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.