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The prospect of a night shift at work in Aberdeen loomed, but it did mean a day off to follow. So after my long day in the Cairngorms Sunday I was looking for something a tad smaller to avoid spending half a day in bed and messing with the internal clock.
Schiehallion seemed to fit the bill, a change of scenery and 4 to 6 hours looked about right. I must confess when the alarm went off at 8am I had some doubts, the 12 hour shift and 4 hours sleep not helping.
But a walk was a better prospect than the duvet. Some things are for sharing.
I hadn’t checked the forecast and on return from Aberdeen in the early hors it had been raining but a quick weather check, I looked out the window, weather checked, I packed to go.
It was 1145hrs when I started, its not the closest of hills to me, but heh ho, on arrival at the car park….there is no escape.
Aplogies if the pics are not to the usual standard by fone jobby as left the camera behind, half asleep no doubt.
It was a fine summers day, and from recent reads, the time of year etc dictated axe, crampons etc replaced with midge hat, repellent and the likes, but again as per Sunday no need for either.
A cool breeze accompanied the ascent and soon a good way up looking back to the car park.
Now for those short in the leg or sense of humour or both, it will come as good news that the restored path and its steps are set at a good height, good progress will be made until the path runs out at a large cairn. Here I was just over an hour from setting out and the hard work was done, the summit ridge stretched out before me to the summit itself.
The view back shows the terrain is somewhat lumpy from here, there is a path of sorts although its easier to follow down than up, I certainly missed a lot of it.
I held off stopping until the summit where the views were stunning in all directions. Unlike Sundays little wander I was able to identify much more.
Ben Lawers standing tall directly over Carn Mairg (Glen Lyon) is this view.
To the west across Loch Rannoch to Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Bidean clear to see.
Zoomed here Ben Nevis dead centre, Bidean to its left.
The view East, the summit reminded me of Ben Rinnes, albeit a bit taller, but I guess if its local it would make an ideal training walk a few times a week, at least to the large cairn, for anyone who needs to get hill fit.
I lingered on the summit for 45 minutes, taking lunch, soaking up the sun, with no midges or any other crawlies to bother me.
So to descent, once over the awkward stuff at the summit I found the path which did avoid some of the worst, but on a day like this who cares if it takes time.
Made short work of the descent, John Muir Trust know the right size for steps !
Before long I was back at the start, but not before a dip of the tootsies in the wee burn, heaven !!! I’m sure I saw steam coming off.
On return home, passed by Sundays walk, the large snowfield clearly visible from the A(, which showed the path from Auchlean and also Sgurr Gaoith summit cairn. Its great to pass hills you’ve already been acquainted with….memories.
All in a great day, well ok half a day, 3.75 hts which considering the 45 minutes at the top seemed pretty good, one to return to in winter methinks. Apart from the return home to the guy upsatirs singing hymns, now I dont mind a good cheery hymn now and then but cheery they are not, be so glad to move out !!
