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Back in 1975 nine of us spent a fortnight's holiday overlooking Loch Ruthven, courtesy of my parents. The self catering house we stayed in was Tullich Lodge, which I'm happy to say is still there.
Tullich Lodge as it is in 2021
Apart from my mum, we all climbed Stac Gorm that holiday, including our one year old on Pete's back, and I've been up it again a few times since. But it stuck in my mind my dad had also climbed the hill behind the house, Stac na Cathaig, which I didn't, and as the years went on and my dad long gone I wanted to climb it. So last May, when covid restrictions were easing, Pete and I went for a dog walk up the track as a recce for when I could do it properly.
Loch a' Choire, May 2020
A week or two later I was back with Moira, this time to climb the hill, but we were met by a locked gate which a local said was closed due to covid. We returned in the autumn, when most places had opened up, but found it locked again, could have climbed it but decided we had better not, if it was locked with intention of keeping folk out.
Then in March this year I saw that Jaxter and Malky had climbed the hill and found out from them the gate only looks like it's padlocked but can be opened. So off I went again, this time in company of three of the grandsons out for a morning jolly.
We parked in the usual spot tucked in at the side of the entrance to the gate just a bit past Tullich Lodge and overlooking Loch Ruthven.
Stac Gorm and Loch Ruthven from near where we parked
Three sons of the one year old we took up Stac Gorm
Following the track up towards forest and locked gate
Loch a' Choire
After passing Loch a' Choire there is a junction in the track, the left fork contouring the hill round to Loch Duntelchaig and the right towards the locked gate which had previously stopped us in our tracks. But this time we planned to get through it, one way or another.
Josh trying to figure out how to open the locked gate
The gate still seemed to be padlocked and however much we fiddled with it we couldn't get it to open. So climbing the wooden fence was our next option, as long as we could find a way to get the dog through. There was just about enough space under the gate, then we found we could open the gate enough to get her through - and with rucksacks off we all managed to squeeze through after her - so no need for any fence climbing.
I've read of a few routes up Stac na Cathaig but the most direct is probably Jaxter's (thanks Jaxter!) which is to shimmy up the side of the fence we'd just come through - and I suspect a few others had the same idea as there's a makeshift bridge to show the way.
Keira looking across makeshift bridge
Keira isn't keen on bridges and will always look for an alternative which in this case was easy.
Finlay demonstrating how to cross makeshift bridge
We followed the fence, dodging conifer branches and a few muddy patches until we reached a fire break where we turned up to the right.
Climbing the fire break
There was no path but it was easy walking over low heather and higher up no problem to find a way along the edge of the established trees to avoid the young trees planted.
View down the fire break
Once out in the open there was a bit more ascent over heather and rock which then levelled out on the first top of Stac na Cathaig.
A bit of descent and reascent to reach the rocky summit (cairn above Jonny's head)
Finlay and Josh already there
Plus the dog
For a small hill the views are pretty impressive. You can see why this area is known as the Trossachs of the North.
West over Loch Duntelchaig to Strathfarrars
South over Loch a' Choire to Stratherrick
Zoomed to radio mast on Tom Bailgeann and Loch Lochy hills beyond
West over lochs and hidden trench of Loch Ness to Abriachan
North over Loch Ashie to Ben Wyvis
North to Inverness and Moray Firth
For variety on the descent we walked east to find another fire break to give a different way back to the track. But it was rough underfoot and since we were only out for a quick morning dander we aborted that and returned to the fire break we had come up. Better the devil you know.
Left turn at corner of fence
Squeezing down the side of the fence
Back at the locked gate Josh and Finlay led the way through the gap. Once we were all through Josh found by fiddling with it, the padlock opened, which if we'd discovered that earlier could have twice saved an old granny's dignity!
How we did it
Loch a' Choire ahead
A most enjoyable walk
Thanks to my dad for planting the idea. Don't know why it took me so long!