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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.