Stob Dubh

[soulminer]

An early start again. Wouldn't have been if the weather was a bit less inclement, the planned camping trip with the Chaos Collies was set adrift on cloud of raindrops. So we are here for one of the planned hills anyway A quick day, and back home to begin the dreaded decorating I had promised to do on my holiday- shouldn't be so bloody accomodating
Although the forcast was to be decent for today the weather in Glen Etive, when we drove down, was not as predicted- SURPRISE,SURPRISE, where's Cilla !!.

Stob Dubh from Coileitir:

IMGP0476 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Ben Starav:

IMGP0475 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Not to worry were are heading up anyway, it will be the coming down again that may pose a few problems, considering the steepness of the todays target
Set off towards the cottage under Stob Dubh after taking the track on the left from the bridge. Some deer along this route, but they seemed to move quick enough when they spotted the Collies.

Stob Dubh on route:

IMGP0478 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A pleasant stroll along with blue sky occasionally peering through the mist down here, and clag up there We reached the bridge, just before the cottage to find a whole herd of deer- 30/40, on the rise- off the track, to Glen Ceitlein. They spotted the dogs, who seemed to have a slight interest in proceedings, and 'white-arsed' it off up the glen, with the dogs sniffing the air We crossed over on the left-hand side of the wall and headed for the rise up to the fence line,and onto a -sort of- path.


IMGP0479 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

From hear on in the only way is up- steeply Reached the first crag and went round the right hand side of it, and zig-zaged our way from there really

A few pics from the route so far :


IMGP0481 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0484 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0485 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Deer spotters :


IMGP0489 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

In amongst the crags :


IMGP0490 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0491 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A slow climb up, as conditions underfoot were a tad slippy in places. Switched on my GPS as the clag was now engulfing us,and we had a piece still to climb. Came across several traces of paths on the route up, so not one general route- although one path seemed well trodden on our way down, but does disappear on route We crossed the head of one stream on this path, and traversed across, then up to under the summit. It had started to drizzle by now,and the clag was thick- so not much in the way of scenic vista to be had

Chaos at the Summit :


IMGP0492 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0494 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

I had just took a photo of the dogs and sent it to Doogz, when the phone went-and it was Doogz asking if i had went out ? I told him the message is on its way, and his phone 'pinged' Message received He was surprised when I told him it was claggy, as it had been forecast as 90% clear

Had a little refreshment and fed the boys, the off back down the route was indeed slippery to say the least, but not as bad as thought at first. Just our luck for the 90% clear to make an appearence on descent much fist-shaking and mirth

Back onto the path across the stream head and followed it along for a time -and, it disappeared Not a problem, We knew where we were, so just enjoyed the route down. The dogs had a fine walk today, and enjoyed posing for the camera as usual.


IMGP0497 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Some brightness showing through again:


IMGP0498 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0499 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Glen Ceitlein :

IMGP0504 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

'You took us up in that clag, now the sun's oot !'

IMGP0505 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0508 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0510 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0511 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0516 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0517 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0518 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A very enjoyable walk today, I was glad to be out, and the Chaos Collies had themselves afine old run aboutin the Highlands A well recommended hill for people with strong thighs
Here are a few 'moody' shots


IMGP0509 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0515 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0523 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

My fav moody shot of the day :


IMGP0506 by BoydBlair, on Flickr
Cheers.

[Fudgie]

The problem with getting a view from the top of one hill is that it just spoils you for whenever you head out after it I'll keep this one for a day when I want to give my thighs a pounding

[dogplodder]

Let's hear it for the Chaos Crew! Glad to see those two beauties getting a good outing with a bit of deer stalking thrown in. And that the clag on top didn't stop you getting the usual quota of stunning pics to which we have all become accustomed.

[pigeon]

Shame about the summit SM,looks a good one though,now added to the to-do list

[soulminer]

Fudgie wrote :
The problem with getting a view from the top of one hill is that it just spoils you for whenever you head out after it

Ever the optimist

dogplodder wrote :
Glad to see those two beauties getting a good outing with a bit of deer stalking thrown in.

They were positively captivated on the drive up the Glen, and on the drive out


IMGP0522 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Pigeon wrote :
Shame about the summit SM

Didn't make any difference to the day, it was a stretch of all 10 legs Views would have been a bonus- dems da breaks

[litljortindan]

Highly photogenic dogs or just good photos.

[rockhopper]

Pity about the top but worth it for the views down over the low mist/cloud - makes the early start worthwhile - cheers

[Johnny Corbett]

Good stuff. Photo 485 is a topper, with the dogs tongue hanging out. They certainly like getting their photo took.