Beinn Suidhe - big consolation in isolation

I knew that I was being over-optimistic when I hatched a plan to tackle Beinn nan Aighenan from Loch Tulla but I also knew that if time was short, or conditions were inclement, that I could check out Beinn Suidhe. As it was, I never got to the car park until 0900 so I figured it was going to be a no-no. As I walked into Glen Kinglas, I wasn't too worried since the views ahead were magnificent. I relaxed into the walk and really relished this occasion. Having taken ownership of a bulldogue francaise, she has been quite a bind. Plus, her short stature presently doesn't allow for hill terrain. That will be tested on Conic Hill soon enough though....hehe. The walk past the turn-off for Clashgour feels remote and the impressive crags of Beinn Suidhe soon come to the fore. Not a hill to be tackled direttisima. As I approached Loch Dochard, Meall nan Eun looked magnificent. As did the sweeping peak of Albannaich. It looked cold up there. I had a cup of cha and some ricky pig crisps - fit fine. The climb up on to Beinn Suidhe itself was pleasant until I emerged on to the ridge proper. An icy blast from the North soon refrigerated exposed flesh and I was grateful for my layers and snazzy new Buff - rebuffed by the dog in actual fact. Ungrateful hound. The views from this smaller hill are quite something. Loch Dochard appeared very frozen and the weather closed on in over the larger hills. For once, happy to be on smaller ground. A relatively untechnical down climb from the shorter peak at 636 saw me at a deer fence but the route back to the car was uncomplicated and serene. A moment with a stag beside the river and just below Stob Ghabhar was exquisite. A fantastic day out with a big consolation.

Pressendye

Time up in Aberdeen meant that a potential hill in the 'gorms was in the offing. However, the weather had deteriorated considerably and the snow meant that the roads in Aberdeenshire were brutal. Rather than drive all the way to Braemar and be rewarded by snow gates or a likely epic up Beinn Bhrotain, I decided on a shorter day. I parked up at the Petts farm after a harum-scarum drive and got clad to the hilt. I climbed the various zigzags and ventured into a snow storm. No route issues but a very pleasant walk, with picnic tables scattered around the summit of Pittenderich. The final climb to the summit of Pressendye was tough due to the thigh deep snow but the large cairn and shelter afforded phone calls back to worried relatives and wifelet. Views to Morven were obscured by the cloud level so in that sense, my choice was more than justified. 3 hours from bottom to bottom and a return to mother P's fine food meant that it was a victory rather than an opportunity lost.

Beinn Bhreac and Tullich Hill

Since we got the pooch, it has not been possible to escape for long. It just isn't fair on the dog and so with Em's permission, I was granted the morning off. A nice withdrawal from the emotional bank account! I drove North and not far - hard to believe within 45 minutes, I could be in Glen Douglas and experience the solitude, which I so craved. Rather than make for the slog up Tullich Hill, I stuck to the forest and began the boggy approach up Bhreac. My recent chest infection slowed me down but I still felt quite fit and after a few stops and appreciation of the improving views, I topped out to stupendous views down the whole length of Loch Lomond. The far North looked very white indeed although my presence at 680m meant that I would be excluded from the worst of the weather, which swept in across the larger mountains. The summit is a place to while away some time and an interesting exploration revealed significant rock fissures and evidence of landslip - not a place to explore in the depths of Winter perhaps.

I reluctantly left my resting spot and carried on over to Ben Reoch. Pleasant enough but it did little for me, except provide a relatively steep decline before the re-ascent of Tullich up through some crags. From Tullich Hill, views were good across the glen and to the Cobbler, which looked iconic as per. The descent off Tullich Hill was interesting with a small lochan and two large stones - a fascinating frame for a photo across the glen. I arrived back at the car in just after 4 hours and felt replenished. Nice couple of hills, which leaves me tantalisingly short of the 300-mark for hills over 2000ft.

In Burns country - Blackcraig Hill

A rare sojourn south to Glen Afton and Burns' country. The drive along the glen was clear and uncomplicated but as I parked, the clag was hanging at about 500m. I decided to head past the farm and made along the decent track to Quintin Knowe and its large cairn. I couldn't see a thing and took a compass reading due South up the obvious slope. After about 25 minutes, I arrived at one of several cairns before the trig point emerged from the gloom. I took tea and a sandwich, while huddling against the cold breeze. The first snows are upon us even at 700m. I had decided before the walk to make a loop and take in the neighbouring Donalds of Blacklorg Hill and Alhang. The walk between these hills was not easy as the land is boggy and full of soft hummocks. Fortunately, by the time I descended off the 2nd Donald, the views opened up and I really enjoyed the freedom. There was not a soul on the hill all day sauf moi. Windy Standard was covered in wind turbines and it is shocking that such desecration of land has been allowed to happen. Could you imagine it on Ben Lomond for example or any other Munro? Je ne crois pas. All that remained was the return to the car past an abandoned fruit and veg van. Clearly, NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Promotion have a job on their hands with the one of the five a day message. I was happy to have 3 hills in a day. Amen.

A golden day on the fat hill

It had been a long time since I'd walked with my friend, Shaz and in that time she had had her golden birthday. I have often been an advocate of the charity 'Help the Aged' and nothing would change on this occasion, as we took in the two Grahams north of Crieff. Meall Reamhar and Meall nan Caorach - fat hill and hill of the sheep. They looked a relatively easy ramble and we left the car park in Amulree shortly before 1000. There is a 0.5 mile of road to contend with and Sma' Glen enthusiasts but once on to the land rover track, it was a very pleasant meander up to the bealach between the two hills. Such a relaxing walk allowed us to catch up on a lot that had happened since we had time on the hill. It is clear that there is much to life, which is meant to challenge but being able to look at things with a smile on your face clearly helps. As do trips to Turkey and Achiltibuie.

A look back down the glen saw Schiehallion come into view and Loch Freuchie, with a nice rainbow forming - Shaz wanted to look for the golden pot but instead made for the summit of our 1st hill. We sat beside the trig point and had lunch, while I built a wee shelter to fend off the chilly breeze. I don't think Winter is far from us now. Our descent back to the bealach saw an apprehensive Shaz suggest that I nip on and grab nan Caorach. Nonsense, we'll just take our time, I said and before we knew it we were at the top of the second hill looking North to a snow-capped peak - Ben Lui, I think. The return trip back to the car was just as relaxing as the trip into the hills and we stopped off in Dunblane high st for me to get a photo of the Golden postbox, courtesy of Scotland's most successful sportsman. I have long been a fan of Andy Murray and have even taken to tweeting on his website; my wife suggests that I have a thing for him - not true. I just really wanted him to win a major as he has deserved it and it makes me incredibly proud to be Scottish. It was a great wee day out with Shaz and I won't leave it so long to go back into the hills with a good friend. Golden.

A look at Suilven from Kirkaig Falls

What a great wee walk I had with Emma up Kirkaig Falls - not only was it a splendid path up to the falls but a few hundred yards on, a view to perhaps one of the most amazing hills in Scotland was on offer - Suilven. Quite stunning and I had to pull myself away not to keep staring in awe. I'll be back.

Carn Glas Choire and wafty schecht

After my long day yesterday, I wanted an easy leg-stretcher not too far from the Torguish B&B. I had read about possible access issues but encountered no problems except for a shitey smelling dog pound with shitey, barky smelling dogs. The land rover track takes you all the way to the plateau but from there to the summit is an extremely boggy trump over odd moss. Highlights before the summit are the hunting lodge, which is very dry inside and the total solitude as you walk towards the top. Once at the summit and the surprisingly large double cairn and trig point, the views over the main Cairngorm range, Ben Rinnes and the Moray Firth are excellent and it's a nice place to sit and consider life and its whims. After a few minutes, a cold wind bit deep before I descended straight off the summit South back to the track, avoiding any bog. Back at the car within 3.5 hours and a most enjoyable morning out.