Brack in the rain

[weaselmaster]

Having been driven off Beinn an Lochain by extreme winds near the top I felt in need of another hill to climb - when I came off Beinn an Lochain it was only 11am, for heaven's sake. So I decided to drive along to Ardgarten and have a try for The Brack. Hadn't really looked at it beforehand, but had the route on my GPS and thought I'd go for it.


P1000173 by 23weasels, on Flickr

Moderate rain at the start, headed up the gravel track thru the forest at a good pace. Was surprised by the steepness of the left turn up to the hill itself, with a lot of rain having fallen the streams were swollen and fast flowing.


P1000176 by 23weasels, on Flickr

Had a bite to eat just after the stile before continuing to head upwards. This is a steep hill! Path was pretty clear up towards the craggy heights - though fog made the summit a vague shape in the distance only. No-one else around today, and as I pressed on there was an eerieness about the hill which a few damp sheep didn't dispell.


P1000178 by 23weasels, on Flickr

Heading round the rocky crags to the left was surprised to come across a little lochan before the head up to the summit proper. Hands were cold by now, weather showing no sign of letting up.


P1000179 by 23weasels, on Flickr

Summit came upon me a little by surprise - like - here's the trig point...featureless landscape after this- fog still obscuring the landscape and very little sign of any path at all, other than some random sheeptrails.


P1000180 by 23weasels, on Flickr

Fortunately Satmap helped keep to the right direction. Couple of craggy bits which I kept left of - saw a raven flying to its nest under one rocky overhang. Gentle descent towards an interesting split rock -


P1000182 by 23weasels, on Flickr

after this the path became much clearer and led down towards a fence, whcih was followed til a gate appears - headed thru this, and thru the adjoining gate in the side of the fence to join a steep track heading towards the forestry road. Was further than anticipated back to the car park, although the going was easy on the track/road. Nice views of Loch Long came into view as I joined the Cowal Way, trees had mostly turned to their autumn colours, so that was good too.


P1000183 by 23weasels, on Flickr

In all a really steep ascent with little let up followed by a wilderness jaunt - good day out!


P1000185 by 23weasels, on Flickr