An ascent of the Hill of the Son of the Moor

[soulminer]

After much discussion with Doogz throughout the week- Mamores, Cruachan Group or a Corbett, we decided to walk on virgin territory. A fine hill by all accounts, a fair climb with fine vistas to behold on summiting.
Doogz dropped his daughters at Elderslie Baths for their swimming practice at 0530, then we were off on the Bakers Run
Uneventful run up to Glen Orchy, some fine sky as the sun rose. Turned down the Glen Orchy road heading for the bridge over the Eas Urchaidh. Not as uneventful now, large red deer bolted across in front of us to jump the fence, with another launching itself from the middle of the road over the same fence- what a jump No wonder their tendons have been used for centuries Parked up at the bridge and off through the forest on the track. Took the path for the Bridge of Orchy Cycle Route, and Mountain Access, across the footbridge and sauntered onwards. We reached another marker post with the arrow pointing forward, but debated if this was the route to take- we decided just to carry on and not turn right up the track towards the forest ( although this track can be taken we later found out )

A view back,


IMGP0356 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Through the Glen from the fire-break,


IMGP0359 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We decided to cut up through a fire break on our right,with the fence and track veering left, and head straight for the Coire Chailleach, and ascend the main ridge, via a rounded rise - rather than straight up the Coire.

Ascended beside the Ravine on the right hand side,


IMGP0360 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Ben Lui from our ascent,



IMGP0363 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

By this time it was blowing cold, the snow was iced on top and made for tough going at times. The views were now beginning to open up for us, in between episodes of cloud overhead.

The Etive, and Clachar Traverse Hills from Ridge ascent,


IMGP0366 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

First Lochan,


IMGP0368 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

View West,


IMGP0369 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Main Lochan icing up,


IMGP0377 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Trekking onwards, with a biting wind as a constant companion, we reached the summit. It was true, the views are stunning



IMGP0384 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0382 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0391 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Took some shelter across from the cairn for some vital refreshment before descending, also adding another layer
Doogz layered up on the summit


IMGP0385 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The view from our shelter


IMGP0386 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Decided to head down the Coire for our return journey, picking our way through the crags and riven gullies.Headed for the large fence post we had climbed over on the ascent- although if the normal route is followed there is a style to cross.

Doogz on the way down


IMGP0396 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Ben Lui bathed in sun,



IMGP0393 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Waterfall,


IMGP0404 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Doogz taking a similar picture,


IMGP0403 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Smaller waterfall,


IMGP0411 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Another view along the glen on the way out,


IMGP0407 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We reached the track by the same fire-break, and wandered back to the bridge and car. A cracker of a walk all in,cold up top, but sweltering on the way back out

Doogz taking his last photo before our departure,



IMGP0419 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

[mountain thyme]

cracking pics.. thanks for sharing. looking at possibly doing that tomorrow

[dooterbang]

That first Lochan photo is sublime.

Nice to have some virgin experiences at your age

That you and Doogz Corbett bagging

[soulminer]

Not Corbett bagging as such, just stretching the legs

[past my sell by date]

Nice pictures - A very tucked away Corbett and rather dull to climb, but views from top absolutely sensational in all directions. you can see almost every major hill south of Glen Etive: had to give it a 5 on that account