15/07/2012 Geal Charn (Monadhliath)

Distance: 10.44 miles 16 km
Ascent: +670m
Naismith 4.5 hours actually took 6 hours
Geal Charn Monadhliath
Weather: Dry at first followed by regular heavy showers. Clearing later in the afternoon. Windy on tops.

200 or bust Part II

The build up to 200 continues, this time it was an outlier in the Monadhliath range that covers the high level bog between the A9 in the east and the Loch Ness in the west. The southern boundary is marked by the old military road that runs over Corrieyairack pass. To the north it finishes pretty much on the outskirts of Inverness. The name translates to “Grey Mountains”.

There are 4 tops that the SMC have denoted as Munros and this one, Geal Carn was the last one I had to climb in this area. The other 3 were climbed in my teens with my faither, A’Chailleach was in the rain and mist but fortunately, we returned one Easter to walk the other 2 we came back with a tan and wet boots. The day was long and sunny and by the time we reached the ford at Dalballoch, the water was in spate, about knee deep and very cold with snow melt. Not a problem, those were the days of yeti gaiters which worked well until the water became deeper than the gaiter. All self control and calm went out the window and I broke into a run to get across the last 1/3 of burn/river. Happy days.

Todays’ outing was a throwback to the trip up A’Chailleach, but not as pleasant. I had looked at the route choice on various web sites and guidebooks and I felt that parking at spey dam and the long walk in along a good track was better than a long walk in along a bad path. The only potential problem was fording the Markie burn, I had gleaned from sources on t’internet that there was, in fact, a footbridge over the burn about 1km further upstream should the burn be too high. I did have some concerns as it had been raining for quite a long time but as it happened, the hillside was wetter than the burn.

We followed the faint track uphill past the small waterfall and to a gate in a fence (not marked on the 25k map). Through the gate and an even fainter path which led towards the right hand side of the coire. By this time we were sill reasonably dry so we took the view that following the path was the best option. As we reached the coire rim, the heavens opened and I got map and compass out (just in case).

A black line is marked on the 25k map, running up and onto the summit plateau. I set us on a bearing to intersect this (knowing it would be an old fence or dyke). When we reached this we were able to use it as a “handrail” to lead us to a 90 degree bend in the fence. I then used this bend as an “attack point” to the summit cairn. From the map, I knew it to be 200m away and I was spot on. Then it all went a bit pear shaped.

I took a bearing for the window feature, Uinneag Coire an Lochan (similar but smaller than the one on Creag Meggie), and we started down. From previous experience I knew that it is easy to be moved off bearing by the wind so I started to micro navigate using bumps and rocks. Unfortunately we kind of ran out of features in what I could only describe as boggy bog. I actually went in up to my calf at one point. Deteriorating visibility, poor navigation and constantly weaving backwards and forwards made us deviate from our bearing. Then I allowed myself to be swayed by the terrain going the way I thought it should rather than sticking to the compass. Anyway, we dropped down out of the cloud and it was obvious to me that we were heading 180 degrees in the wrong direction. Fortunately we weren’t too far and 10 minutes of gentle walking uphill brought us to the window.

A GPS would have helped but with hindsight I should have stuck rigidly to the bearing, even resorting to sending MrsH forward on the bearing for 10 or 20 meters. Then walking on and repeating as necessary. The other option of “aiming off” wasn’t really ideal as that would have meant heading towards cliffs then working across to the right.

We descended the window to the lochan, and then we bog trotted back to the gate in heavy rain and down to the ford as the sun came out. In celebration, we stopped for a bite to eat.

It felt like a long walk back to the car, probably because it was.

I think myself fortunate as I am considerably better equipped now than I was back then. To be more precise: gore-tex boots; seal skins socks; breathable hard-shell; wicking base layer; micro fleece; excellent compass and detailed map. For all that, I still took a wrong turn and got wet feet.

Some things are timeless.

Apologies for the lack of photos but I haven’t yet purchased a waterproof camera.

The moral of this story is “the compass is 5 nines right, the user is not”.

Didn't see another soul all day.

05/06/2012 Creag Meaghidh

Length: 12.7 miles, 20.5 km

Ascent: +1175m

Naismith: 6h 4m (actually took about 8 hours)

Weather: Sunny at first. Overcast with cold wind later.

200 or bust Part I

I had decided that I has languished in the 190somethings (Munros, not years or even dog years) for too long and that if I was to make some progress I, like Joe Simpson in “Touching the Void”, needed to set myself some mini goals to reach my target, preferably, without the inconvenience, suffering, bestselling book and career as a motivational speaker. I would have to forsake my Donald, Corbett, Graham, Wainwright and Hewett habit for now. My Marylin tick list was just a wee side hobby.

I consulted the Oracle that is Walkhighlandsdotcom and reviewed my blue and red triangle populated map.

Pairs.

It had to be pairs.

Preferably within a reasonable drive from home.

The plan was simple.

200-196 = 2M x 3D

Where:

                                                D = day out

M = Munro

Simples.

Once again the In-Laws came to the rescue and agreed to look after LittleMisshalfaseesaw™ (who shows no interest in climbing hills but seems to enjoy orienteering) and halfaseesawJR™ who shows a healthy interest in climbing hills quickly.

Creag Meaghidh had been climbed before as someone else’s final Munro but it was winter with knee deep snow and very poor visibility. It had occurred during my University days when I had all but forsaken the mad and slightly pointless pastime of climbing hills. I was knackered by the end of it and even an early night didn't make the ascent of Ben Nevis the next day any easier. In fact I gave up really early and managed to catch up with my dad who had (wisely) decided not to go up, but along Glen Nevis. He didn't make it up Creag Meaghidh either.

So, there is a nice wee circuit to the east, taking in Carn Liath, Stob Poite Coire Ardair then finally Creag Meaghidh. Sorted.

Mrs halfaseesaw awake at 04:00 AM!!! With the dawn and a red sky. This was apparently due to sore arms from the previous days gardening epic.

We left about early o’clock in bright sunshine and arrived at the car park about 08:30. A serious case of early onset midge resulted in a fast pack n’ go. Then back again for mrs h’s water then away again. In the sun & heat I became concerned for my safety and slapped on some SPF 8 – take no chances. The coire path climbs up towards some natural woodland and then you must keep a really good eye out for the path to Carn Liath. Just as the path nears the tree line, there is a ditch running down the hill and beside it a path that doesn’t really look like a path but it is. Not a great path but a path. We noticed, on the way down from Coire Ardair, about 20 meter further uphill from this path there is a bent fence post and the start of a path which would seem to tie in with a couple of fence posts and what appeared to be a path of sorts near Na Cnapanan NN475889. This one might be worth looking out for but the first path was fine, as was the walk up Carn Liath. In fact it was quite pleasant.

Looking towards Loch Laggan

I had thought about doing the route clockwise but I was concerned I wouldn't find the path down through the trees. This turned out to be a wise choice, for a different reason, the path back down the corrie went on and on and was easier because it was mostly downhill. The tree path shouldn't be a problem on descent. Head for Na Cnapanan and you’ll find it easily.

By the time we reached Carn Liath the sun was gone. Clouds moved in and the wind blew cold. Probably for the best. The ridge along to Stob Poite Coire Ardair is lovely, you don’t really notice the reascent for the second Munro and the drop down to The Window isn’t as steep as you think it’s going to be.

Creag Meaghidh from Carn Liath

We stopped for a spot of lunch at The Window then pressed on up the Meggie side. About halfway up we were joined by an English gentleman who inquired about the descent from Carn Liath. Then he engaged us in conversation and regaled us with stories of scrambles in Snowdonia and how he had climbed Curved Ridge 5 times and how he didn’t like the Cairngorms or the Perthshire hills because they weren’t pointy enough. It was at that point that my son rescued us (well he rescued me), Mrs H was chatting away as she does. She’s very sympathetic. My 3 year old son rescued me by telling his Papa that he wanted to speak to his mummy, so Papa phoned and we had to break off our lovely chat to listen to halfaseesawJR™ telling us we had to come home quickly. Awwwwwww.

The cliffs of Coire Ardair

As it happened we were close to the top of our final peak anyway. We had a quick photo stop on Mad Megs cairn and pressed on to the top of the hill to find a mast and a man taking in letters into a radio. English gentleman (on the way down) said the same guy was at the top on Ben Lui a couple of weeks previously. I have ceased judging people by the nature of their hobbies. I accept that my chosen favourite past time is pointless and I cannot judge others chosen activities (but football? Really don’t get it).

Looking back

The return to the car felt long – the descent from the window is scree with steep gravelly path, a walking pole was very useful. The close up views of the winter climbing mecca was impressive. Really need to find some easy routes here to try out.

A grand day out and with 3 Munros and a good handful of tops for only 1175m of ascent. A bargain.

05/05/2012 Achallader

Length: 13.7 miles  22.1 km
Ascent: +1592m
Naismith: 7h 4m


Beinn a' Chreachain (m)
Beinn Achallader (m)
Beinn an Dothaidh (m)


Weather: Hail to start followed by sun and occasional snowflakes

First blog entry for a wee while so I’ll attempt to summarise my winter activity.

Err, half day crap skiing at Glencoe.

Sorry, but that’s about it, poor weather and poorer weather put a stopper to most outdoor activities. Apart from a few quick jaunts round “local” hills there isn’t much to report.

Spring started a new era in hill climbing with halfaseesawJR taking on his first peak. Conic hill fell after a determined and speedy alpine style ascent by the wee fella. We acquired some boots from the Perth clan, slipped them on his feet and he was off, woolly hat and backpack bouncing up and down as he ran, scrambled and jumped his way to the top. I had a pocket full of sweeties to coax, cajole and tempt him to the top but they stayed in my pocket.  He made his daddy very proud. Even in the face of a hail shower he did not waiver. In fact, he had to be persuaded to stop and have some juice and a biscuit.

The other day I asked him,

“Would you like to climb another hill sometime?”

“Yes, but can we do a different one daddy?” :-)

I had the pleasure of climbing Bidean nam Bian with AG – his first Munro. Ironically, it was plan B because the forecast sounded bad – it actually turned into a nice day and I managed to find some climbing gear on Stob Coire nan Lochan.

A few weeks later myself, Mrs Halfaseesaw and AG and myself climbed the Beinn a Bheither and enjoyed excellent views due to the cold air, all the way to the Paps of Jura and the inner Hebrides. The Rum Cuillin and Skye Cuillin looked very close.

My most recent walk was an old favourite, Beinn a Creachain, Ben Achallader and for a wee change, Beinn an Dothaidh too.

The day started well, left Kilmarnock in brilliant sunshine. This lasted until halfway up Loch Lomond. The sky grew dark and the clouds gathered. There was the odd spot of rain on the car windscreen going through Glen Falloch. A surprising amount of snow is on the hills considering how poor the winter was. It seems almost reluctant to leave.

No stop at the The Green Welly for coffee and sausage rolls, I pressed on through darkening skies and marvelled at the string of walkers on the WHW. Snow started to fall as I passed Bridge of Orchy and it turned to hail when I turned off the main road for Achallader.

I got out of the car and started sorting stuff and the hail got heavier, this worked in my favour as it reduced faffing time to a minimum. 

Booted, packed and good to go, just as a minibus of students arrived. Perfect timing. Taking the track to Gorton, the skies cleared and the sun came out. Bonus. 

Skull

There is a signpost at the farm road end declaring a “public footpath to Rannoch”, this is a bit misleading as it’s actually an old drove road. I only recently discovered that a drove road isn’t actually a road. It is only a route that was once followed by the drovers taking cattle and sheep to the markets in Falkirk and Edinburgh to be sold and then taken down south. It seems Scotland has been supplying England with beef for 4 or 5 hundred years. Most of the major roads in the highlands unsurprisingly follow the same routes as the drovers did and there are still a few passes that bear the scars of the cattle traffic a hundred years or so since the last coo wandered past. Achallader was a stopover on the way from Glencoe to Glen Lyon. There is a large flat area where the beasts would have rested overnight and the ground would have benefited from the output of the animals (if you know what I mean). Apparently, land owners would not charge for the overnighting of the animals due to this free fertilising service.

Water of Tulla

The hill path departs from the Gorton track before it crosses the river and then it makes its way up towards the railway. Crossing over the small bridge, you can smell civilisation, the aroma of diesel and grease rising up from the tracks wafting as I paused to look down on a lump that I assumed was a deer at some point. Nice.

The path heads east now, winding along through Crannoch Wood paralleling the railway but keeping a distance. Here and there a large bough or even whole tree blocks the way and the path detours briefly.

Beinn Achallader

A couple of stiles signal the end of the old woodland, and the start of the climb to the first Munro.

I find the walking on the east side of the burn to be easier, I’ve done this route a few times and I’m pretty sure I’m not imagining it. West is boggy. East is firmer. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Beinn a' Chreachain

I like to visit the lochan in the corrie, it is pretty and a good spot for second lunch. It might make more sense to head straight for the top (that isn’t a top) that lies north of a' Chreachain but I’m prepared to sacrifice efficiency for aesthetics occasionally. I sat and scoffed the new Food of the Gods (move over Ambrosia, jumbo chilli peanuts are here) and listened to the thawing ice crashing down the crags. It must have been cold up here, it had been -6C in Ayrshire overnight and the car wireless had been warning of ice on the roads. For the 5th of May it was surprising. I’m half expecting the weatherman to come on the telly, shrug his/her shoulders in Gallic fashion and say “I’ll be honest with you, I’ve no idea what’s going on”.

Food of the Gods

I packed up and started the climb onto the shoulder of the hill. Hordes appeared. I ignored their intrusion on my hill and showed them a dirty pair of heels. So confident was I, that I made a wee detour to the top that is not a top and still made it to the top of the Munro before their advance party arrived, sweaty and puffing, with tales of 6 foot snow and thwarted plans. BooHoo. Sometimes turning back is a hard decision to make but it’s usually the right one.

Lochan

I left the summit before the rest of the sweaty ones arrived. I was greeted by some smiley happy people over the few kilometres and finally summited Achallader in the sun with a light breeze and a few flakes of snow milling around/looking lost. Don’t let the description fool you, it was pleasantly warm.

I made the bold decision that rather than amble back to the car down Coire Achalader, I would add Beiin an Dothaidh to finish the day off. Mrshalfaseesaw and myself had intended to add this peak the last time we were out but time and daylight caught up with us and we had to give it a miss.

Surprisingly there isn’t much of a path up from the col, I had expected a trail of sorts but no. It was almost refreshing to zizag up the grass. By the time I was about 2/3 of the way up, I started to feel the effects of not eating a proper dinner the night before and when I reached the top what took place was what I can only describe as a mini feeding frenzy. The last of my water was finished off followed by almost all my remaining food. numnumnum. I even had one of those Lucozade gel sachet things. Jury is still out on the palatability but it did the job.

The cliffs of Beinn an Dothaidh - (I think Taxus is the icefall in the centre)

Descent was by the west ridge that turns to the north. The trick is to keep far enough away from the coire rim to avoid a couple of big gullies and then stick to the inside rim as the ridge turns to the north. The ridge ends in steepness so a zag back towards the head of the coire to descend to a shallow ramp that leads to a pointy rock. From here just follow the steam down out of the coire. I found that if I stayed high and contoured round the hill rather than descending to the muddy path, the going was good and considerably drier.

Back at the car a mere 8 hours after leaving, slightly sun burnt and happy.

07/01/2012 Broughton Heights

Length: 6.29 miles  10.1 km
Ascent: +677m
Naismith: 3h 9m

Weather: Dry with occasional showers, wind 40-50 mph gusting to 60/70 mph on the tops.

After a month or two of rain, wind, and more rain and wind, Mrs H and I were, to put it mildly, desperately in need of some excersise.

The forecast for the day suggested that walking would be near impossible to the north so a Munro was out of the question. I didn't particularly fancy a squelch in the Galloways and even the Lakes forecast didn't suggest a long drive and a short day would be a suitable investment.

I took a chance and suggested a small hill in the vicinity of the Borders. I didn't hear a no...

So, Broughton it was.

The drive down to Biggar was pleasant enough and the wee back road to Broughton quiet. Turn left at the T junction and then first right up to Broughton Place, round the back of the farm and on to the walkers car park next to the shepherds cottage (enough space for about 10 cars).

We followed the John Buchan Way (13 miles to Peebles) for a half mile or so and then followed a faint track up Cat Cleugh Head and then up Trahenna Hill for the first Marylin of the day. The ridge then winds NWish across Grey Yade, Green Lairs and on to Hammer Head. The latter can be seen clearly from the carpark. The wind picked up and the hard shells gloves and hats went on. It was blowing hard by the time we reached Hammer Head. We were wearing enough clothes for a whiteout on Cairngorm and my weather eye could see a shower coming in from the plains.

I elected to drop down out of the wind to the north and as we lost height the shelter improved and the temperature rose until we stood on the JBW again and paused for water and mini mars bars.

With plenty daylight left, it was up again, following a quadbike track onto Broomy Side, the wind rising again as we gained height. As we reached the ridge line another light shower was passing in the now gale force wind. All the clothes went back on as we caught up (yes, caught up) with some like minded walkers.

Green Law was passed on the way to the summit of Broughton Heights (aka Pyked Stane Hill). By now the wind was fierce and cold so I moaned at Mrs H as she took a couple of pics and we set off back the way we had come.

Back on the JBW, slightly west of where we started up Broomy Side, another wee pause for sandwiches and then a nice (if boggy) amble back to the car.

We shall return (on a nicer day) there is a nice horseshoe to be done and another Marylin to tick.

04/11/2011 Beinn Narnain

Beinn Narnain 926

Length: 7.62 miles  12.26 km, Ascent: +944m, Naismith: 3h 48m

After almost 2 months commuting to Reading I finally set foot on a hill again.

quick day out to stretch the legs.

car to car in 4 hours

04/09/2011 Beinn Narnain

Beinn Narnain 926

Length: 7.62 miles  12.26 km, Ascent: +944m, Naismith: 3h 48m

quick day out to stretch the legs.

car to car in 4 hours

30/07/2011 To Rotten Bottom and back again

Erie Hill (donald)
Garelet Dod (donald)
Cape Law (donald)
White Coomb (donald/corbett)
Lochcraig Head (donald)
Molls Cleugh Dod (donald)

Length: 13.7 miles  22.0 km, Ascent: +1301m, Naismith: 6h 35m

Another solo day so I took full advantage to indulge in my growing Donald habit.

welcome to scotland

Parked up at on the road at Talla Linnfoots farm. On with the boots and over the bridge and up Garelet Hill despite the dire warnings on the notice board. I can only imagine that this is a very old sign (pre outdoor access code) or is some throw back to the water board. It's a stiff wee pull to the top but ther views quickly open up. I was able to see Broad Law and the unmistakable mast.

With my ML training approaching I thought I would make the effort to estimate timing betwen hills, so out with the map despite the very good visibility, and some mental arithmetic followed. I was a bit smug when Erie Hill  arrived right on schedule after wading through calf deep woodrush. A pause for brunch and more mental arithmetic and then it was on to Garelet Dod. This time there was a quadbike track to follow. Now, either my sums were wrong or these parallel lines of flattened grass shaved 15 minutes off my estimated time. I suspect that it speeded things up, my counting isn't that bad.

molls cleugh dod from erie hill 


I had reached a point in my plan for the day where I could

1. Drop down to the gameshope burn, cross by the footbridge marked on ther 25k map and then climb up to Molls Cleugh Dod, move on to Lochcraig Head and descend to Meggat Stone via Nickies Knowe and Wood Brae.
2. Continue on to Cape Law, make for Rotten Bottom, Lochcraig Hill and return over Molls Cleugh Dod.

Plan 2 won. I was slightly concered because it looked very far. These hills lack distinct features. To differentiate between Bidean nam Bian and Buachaille Etive Mor is pretty straight forward. These Donalds hills are all big grassy lumps, regular map checking is really essential to keep track of progress. Subtle features are revealed as the walk continues, craggy cleughs, boggy lochans and occasional boggy bogs.

hill, probably din law

It still looked very far, even though the map said 1.5km to Cape Law it looked almost twice that distance. What was I flapping about? I had come out for a walk. I was a fit as a fit thing. 3 big bowls of pasta the night before. 6 Munros the previous week (4 of which had been a 12 hour session on the Grey Corries). I am confident in my navigation. (see previously mentioned 12 hour session in the Grey Corries). Sod it. Start walking.

Needless to say Cape Law arrived bang on time and gave me the first surprise of the day. Another walker. Anywhere else it would have been expected, but here, I was genuinely surprised. He was sitting with his doggy so I paused for a brief chat as I passed. He expressed the same level of surprise at seeing me.

rotten bottom. check the map if you don't believe me

The next feature was Rotten Bottom. This is never going to bode well wherever the circumstances. On the descent from Cape Law I could see a dog leg in the dyke so I cut across, aiming for the point where the dyke stopped. It stopped because Rottten Bottom started.

It wasn't as rottern as it could have been. We've not had much rain so I didn't encounter the really boggy bit until I was almost across. Double back and double back again until I worked my way around it. I knew it was over because the dyke started again.

The next bump was called Firthhope Rig and, as I had been obsessing over Donalds, I hadn't noticed how close it was to White Coomb (corbett). So, as I was passing, I strolled across and back again. Bonus Tick. You don't get many of them. Back on route to Lochcraig Head and then a short reascent to Molls Cleugh Dod.

loch skene from lochcraig hill. it feeds the gray mare's tail

I had discovered there was a bothy at Gameshope and I had decided to visit it. This led me down to where the 25k map shows a footbridge. No footbridge. I found a rough path along the east side of the burn and followed this easily to a big barn opposite the bothy. On the opposite side of the burn is a depth guage. I can only assume that the burn can get quite big - it does have quite a large catchment area. No such problems today, the bothy was reached easily and is very nice. No wood burning stove but then there isn't any wood around to burn. Gameshope's lower reaches are very pretty and would not be out of place in the Lakes. Fortunately, they are in Upper Tweedale and are much less visited.

vallet of ther gameshope. erie hill is the pointier one

Left the car at 10:15 returned at 17:30. 42 Donalds out of 89 - 47.19% but who's counting?