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First hill attempt after the recent restrictions were lifted.
I have been walking on a semi regular basis during the lockdown but there are not any lofty peaks in the Falkirk area.
Parked up on the grass verge of the A85 at the turn off for Auchessan at 07.30.
Frosty morning, sunny with a cool east wind.
Walked up past the farm and followed the path as it climbed up the right hand side of the burn.
Nice scenic walk, dry underfoot for now.
Ben More dominated the view across the glen.
Ben More by
robert irvine, on Flickr
After a couple of miles the path veers to the left and then disappears as you enter the peat hags.
Even after a week of dry weather this was still a rather wet experience.
I just picked my way through as best as I could.
Meall Glas by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Sgiath Chuil by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Once you cross the Alt Glas, the boggiest bit is behind you and there is a short respite before the ground steepens towards the summit.
No problems are encountered on a mostly grassy slope up to the top.
Bit nippy at the peak, open rounded area with no real respite from the cold east wind.
Nice views though.
Beinn Challlum by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Ben Lui group by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Crianlarich Munros by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Ben More (2) by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Ben Nevis by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Meall Ghaordaidh by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Ben Lawers group by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Sgiath Chuil 2 by
robert irvine, on Flickr
Meall Glas summit cairn, Crianlarich hills behind by
robert irvine, on Flickr
I dropped down from the top and found a nice sheltered spot and sat for 40 minutes and just enjoyed where I was.
Peace and quiet and lovely views.
Then it was time to go down through the peat hags again.
Tried a slightly different route, just picking my way through again.
Passing back through Auchessan again I was approached by a rather aggressive sheepdog which came running out of the last house before the river crossing.
It certainly did not want to make friends and there was no sign of anyone coming out of the property to see what all the barking was about.
I am a dog owner myself and I usually feel quite comfortable around them but this one definitely made me a bit nervous.
It finally broke off as I crossed the river.
Really enjoyed the walk, apart from the last bit.
Surprisingly enough my legs and feet felt fine, even though I was breaking in a new pair of midi boots.
Glad to be back on the hills.