of the Summer Wine troops who were waving at me whilst puffing and panting their way up.

Consider me selfish but seeing others it spurred me on despite the increasing speed and strength of the wind. What ever happened I had the hunger to succeed and get on to top of Carn Gorm. My Munro count was sat at 65 and I really wanted to get 71 by the end of the year. The route appeared to get steeper but nowhere near as hard as I thought. I saw a cairn assumed it was the top. The path seemed to lead to it with the same amount of purposes as the M1 going to London. I found a little sheltered spot where a packet of crisps were devoured. I should know better when seeing little cairns, it was a false summit.

I continued on my way aware of the ever increasing views. The entire Ben Lawers Ridge and the Tarmachans were behind me, Ben More and Stob Binnien were in the distance. As Glen Lyon is Scotland's longest glen its was inevitable that some of the glen would also be visible. I was met at the summit with some nice strong gusts of wind. These would remain my companions for the rest of the day. I was astounded with the view of Loch Rannoch and Schiehallion from an angle one isn't used to seeing. I took a few photos but the buffeting did not encourage me to stop for long. Inside the wind shelter the trig pillar lay on its side.



As I walked along the summit plateau of Carn Gorm the descent looked like it could be steep. I really wasn't looking forward to it however once down it did look just like a high level walk. I hit the track down and my earlier fears turned out to be a storm in a teacup. I very soon reached a group and realised that these were the people I had seen ahead of me. A cheery wave and I continued on my way. Any vocal communication would have been carried away on the breeze. About 15 minutes later I looked behind to see the Last of the Summer Wine Munro Baggers arrive safety on top of Carn Gorm.

The flattish walk continued on on grassy slopes. Eventually the remains of fence posts appear before the ground under foot was littered with rocks. Two young men came yomping up behind me. We exchanged pleasantries before continuing on our quests. Their younger and longer legs carried them to the summit cairn on Meall Garbh shortly before myself. They were seen taking pictures of each other by the summit cairn which is fortified by many of the unused fence posts. If they had waited 2 minutes they could have had a team photo. I quickly took a long arm summit shot of myself - not a good look as the wind was trying to whip my hair from under the hood of my windproof jacket.

The route continued onwards across a long plateau. The wind blew relentlessly so much so that I gave up using trekking poles as it was difficult to place them on the ground without stabbing my boots. Also I could hear the hood of my windproof flapping like the flysheet of a tent and no amount of tightening it would stop the constant hammering noise. I could see Carn Mairg with its craggy side beckoning me on in the distance and the 2 young men had disappeared. The fence posts acted as an unnecessary guide across a long plateau as crystal clear skies reigned overhead. When walking between the subisidary top of Meall a' Bharr and Carn Mairg I looked behind me to see two familiar characters. Inevitably the longer legs caught me up again and both young men had succumbed to wearing hats to protect ears from the constant wind bashing. We had a quick chat by the summit cairn which is just higher than the crag top a short distance away. The last of the Summer Wine chaps could be seen by the fence post cairn on the previous summit and it would be the last time I saw them.

It was decision time should I go for number 4 or not. Fortunately the 2 young men found a way down from Carn Mairg which wasn't too rocky and it was the steepest descent of the day. Eventually I made it down considered my options and thought do I really want to come back just to do one Munro or come back to enjoy the walk on another day. A quick stop to devour an apple and an almond and cherry tart gave me the resolve to continue. Returning because I want to enjoy a walk is far better than coming back to get the missing tick in my mountain profiles.

Before I knew it I was battling towards the summit of Meall na Aighean in a ferocious head wind. A couple of people had already taken the only sheltered place so a quick picture and getting down was a priority. In my desperation to get off I missed the well worn path. In some ways it was a relief as I was temporarily sheltered. Eventually I plodded along the worn track where many had passed before however, the incessant wind returned to haunt me. I started to swear as trekking poles flailed around controlled by an invisible source. It was a great relief to see the woods again with trees to provide shelter.

I eventually arrived at the awkward gate at 6:30pm and the view of my car at the other side was a wonderful site! I was quite surprised to see one of the last of the Summer Wine chaps sat in one of the cars. Bless him, he had come down after Carn Gorm using the path I went up on. 10 out of 10 had to be awarded as he had not long since had a hip replacement. He did not expect to see the rest of his group until 8:00pm at the earliest. I spent quite a bit of time talking to the poor man as he still had plenty of time to while away. The gratitude was such that he offered me a Mars bar to keep me going until I got back.

I set off on my journey back to Strathyre. I drove over the road by Ben Lawers. It was quite interesting as I hadn't driven it in that direction before. Last time I travelled alongside Lochan na Lairige from north to south was by foot wearing crampons in February 2009.

I reported my safe return at the Munro Inn and took the opportunity to make myself human again. In the bar a pint of lemonade, pint of cider and a veggie lasagne with chips filled the gap in my stomach. I gratefully got back in my bunk that night. Apparently Tony the owner had words with another guest for being very noisy at 3:00am. A day in the hills and a pair of earplugs, I didn't hear a thing!

Ben Challum 12 February 2010

It was our last day in the self catering cottage in Tyndrum.  I woke up before 6:30am.  Hearing my friend turn I whispered across the room 'are you awake'  We decided to get up and get out on the hill.  At 8am we parked the car up.  Shortly after another car also parked up and 2 men had just finished a night shift were going to climb the hill too.  We crossed the partially frozen River Fillan.

We followed the track before deciding to cross via the level crossing rather than the bridge.  We headed up the hummocky hill knowing that if things got navigationally difficult we should follow a fence which was to our right.  It was good to use walking poles rather than the axe.  I had also learnt that I could get away with thin liner gloves on the ascents but waterproof gloves were stuffed in my pockets.

Eventually we found a fence which had to be negotiated.  The snow looked inviting to walk on.

The south top of Ben Challum loomed up ahead.

The views all around were opening out and were looking spectacular

As we carried on and the snow got deeper I noted that someone with rather large feet was ahead of us.  I was grateful not having to break trail again.  Eventually the climb got steeper and there was a bit that neither Cathy or I enjoyed.  We lived to tell the tale and decided that it was time to put on the crampons, particularly as we were hitting wind scoured snow.

There were 5 men ahead of us.  The cloud came down temporarily so none of them saw a summit view.  As we traversed from the south to the true summit to the north I thanked two of the men for making us some excellent steps to tread in.  We continued on and the cloud started to lift as we arrived to plant axes gratefully  in the cairn just before 1pm.

We looked around at the hills and many had an upper layer of cloud.

The view back to the south top looked good.

I couldn't resist climbing the cairn.

On the way down we could appreciate the work of nature.

On the way down it was so much easier but we could see how much the snow pack can vary.

As time was on our side we could stop for a reasonable break, enjoy the views and sandwiches from our lunchboxes. We decided to sit on the left hand hummock below and dubbed it Cath's Crag in honour of ourselves.

The view were very good from 'Cath's Crag'

And the combination of sun and snow meant it was surprisingly warm.

Eventually we set off and used the path that hill walkers tend to use.  It was a combination of tussocky grass and thick ice.  I do remember having to cross a stile with crampons on.  The technique was different for instep crampons compared to full crampons.  The crampies were removed long before the ladder stile over a deer fence.  I took over both rucksacks to ease Cathy's nerves.

We had plenty of daylight to read about St Fillans before going back to the car.  A quick drive back to Tyndrum saw us both having a celebratory swift half in the pub and I still had enough energy left to dance to the music being played.  We declared the week a success!

Beinn Dorain 10 February 2010

The MWIS forecast and Avalanche reports showed that another good day was to be had.

We drove to the car park by the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.  Soon we suited and boots for the winter hills.  A walk up the road to the station. through an underpass and we were on our way up to Coire an Dothaidh.  The path was completely frozen which made for easy going.

It wasn't long before we hit the lower snow line.  The combination of snow and ice was such that crampons were required very soon in the day.  I stood on a big patch of ice to take the photograph below.

We gradually made our way through the steeper ground to arrive at the bealach.  My friend arrived before myself and was somewhat disappointed that a male walker advised that we should climb Beinn a' Dothaidh because it was easier.  She managed not to tell him where to go and ultimately it strengthened our resolve.

We headed for Beinn Dorain.  My friend wasn't too sure of the route that we saw others taking over the rocks so we stayed a little to the east of the ridge.  At one point the snow changed from wind scoured to soft powder at the drop of a head.  I ended up having to break trail up hill with crampons with the snow deeper than my knees.  To start with 10 - 12 steps at a time with a stop of 30 seconds, the number of steps before the stop was increased but it proved very tiring.

We reached Carn Sasunaich and started for the true summit.  We met the person who doubted our abilities about quarter of the way across which proved that we were made of sterner stuff than first appearance.  We arrived at the summit of Beinn Dorain and the views were spectacular.  I had set a turn around time of 1:30pm and we had done it with 15 minutes to spare.  The sun beating down on the snow meant it was warm enough for a couple of bites out of the sandwiches in the tops pockets of our rucksacks.

There were snow capped mountains in every direction.

Its always amazing how the weather crafts the snow.

All too soon it was time to turn back.  Somehow we seemed to cover the distance to Carn Sasunaich in surprisingly quick time.  Also we could use the softer snow to our advantage as we continued to the bealach.

We stopped at the bealach before our final descent.  Two gentlemen chatted with us briefly and were delighted to find 2 ladies on the hill braving the snow.

We descended the steepest slope of the day.  The ground was still well and truly frozen.  When the ground evened out we took opportunity to stop and raid our rucksacks for more food whilst looking back at where we had been.

Eventually we arrived back at the A82 with a stark reminder about fast moving vehicles.  A celebratory cappuccino and drinking chocolate were had in the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.