Beinn Lochain

Graeme had long been planning the Corbett Beinn Bheula, while I had spied Beinn Lochain across the Glen. As it was, we made a plan to combine both if Sadie was up for it. At 14 months, I have had to be patient with her so we don’t adversely affect her joints. She’d been out with me in the week to Brattleburn bothy and seemed well-equipped to try a larger hill. 

We met up at Lettermay near Lochgoilhead at 0830 on a glorious Sunday morning. Conditions were excellent and we settled into the week’s events of which there were many. Parent’s health, marital status, and bothy canine fears. Heady stuff. But for all the strife in life, the hills soothe. And today was a day of healing. 

The walk up to the loch was very pleasant and we stopped to take some fuel on board before the steep climb up to the Graham. It was unrelenting but the views rewarded us. As we levelled off, a notable cold wind made us don layers. Autumn is here and Winter is not far away. One of my favourite times of year. The dogs seemed happy and we eventually found the 3-stone cairn. A signal that this hill is not well-frequented though it should be. We descended rapidly back to the loch and I decided Sadie had done enough, while Graham and Luna continued on for the Corbett. An uncomplicated trek back to the car and a fabulous wee day out with good company. 

Cat Law

Having driven up to Stonehaven the day before to get my tattoo of Winnie courtesy of Ela at Fehu Ink (what a legend she is), I spent the night in Kirriemuir at the hotel. I had a reasonable sleep given the discomfort, and after a good breakfast, I drove down to Balintore castle. A stunning building over 160 years old. It’s being renovated and really will be something once restored.

I walked back along the road to Auldallan farm then began the walk up through the field and on to the path that would take me up to Cat Law. A very pleasant meander with views below 450m across to the North Sea. However, at the summit, it was still clagged in. It was very peaceful and temperate. I didn’t hang about and was down at the car in a little over 2 hours; steady pace for a 6-mile walk with approx 400m ascent. Lovely part of the world.

Hill Of Wirren

Has it really been 18 months since I’ve been on a Graham, now re-named Fiona’s? With 2024 my Munro compleation year, all focus had been on those. Now, I can relax and just take hills en route to family and friends. Thus, Hill of Wirren was the Graham most local to my folks. I parked at Millden and more or less followed the track to the top. A cold day with decent visibility to the sea, Clachnaben and Mount Beattock. I ran back down and completed the trip in a little over 2 hours. Fine outing.