Walkhighlands

Ruby wasn't up for a walk today for some reason (she just would not come out of her bed when I called her) so it was a chance to bring out the "Big Dog" (Zippy) He is our Bassett Hound but hasn’t been out with me that often. I wasn’t sure he would cope with this one today...but how wrong I was. He absolutely loved it as you will see from the pictures. MWIS and BBC were predicting fantastic clear skies today - no disappointment there either. Absolutely the best day of weather I have had this year.

We set off from the house just after 730am and arrived at the parking spot mentioned in the WH route just after 830am.



First major obstacle of the day – a herd of Highland cows with calves. I didn’t spot the path up the side of the road and so we went straight through the middle of them – very very lucky as you will see later on!!!
The farm track makes is easy(ish!) going for the first 400 meters or so and the views were stunning even at low level



After around an hour we reached the little cairn at the bend in the track that marks the start of the climb up to the ridge. It took me around 30 minutes to find the path, but once on it we really made some good progress.

About half way up the Big Dog decided to do a bit of sunbathing!!!



We also started to get our first look at the second target for the day Beinn Eunaich. There seemed to be a bit of snow at the top which I have to admit made me somewhat apprehensive given the turnround last week on Ben Challum. (I don’t do snow very well at the moment!!)

After around 2.5 hours we finally reached the main ridge. The views in all directions were spectacular, though Zippy seemed to only be interested in the giant ice cone. Slurp slurp!!!




At the stage another walker caught up with us. We got chatting and walked together to the summit – Zippy took a shine to him too! I said I would post his summit pic in my report. (Good to meet you James).




The view to Cruachan was just unbelievable – so sharp and clear, and steep!!!




After a few minutes taking in the views we set off towards our second target for the day. It was clear James was used to a faster pace and so when we reached the Beleach he set off ahead.



The going was fairly easy although it did get very rocky near the top. Zipper coped ok – better than me to be honest.


And so finally after around 4 hours we reached the summit and were treated to the sight of Frosty the Snowman. Don’t know who made him but I can definitely say I wouldn’t have had the energy for that!! Zippy wasn’t sure what it was at first! Lol



no 2 for the big dog!


Zippy didn’t seem to mind the heights and was almost right at the edge of the cliff behind the cairn. Not for the faint hearted!!



We stopped to grab a bite to eat just off of the summit and take in the sights in front of us.....
.... a big slobbery kiss was not what I wanted at that point! Yukk!!







The walk back down to the farm track was uneventful, although I did twist my ankle but not badly – just enough to give me a fright. Although coming off of the ridge is very steep it wasn’t a problem as the ground was bone dry. If there had been snow I would still be there!!
And so back to the highland cows…as we ambled down the track I could see the herd ahead of me but remembered that there was a path on the other side of the fence. All seemed ok at first.. A few glances towards us but nothing too alarming. And then one cow with a white coat started to get a bit spooked.

She snorted and walked alongside us on the other side of the fence. Then she charged straight into the fence.!! This caused the other cows and calves to stampede down the path, and scared the living daylights out of me and Zippy . For some reason some of the little ones didn’t stop at the fence and slammed straight into it ending up in a pile on the ground. Had Zippy and I continued down that path we would have ended up only a few feet away from the melee. I had visions of cows breaking through the fence and Zippy and I being tossed around like rag dolls So we headed out into the field and stayed around 100 yards from the herd. Hearts pounding we ending up climbing 3 fences before we made the road again. I now have to add Highland cows to my list of phobias!!!
6 hours 30 minutes after we set out we made it back to the car….safe (just) and dog tired!! Fab!!!

Well done Zippy! great wee report too.

I was up doing these two on Thursday with my springer spaniel and yes, those highland coos were very defensive of their calves. We went through the gate and tracked right across the muddy area, with one of my poles extended and the dog on the lead they moved towards us, but with a firm, farmer-like "hey-up" voiced they seemed to accept that we didn't want any hassle. The cattle feeder being placed right on the path isn't the smartest idea.

By the way those peaks to the east are Ben Lui and Beinn a' Chleibh at Tyndrum.

Electrify - Thanks for identifying the hills for me. Cheers

Nice one 2d ,think those coos are in permanent residence on that path ,looked like this in december Good hills these,Cruachan is even better ,if you've not done them get them on your list

Pigeon, love the picture. Looks like a really evil b@####! Could not believe how steep cruachan was. Im still a beginner at this game and although definitely on the list it will be for a very dry summers day.

Wow what a great looking walk although I would have been terrified by the cows. The views are beautiful and lovely to see such blue skies. I love the photos of Zippy especially the one of him sunbathing

Sarah, thanks for the comments, it was a brilliant day and I know Zippy enjoyed it (apart from the cows!)

Great report 2d. It wasn't till i read the bit at end about the coo's I realised we'd also done these hills. Dave had his dog with him and mummy cows didn't like the dogs anywhere near baby cows.

Our experience was......
Once we done a bit of track worshiping we headed back to the car. We met the farmer back at the highland cows and had a wee chat.

Dave askin, 'What about walking past the cows with the dog with out thw wide bearth?'.
Farmer, ' Not advisable to go to close with the dog. If the cows come towards or run at you ,let the dog go'
Martin 'Er.........what do we do?'
Me 'RUN'
Martin 'You'll not out run a cow in that bog!!!!!'
Me ' No but i'll make sure i out run you,you can take one for the team!!!'

Martin decided to brave it and walked through them,as we headed back up,out the gate and down the side of the fence with the dog just to make sure.


Now also added to our list of things to avoid!! Ha

A pair of hills I did in the clag so it's good to see what the views are like from them

We also had a bit of an experience with the cows. We walked through them on the way up but one of the calves ran away from us which meant it's mother started up the path behind us. I made a run for it and vaulted the fence at the far end As we came back down it was mad clear to us that we should go around the cows:

First thoughts were whats happened to Ruby Thats a great read 2D.... Zippy looks amasing. Another great report.

Was thinking the same as Monty

Great report.

I did these 2 about same time your at in doing these Munros...nice to see them again.

Cheers.