Creag Ruadh (Glen Tarken)

After a few busy weeks working, flying in and out of the country, and Tae Kwon Do training/competing, I finally got a morning to myself. I was in two minds to do this hill or Creag Uchdag but the latter would keep for a winter outing. A wee walk in Glen Tarken was what I needed. A lovely drive North with virtually no traffic got the day off to a good start. I was away by 0800 and up and into the Glen proper within 30 minutes. The roaring of the stage was a fine sound to listen to. I was glad I’d left the dog at home. 

This is not a complicated walk but it still took a couple of hours to get to the summit over some peat hags. I felt relatively fit though and while I enjoyed just relaxing at the summit, I was very hungry and fancied a wee breakfast at Mhor 84. Some of the mushrooms have a great colour at this time of year and I took a couple of photos for identification later. All in all, a fab wee walk but definitely a winter chill at the summit.

Meall Dearg (Amulree)

So, Fiona no.90. Again, en route to the folks, albeit West of A9. I decided to opt for this from the Glen to the East, and head up the Land Rover track, pretty much to the summit shoulder. I had to be up in Aberdeen for 4pm so leaving the car at 1045, I did not hang about. Given the high starting point exceeding 1000ft, I was up on the summit after 45 minutes. What a tremendous view from the summit, with views to Schiehallion, Farragon Hill and Glen Lyon Munros. I ran down the track and was back at the car for 12. Don’t see much in way of reports for this but it was a wee belter.

Blath Bhalg

I was heading north again, this time to spend the weekend with my Granda, who was celebrating his 90th birthday. Amazing man. I parked at the wee car park at the highest point of the road between Pitlochry and Kirkmichael. It was sunshine and snow with a biting North wind. This would be the weather for the day. I set off up a wee path that wound its way up on to Dalnacarn Craig. I passed a couple of wallets and their wee terrier who promised it would be windy on the summit. They were not wrong. It was a lovely wee amble over to the summit proper with views to Schiehallion, Ben Lomond in Fife, and Cairngorms. I didn’t hang about at summit and dropped down North to get to the wee Land Rover track that ended at the hut. I ventured inside and sat for 10 minutes, enjoying being out of the wind. A fine hauff. From here, I got back to road in quick-time, with last week’s climb along the road. A 5-mile loop with 350m climb in two hours. As I headed home, content, I then heard from my friend that his father was dying. Although he hadn’t been well, it was still very sobering and I hoped that his father wouldn’t suffer for too long. 

 

Ettrick Pen

A long drive for a wee hill. Steph and I had plans for a wee overnight bothy trip and given that I hadn’t done Ettrick Pen, I thought Over Phawhope might cut it. We listened to the frankly ridiculous Scotland France rugby match and took to the slopes after learning of the 50-40 scoreline. The plan was to start around 4pm, go light, and on descent see if the bothy was busy. We could always come back with heavy pack and wood. The hill was a super wee climb of about 1100 feet from the bothy itself and uncomplicated enough. Views are quite impressive with South Scotland stretching away. Hart Fell, Arthur’s Seat, and Green Lowther were all visible. It was chilly at the top but the sun was magic. Once we got down to the bothy, it was very busy so we decided to just head home, have a wee dram in front of the fire and reward ourselves with the knowledge of having a fine hill day. Great wee hill.

Beinn Bhan (Glen Loy)

As the first two months of 2026 fly past, I had the green light to head to the hills. The forecast looked a bit iffy but Fort William might escape the showers. Seeing a new electric charging facility open in Fort Bill meant I wouldn’t have issues with range anxiety. Consequently, Beinn Bhan was the hill of choice. A quick up and down potentially. I arrived at Glen Loy for 0930 and although there was drizzle, I’d have views. 

I walked past the fancy cottages at Inverskilavulin and started up beside the descending Allt coming down from Beinn Bhan. Some impressive pools, a fine dip on a warm day. Heading directly for the Western aspect of the Coire rim, it was a steep plod. Views opened up across to the Nevis range and directly South-West, a Fiona I have yet to do was covered in dark cloud (Stob a Ghrianain). By the time I got to the 600m mark, the clag swallowed me and it was a walk in the clouds to the summit trig. From here, I headed South and back down to the Allt, with a crossing to take me back and complete a relatively simple walk. 

I was surprised at the lack of snow and there had been serious snow melt in last week. Also notable for the peace-loving US Trump to start bombing another country while being prodded by his pal. I try to remain optimistic about life but having such power-loving idiots run these countries is hugely depressing. The hills keep you sane.

Beinn Donachain

This was originally meant to be the first Corbett of the year with Graeme but the cold blast of air from the Arctic meant that the A9 was impassable for Graeme. I would be on my own. As I had just passed Crianlarich, I quickly calculated what I hadn’t done in and around Tyndrum. Beinn Donachain from Glen Orchy would be the target.

I drove towards Dalmally then up Glen Orchy to the Eas car park. A couple of campers were there and had probably had a very cold night. I pushed off at 0755, hoping for a sunrise over the hills to the South. This bore fruit. It was a very pleasant walk up the through Caledonian forest, and a great place to return in summer for a camp with Martha possibly. The climb up to the edge of the forest was a delight and now Beinn Laoigh came into view, with the sun rising. 

The final part of the climb saw me emerge above the Heart loch, with a calming walk round and over to the summit proper. From here, the views to Cruachan and beyond were fabulous. I sat and took it all in, really at one with the hills. The descent was lovely and I arrived back at the car by noon. A super wee hill.

Badandun Hill

On the 19th Dec, I headed North to the folks for my cousin’s 40th up in Macduff. I checked to see what hadn’t been done and spied Badandun Hill, in Glen Isla. The rain was tipping it down, it had been pretty miserable but I decided to wait it out for 15 mins and then go for it. This was a fairly straightforward yomp up the hill and while I got the occasional view North to the larger Cairngorm hills, it was claggy. Within the hour, I was at the summit just as the snow started. I did not hang about. I had my trail shoes on and just ran back down the hill, at the car 90 minutes after I set off. While the hill wasn’t particularly interesting, I liked the area for its solitude. Must return in summer.