Kerloch

[ChrisW]

Decided to do a little work today as the rain fell steadily but continuously over Banchory, but then, at lunch time it stopped and a little blue sky appeared. With a non walking friend due to visit from down south tomorrow (for a week) this was my only chance to 'get some in'.

I had noted Kerloch as a good 'local' so made the flask and got after it.

Found a nice little 'one car' parking spot at the start of a track at NO 699 917 signposted as 'footpath to glenbervie'


In no time at all I was booted up and heading down the winding track toward Kerloch


Looks like erosion has taken its toll on the track in places


At a gate into the plantation the erosion is clear and I can't help but think a covering of snow could leave you 'surprised' here


before entering the plantation a look back toward Scolty


The path climbs steadily through the trees and at one point becomes frog central



This tin hut looked a little out of place and unused for some time by the look of it


the track opens out to show a view over deeside


at this point you are faced with a choice, I took the right hand path up into the trees



A look back before heading onwards and upwards


The pathway is now quite steep and covered in loose scree


As I stop to look back (not to take a breath ) it is a great view down to deeside


A nice hairpin leads out of the trees and into open heather


Once above the tree line the view is fantastic


and it is just a little way now to the summit


another hairpin turn and we'll be up on top


a little flat provides breathing space before the final ascent


Finally the cairn is visible just a few metres ahead


The cairn and trig point are a welcome sight but the wind that hit me as I stood on the summit was far less welcome


with the whole of deeside visible, it is a great view from the trig


looking back toward the cairn I can just make out the north sea away on the horizon


I needed to rest on here as it was a bit of a pull up through the trees


the cairn shelter provided a nice little spot out of the strong wind for a cuppa and a snack


as it was only a short walk I decided to go with a little hag hopping on the way down via little kerloch


there were some sitcky moments but not too many



from little kerloch I turned north toward melmannoch


before reaching the small hill I turned north east and headed over to a small waterfall


I then continued on that route toward the coves of curren


where a bit of 'good going' was found between the rocks


I then dropped down to the meadow below where I saw my first lamb of the spring time


A last look back at the three hills


then it was back on the track I started on with just a mile to go to the car.


Had a great afternoon out as it was unexpected and the weather gods smiled on me again as I escaped the rain entirely.

[morag1]

Hi chris, have been following all your recent walks and storing some away for future reference. I am visiting family in Aberdeen in the next few weeks and mean to get some walks in, problem is I dont always have much time what with trying to see everyone. Kerloch looks really good though and your photos are crystal clear.

looks like a great day out, you certainly get good weather for your walks

oh and thanks for the photography tips, have noted these as well

[PeteR]

Another good report Chris. You seem to have been doing some good routes recently. And a little different from the norm too, which is interesting to see. And great photos too

[ChrisW]

Hi chris, have been following all your recent walks and storing some away for future reference. I am visiting family in Aberdeen in the next few weeks and mean to get some walks in, problem is I dont always have much time what with trying to see everyone. Kerloch looks really good though and your photos are crystal clear.

looks like a great day out, you certainly get good weather for your walks

oh and thanks for the photography tips, have noted these as well

Thanks morag1, I'm very fortunate to be able to 'pick my days' for walking, when the weather is miserable I tend to leave it alone.

by PeteR on Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:32 pm

Another good report Chris. You seem to have been doing some good routes recently. And a little different from the norm too, which is interesting to see. And great photos too

Thanks PeteR, my routes are probably a bit different due to the shortage of munros around here but I appreciate your comments all the same

[trekpete]

That looks like a good walk Chris and some cracking photographs.

[jimandandrea]

Looks like a grand day (afternoon) out.
I thought your photos had a real 'arty' feel about them. I especially liked the ones of the hairpin bends.
Hope you enjoy your week with our non-walking friends.

[lomondwalkers]

Cracking pics again Chris, and well done making a summit, a mate and I attempted The Brack on Thursday, but had to abort halfway

[ChrisW]

That looks like a good walk Chris and some cracking photographs.

Thanks trekpete, it makes a better afternoon than sitting in doing management b**lox on the computer

by jimandandrea on Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:06 pm

Looks like a grand day (afternoon) out.
I thought your photos had a real 'arty' feel about them. I especially liked the ones of the hairpin bends.
Hope you enjoy your week with our non-walking friends.

thanks jimandandrea glad you like the pics, still trying to drag my friend up a hill but getting no joy

by lomondwalkers on Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:12 pm

Cracking pics again Chris, and well done making a summit, a mate and I attempted The Brack on Thursday, but had to abort halfway

thanks lonmondwalkers, was it the hellish wind that caused the abort?

[Bod]

Another great one Chris, know all these corners and views from days gone by, including the hut!