Regal Seat Above the Clouds

[The English Alpinist]

Is this not what we want?! Inversion below the Ochils.

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On the journey back from the Munros of Cairnwell, I stopped off at Tillicoultry overnight, and had a morning to fit in some short walk before having to get back over the border for work. Thus, the Ochill Hills beckoned. Conceivably, I could have done a few more with a ridiculously early start, but 7 a.m was early enough for me, and even that brought out a few groans. But I emerged, and am so glad I did; the morning brought with it one of the best cloud-experiences I have ever had, and the most spectacular gorge to boot. Approaching King's Seat Hill via Mill Glen, made me think of the awe-inspiring wild Amazonian shots in the move Aguirre Wrath of God, where they descend from the Andes into the jungle (only I was going vice-versa and I did expect to return). Okay, a bit hyperbole, but hey I'm only English. Cheddar Gorge? Ha! What's that?

This walk was preceded by 'Carn Bhinnein outstandingly redeems the cause of top-bagging.'
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=114866

Ascending via Mill Glen from Tillicoultry.

In Mill Glen, RIP Ian from Alloa, lovely way to remember him.

The Law (a Donald top) offers a spectacular ascent to Ben Cleuch, another time.

Looking down to the Ben Ever (another Donald top) ridge.

Lo, the clouds, as we climb out of the gorge.

It gets better still.

On the plateau now, towards King's Seat.

The Ochils in splendour: Andrew Gannel, Ben Cleuch, The Law, Ben Ever.

I emerged from the deep Glen onto the heights of the Ochils, the hue of this September morning creating a feeling of Elysium on the open moor, with the cloud blanket below seemingly undecided whether to break up or gather even more. I felt sure it would do the former, as the sun warmed me, but as I lingered on the summit plateau of King's Seat Hill it began to do the latter. I wanted to stay for as long as I could to soak up this scene, but the good thing is I can easily pass this way again and these hills are so accessible, so I contemplate with relish the various routes I can chip away at around here en route to or from the missions to the big boys of the far north. As so often with me, things ended a touch uncomfortably. Being averse to going back the same way, I chose to descend straight down the south face. The cloud that had now blanketed the middle portion of the fell necessitated a bit of compass usage, but the real hassle was the bracken. Damn, it was steep, high, tough stuff - I'm sure it's more rugged than English bracken, like so much else - brought me to a panting standstill at times, even with gravity helping me, and once I fell over to be kind of drowned in it, and it wouldn't let me stand up again.

I'm going to stop improvising descents. Technically, I was trespassing to pass through the farm at the bottom too. Well, no technically about it, I was trespassing, according to a sign I saw. Sorry - but I wasn't about to slog all the way back up again. Might have even been quicker just to do the full walk to Dollar on the path, and come back to Tillicoultry along the road. Oh, well. A memorable little venture.

NW end of King's Seat summit.

The King's Seat itself, looking south.

I will hear your pleas now.

The clouds gathered around.

Had to descend through the cloud.

I fought through the bracken to land at Harviestoun House Farm; unofficial and do not recommend.

[HalfManHalfTitanium]

What brilliant photos! Love the cloud inversions and that wonderful light that you get this time of year.

I must explore the Ochils - must make some time on my trips either to/from the Highlands!

The Mill gorge also looks very dramatic - "canyon" scenery that you rarely get in the UK.

Just back from Mount Ararat so I have maybe missed some TRs, will have a look.

tim