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Had it all planned the night before the whole clan (myself, ryan, the kids and the dog) were going to go for a nice walk along Glen Taitneach right up to Loch nan Eun and check out our future camping spot for when we tackle the surrounding Munros.
Woke around 7am and the sun was shining outside - very excited we were as our last few trips have either been pouring down with rain or so thick with fog we could not see.
Girls were up and had their walking gear on before we had even got downstairs and were arguing between themselves about who was making the days picnic.
Got ourselves and everything we needed ready, fed our mini zoo then headed off out the door at 8.40am to get the bus.
- Michaila
- Lisa-Marie
- Ryan
Had a few small showers on the way up but nothing to complain about the skies were still blue with very little cloud.
Arrived at the Spittal Hotel just before 10 and the girls decided they had to go use the toilet, then headed off to Glen Taitneach along the Dalmunzie Drive.
Stopped at the glen Taitneach turn off for a quick refreshment and to look at the path ahead - noticed the path was on the other side of the burn which looked slightly higher and faster than normal, we did see the sign saying bridge 3 km ahead but for some reason it didnt register and we thought we had to cross the burn. So down we went to find a good bit to cross but were unable to find that "good bit" if the girls werent with us we would of just waded right through without really a thought. First we tried to make a path across with some big rocks that were lying around but we were not getting anywhere fast, it was then we decided the boots were coming off and through the water we would have to go!!
Off with the boots and through we went - it was murder on the feet with the slippy rocks that kept moving. No Moaning from the girls yet though!! After about an hour we made it across about 4 sections of past the knees and fastish moving water!!!!
It was pure heaven to get the socks and boots back on!
- The girls with Ben Guliban in the background
Carrying on after about 20 mins there it was THE BRIDGE that could of saved us the agonising burn crossing, nevermind we said it all adds to the days fun!! Just past the bridge we came across another small burn crossing which we managed to find a path across using the stones.
At the gate there is a sign informing that there is deer culling in progress and advising people to avoid Glas Choire Bheag and Glas Choire Mhor.
Just after the gate we stopped for a break. Seen a few people come over the bridge and head off up Ben Guliban.
Sun was still shining.
After the girls had had their fill we were off again enjoying the walk along the glen - Truble kept spotting frogs and was trying to catch them... didn't see that much wildlife come to think of it - a couple deer, maybe 1 rabbit and quite a few frogs.
The track of Glen Taitneach came to an end and it was here we could see the climb ahead for Loch nan Eun (Michaila about fainted
) and immediatly said lets go back and then Ryan about fainted :lol and said no way!! He had it into his head we were bagging Munros once we reached the Loch (think he forgot the girls were with us
) reminded him they were here and there would be no bagging today. Manage to bribe Michaila with an energy drink and a gronola bar and we were off again.
Passed some waterfalls.
Spotted 3 people come down over the where we were headed.
There was some scrambling in places and had to use the hands quite a bit and the path was quite narrow. Stopped for a min or 2 to let other walkers past. Then some more scrambling. The girls were managing ok although Michaila was doing quite a bit mumbling and moaning to herself.
About 3/4 of the way up we stopped again for the girls to have a break and a drink, looked up to see what we had left to climb and noticed a beautiful big black cloud coming - fantastic i thought, showed Ryan and he was like "och it will come to nothing"
but we stuck the waterproofs on anyway put Trubles jacket on and continued our scramble. About 10 mins later down it came first the rain and then the hailstones. Not impressed but so near the top we had to carry on to see the loch, didn't hang about long not even long enough to take a pic, had a look at the time and thought if we hurry we should make the 4pm bus back.
Took a slighty different path back down to avoid the scrambling on what would now be slippy rocks and stuck to the long grass.
Marching on back Michaila was surprisingly in front most of the way. As we reached the start of the Dalmunzie road we looked at the time - 15 mins till the bus comes no way are we going to make it so we slowed right down and plodded back to the Hotel where we had a hot chocolate each and arranged someone to come pick us up as the next bus wasnt for another 3 and a half hours.