Walkhighlands

Mrs Redrock and I were staying at Balquhidder Station for a couple of days and enjoying gloriously snowy and sunny weather. I couldn't resist the call of the hills and although at first I was tempted to head for the Munros to the north of Glen Dochart, a forecast of deteriorating weather and the possibility that Mrs R might accompany me if I headed for a Corbett rather than a Munro, I decided to tackle Creag Mac Ranaich - a Corbett to the west of Lochearnhead. So we set off at about 9:30am from the chalets where we were staying in Balquhidder station and made our way onto the dismantled railway track (the old Glen Ogle line) on our way to Glen Kendrum. We followed the track all the way up Glen Kendrum to the beallach to the south west of Creag Mac Ranaich. There, Mrs R decided to retreat back down the track while encouraging me to head for the summit. I agreed, knowing that her route back was simply down the track and that I would be following her a short while later.

That's when the weather started to change - the bright sunshine was replaced with a darkening sky and thickening clouds. I reckoned I could make the summit and get back to the track before the weather finally closed in. But the final 200 or so metres proved to be quite a challenge with soft snow and no clear route. The crampons were of limited help in the thick snow but the ice axe proved itself when I needed leverage to get me out of a deep drift of snow. The snow did come on as I descended back to the beallach - but once back at the track the return journey was straightforward. The Walkhighlands route includes the Corbett Meall an t-Seallaidh (and starts from Lochearnhead) but one Corbett proved enough that day for me! The ice and snow made for quite hard going and maybe I'm needing to get into better condition! We did see a couple of walkers descending Meall an t-Seallaidh as we headed up Glen Kendrum - perhaps they had done both! These Corbetts are just as hard work as many Munros, I discovered, but well worth the effort too!

A fine wee Corbett indeed - looks like you had great fun.

Makes me realize i must do more of these hills....

Thanks for posting.

enjoyed that redrock - you certainly had some mixed weather but a great day out nonetheless - and a nice Christmas card photo - cheers

It's well worth the effort that one! Meall an-t-Seallaidh is too. Something to go back for! At least the bogs were all frozen over so no mishaps for Mrs R eh?????

I've this one to do - your route looks good.

Looks a bit differant from when i did these two, how was it crossing the burn? I had major problems crossing it when i did them

Graeme Dewar wrote:It's well worth the effort that one! Meall an-t-Seallaidh is too. Something to go back for! At least the bogs were all frozen over so no mishaps for Mrs R eh?????

Aye the bogs were well frozen over - so Mrs R was fine with that. But there were those deep snowdrifts!

kevsbald wrote:I've this one to do - your route looks good.

The approach from Balquhidder Station might be slightly shorter than from Lochearnhead and it is definitely better graded! But I'm not sure about parking there. Otherwise it was essentially the Walkhighlands route minus the Meall an t-Seallaidh bit - because bad light stopped play!

Johnny Corbett wrote:Looks a bit differant from when i did these two, how was it crossing the burn? I had major problems crossing it when i did them

I hardly remember crossing the burn - so no problems there! It's probably a different story now with all the melting snow and rainfall. I will have to go back one day and climb Meall an t-Seallaidh - I'll watch out for the burn then!

Another very enjoyable read Redrock. Great to see you both out enjoying the snow and getting some good fun and exercise, hope it doesn't all melt too much too soon. These hills look well worth a visit..........

Good scenery

Did this and Meall an t-Sellaidh a couple of years ago on Boxing day - similar snow conditions but barely any views. Despite that I really enjoyed them, and would love to revisit in these conditions.

Yeah another fantastic day out for you and Mrs R

Great idea having a fun day out close to your accomodation, makes it a much less tiring day

Thanks for all your comments folks. Aye, sunshine and snow - a great combination! It's just a pity we don't see them together as much as we would like! Here's hoping for more of the bright crisp weather over the coming months!