by john » Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:41 pm
Route description:
Sub 2000' hills included on this walk: Cruach Tairbeirt
Date walked: 08/03/2010
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Well, for some years I have found the motivation to get out on the hills difficult. I can blame age, health, work.........laziness. A whole load of reasons but the simple fact is that, I find it difficult to just get out there. Now just in case you think I have always been this way, look at my Munro count. There was a time about ten years ago when I could not be found at home on a free day!
So, today I decided to go for a stroll up a small hill that I have often admired when driving along the road from Ardgartan to Arrochar. It is one of those hills that you just know will offer fantastic views and, hopefully, not involve too much effort. And then, you see that it is completely covered by forest on the lower reaches. However, I had read a couple of reviews that suggested there are indeed routes through the forest. So, with the wife encouraging me again to get out and get some fresh air, I thought I would try this.
The guides suggest that you pretty quickly experience a sharp pull up from the station when heading for the hill. And indeed you do! Now ten years ago, I am sure that I wouldn't have thought anything of this......and most others would think of this simply as some moderate exercise. Quickly, I encountered that recurrent dilemma......where is the hill path??? After fording a stream, across from a waymarker, I decided that I had found it and set off up through the forest with a stream to my side. Shortly, I was up at the snow line and wondering which branch through the forest I should take? Surely not the boggy one that looked like a forest drain? No, it must be the slightly drier route that curiously led through some unbroken trees and branches. I suppose, that should have been an indication that I was on the wrong route. Anyway, I eventually, came out of the forest and into the clearing. The snow was at that stage which I remember with much distress. Hard crust with a soft centre! Every step promised to support my weight then cruelly gave way plunging me up to my knees. When not ploughing through the snow, I was clambering over deep heather and clumpy grass.
At this point, I started to wonder if my wife of 32 years really still loved me. She who cannot be persuaded to attempt even the most gradual incline, should be made to experience this. Maybe then she would leave me alone at home to play guitar and wastefully browse the internet. I cursed myself - for whatever reason it has been - for allowing myself to become so unfit. Anyway, slowly but slowly I crawled my way to the summit and plonked myself at the trig pillar.
The views were as I had hoped and every mountain was clear and covered in snow. I had made it......even if it was only a small hill.
On the way down, I coasted down hard snow and some ice, the route down and through the trees was much clearer and easier than the detour I had taken. I paused at the small stream to enjoy my apple and listen to the birds.
It was a great day and once the aches and pains subside, I will enjoy the endorphins and the warm glow that they bring.
For a quick day out and regarding views, consider this hill. For the fantastically fit you will achieve it in a dawdle!
Last edited by
john on Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.