free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
On days when I want to go walking but not climb hills I always seem to find myself at Cally Car Park (Dunkeld). If they ever start charging for this car park my hill walking costs will rise dramatically.
Today was one of those days, I wasn't sure how much snow had fallen, I could see from the office in Perth that the Grampians were white but was it ankle deep or thigh deep - a trip to Dunkeld would give me a better idea.
I set off just before 8.30, as usual the first car in the car park (which was frozen solid and very slippy).
It was pretty cold but also flat calm so no cold wind to go with the low temperature.
![1.jpg]()
- The moon - soon to depart
Passing Hatton, the peacocks were still high up in the oak tree having a weekend sleep in.
The track made for difficult walking, the snow in the middle of the track was crisp but hard going whilst the areas where vehicles had compacted the snow were frozen and iced up so best to avoid.
![2.jpg]()
- To be replaced by the sun
I usually reach Mill Dam in 35 minutes but it was slower going today in the wintry conditions. The gate at The Glack kennels was frozen solid so had to nip over to the other side of the house and pick up the track that comes up from Loch of Craiglush which took me on to Mill Dam.
![3.jpg]()
- Deuchary Hill from Mill Dam
Mill Dam was frozen over and the resident swans (two of them) were restricted to a very small patch of water at the far end of the loch so I didn't get a decent look at them today.
![4.jpg]()
- Rotmell Loch
![5.jpg]()
- Rotmell Loch
Once I was past Raor Lodge the track up to Loch Ordie was easier. There was more snow about and no ice to deal with so I was able to make better time.
![6.jpg]()
- Low hills to the west of Loch Ordie
![7.jpg]()
- River flowing out of Loch Ordie
It's rare for me to settle for only going as far as Loch Ordie (I normally head on to Lochan Oisinneach Mor) but was happy to settle for reaching the loch today.
![8.jpg]()
- Loch Ordie
![9.jpg]()
- Lochordie Lodge
I decided to take the higher route back to Mill Dam so followed the path behind the lodge.
![10.jpg]()
- My right turn
Once through the gate above Lochordie Lodge I was now on a path that is used a lot less than the main track but it's well worth the effort of the climb as the views can be great on a good day.
![11.jpg]()
- A lot more snow up here
The walking is now more difficult, in some places there's about 4 inches of snow but put a boot in the wrong place and there can be a foot of snow. It was a bit of a slow plod as the path slowly climbs uphill.
![12.jpg]()
- Gaining height
![13.jpg]()
- Nice to have the boots in snow again
![14.jpg]()
- Back to Mill Dam with the clouds rolling in
After Mill Dam I took the same route back round the kennels assuming the gate would still be frozen.
Very strange to be on these tracks on a weekend and only see a couple of other people out, it's normally a pretty busy place. Nearing the car park I was amazed to see a guy coming up the track on a mountain bike, not sure if he was brave or daft.
Good day to be out and walking in the white stuff.
