Beinn Tharsuinn (Ardross)

While staying in Jemimaville, I spied this hill every day. On the 5th day of the holiday, I finally agreed to head over after Martha was put to bed, and claim it as part of an evening sojourn. I left Jemimaville at 1745 and was soon up at the large layby, which had various signs up suggesting that walking into quarries was a bad idea. As I started my run along this track, the skies looked gorgeous, with beautiful cloud formations stretching over my intended hill.

The first 4km of this were very runnable and within 30 minutes, I was starting the climb proper. Once past the quarry, the ground was awkward with deep heather but I pushed on and within 45 minutes, I was at the summit trig point drinking the views in. Although the immediate views to the North sea were  nice, I believe I possibly had a 50 mile view to Suilven, which was poking out in the distance. Certainly Seana Braigh was the obvious large hill in that direction. I sent a text to Em saying all was well and began the run back down the hill. My pace was good and I felt pretty liberated. I was back at the car in 1 hour 50 minutes, which wasn't bad for a 13km run with 550m ascent. Great wee hill.

Creag Dhubh (Newtonmore)

On the way back from UHI exam board, I had long spied this hill and promised 'one day'. Well today was the day. I drove down from Inverness and the day was fine, which was a bonus. I parked up neatly at the climber's car park next to Lochain Uvie, then headed through the gate. The climb was steep and awkward since some recent rain had reduced the bracken/rock to very greasy conditions. When I checked my Strava activity here, it took me a full 29 minutes to scale the first kilometre of hill even though the ascent was 330m. Once I got through the bracken and up the heather, I then reached the fence and stile, whereupon the going was much easier i.e. there was a path. While I didn't particularly enjoy the first km, the views once on the ridge proper were exquisite. For such a wee hill, it's a great view from all angles, particularly over to the 3 Munros west of Newtonmore. The other Graham to the north-west also looked attractive. I soon raced up the ridge to the summit proper and attempted to speak some broken German to a couple who were having a blast. I ran down the ridge and eventually down towards the forest, which extended the walk somewhat. That said, I was back at the car within 75 minutes of leaving it and this was a fine 5K run/walk with plenty to offer.