Initially, I had intended to do this as part of a combo with the other Lochgoilhead Grahams and I had planned to spend the evening up there too. However, I have never before been so plagued by flies in my existence than I had upon exiting from the forest and it was to have a significant contribution to my decision to cast this trip into the category of single hill sojourns. The meander through the forest was pleasant enough although the heat was quite incredible on this July evening. It was relatively straightforward to pick the way South on to the hill but the dark path through was a little claustrophobic and I was glad (not for long) to emerge into the daylight once again. At this point, you are more or less faced with a steep, grassy wall which affords no idea of the route ahead. However, after about 10 minutes of hard climbing, you are roughly at the bealach between the Graham and the Hump to the West.
As the flies erupted around me, I got the head down and began the climb hoping for a breeze to strike up and dispel the invertebrate hoard. Within an hour of leaving the car, I was a sodden, sweaty beast and stood atop the highest part of this hill, although there was no cairn to signify this. The views across to Stob an Eas and the Arrochar alps were particularly impressive as were the distant Paps of Jura. I killed 40 flies in 15 minutes but their numbers were replete within second. I didn't fancy the descent and ascent over to the 2nd Graham if I was to have such chitinous company and therefore decided at 2045, to head back to the car and home. A great wee hill but it has to be repeated in Winter, I think for me to truly enjoy its character.
