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From the map on page 99 of my 1986 vintage SMC Munros Guide it looked like Point 954 to the east of An Sgarsoch’s summit was a Top, so “had” to be done. Didn’t want to leave any stone unturned, as it were. But this seemed to be the only place it was designated as a Top. I was slightly confused, and sought guidance from those higher up the chain of command on such things. Advice was readily forthcoming from several sources (thank you everyone!) to the effect that it had been a Top, but a reorganisation some years ago had downgraded it to no longer having such status. Assurances came in that there was no chance of it being redesignated / promoted in the future, but there remained a niggling doubt that it may be. So maybe I should do it. To be on the safe side.
I’d studied the various Walkhighlands write-ups on these two Munros (thank you everyone, again!), and was staying near Linn of Dee, so that was the obvious start point ~ as it seems to be for most folk. It also seems that most folk have bikes, but I just had Shanks’s pony, so it was going to be a pretty Long Day. Early start needed. Beyond White Bridge, and approaching the junction south to Bynack Lodge (ruin), one of these cyclists caught up with me. A wee chat ~ he was en route from Linn of Dee to meet up with his pals at Derry Lodge, to then go up The Devil’s Point. Ooops, major navigational error on his part! I wonder when (and if….) they did meet up….. On on for me to the Geldie burn crossing, Geldie Lodge (ruin), the ex-stalkers path, and up into the mist. Carn an Fhidhleir, a mountain hare and a ptarmigan for company. Down, and up An Sgarsoch (no photos, the mist was not conducive to scenic views), and along east to (ex-Top) 954.
What now? The plan had been to follow the spur off to the north east, arcing round and down to Bynack Lodge (ruin); but, spur of the moment thinking, why not simply continue following the boundary line, gradually losing height via 882, 795, 791, and 771, to join the north / south path to the east of Loch Tilt? About the same distance. Decision made. What a great route, definitely The Road Not Taken (per Robert Frost), some fine old cairns and (mostly) easy going underfoot. Briskly down to Bynack Lodge (fine ruin), assorted river crossings (dry feet 😊), and back eastwards via White Bridge, being passed by several cyclists who had been up Beinn Bhrotain to the north.
I’d been up these two Munros before, from Bridge of Tilt to the south. Next time should be from Glen Feshie to the north (which looks even longer
). All pretty Long Days; but, what’s not to like ……
