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Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn


Postby jupe1407 » Mon Sep 02, 2013 11:55 pm

Route description: Ben Tirran by Loch Brandy and Wharral, Glen Clova

Corbetts included on this walk: Ben Tirran

Date walked: 02/09/2013

Time taken: 4 hours

Distance: 15.47 km

Ascent: 962m

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Having done Mayar and Driesh (again) in howling gales and dull, freezing cold weather on Sunday, my ambitions and expectations weren't exactly high for today. A surprise day off meant (in my head at least) a choice between a long, long day attempting the five munros from the Dalmunzie Hotel, with the Braeriach-Devil's Point traverse in my head as well.

Numerous checks of the forecast confirmed that there was no way in hell i wanted to walk 40-odd Km freezing my backside off, being buffeted about by 80kph winds, so i eventually decided on a wander up to Loch Brandy, then The Goet/Ben Tirran if I could be bothered. Criminally, despite having lived in the North Angus area for 38 of my 40 years, I'd never seen Loch Brandy. Oops.

Oh, this also had the added bonus of me staying in bed until 10:30am and not having to be in a hurry for anything. I eventually arrived at the wee car park beyond the Clova Hotel (over the bridge and left) at about 12:40 and started walking. Sunshine and a light breeze (so far) meant only a baselayer/t-shirt and no jacket combo to start with, although i fully expected to need it later on.

I didn't hang about and got to Loch Brandy in around an hour. The views were already terrific.

DSC_0005.jpg
Down to the Hotel and Glen Clova from the path to Brandy


DSC_0015.jpg
The Snub and the final stretch of path to Brandy


Driesh was looking considerably more hospitable than it had been yesterday :lol:

DSC_0033.jpg
Across to Driesh


I arrived at the picturesque Loch Brandy and sauntered about for a bit, considered nipping up The Snub, then decided i couldn't be bothered and followed the WH Route instead. The Loch got bonnier the higher i got.

DSC_0052.jpg
Brandy


I was starting to feel slightly knackered, probably due to yesterday's wind-afflicted struggle across the Glen. This narky problem was resolved when i discovered I had a bag of Beef Space Raiders in the day sack. Braw. :D Crisps demolished in 9.4 seconds, I headed up the hill to the wee cairn and was rewarded with a quite stunning view of the Lochnagar range.

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Lochnagar


It looked magnificent indeed. I started on a very pleasant wander along the plateau, stopping only to take a few shots of the gorgeous Glen Clova below.

DSC_0071.jpg
Glen Clova and Angus


Instead of following the track round, i took a branch off and had a wander down to Loch Wharral. No pics as the estate appear to be building a motorway up to it which is as ugly as sin. The fence on the plateau was also being rebuilt. Distinctly underwhelmed i headed on up to the summit of Ben Tirran, The Goet, where I rewarded myself with a cheese piece and a Terry's Chocolate Orange Bar.

DSC_0087.jpg
The Goet & Ben Tirran


DSC_0099.jpg
The Goet Summit Shelter and Trig


At this point I decided i couldn't be bothered with that horrendous scar back down over Tirran and by Wharral and a roadside trudge, and noticing that I had already done about 5 miles, there wasn't a huge difference in heading back to Brandy and down to my car from there. Plus it was a nicer looking walk. And so i headed back on the proper path, past Stony Loch, and back towards the cairn at the top of Loch Brandy, to be met by the weird sight of an old man pulling his shorts up from his ankles. A slightly awkward and swift hello, and i was heading down the path again.

I was soon passing Brandy again.

DSC_0120.jpg
Last Look at Brandy


I headed off down the path pretty quickly, eventually arriving at the car after 3h55m, having not had to wear my jacket at all. The downside of this was quickly realised when sitting in the car, I noticed I had a redder face than Joe Hart and arms that would make a lobster envious.

Still, a highly enjoyable outing, a nice wee hill, with snacks consisting of cheese, Beef Space Raiders and a Chocolate Orange bar. A pleasing day's work.
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jupe1407
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby The Rodmiester » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:04 am

Oh dear! never been to Loch Brandy before and you a local lad :( Its a fine wee walk and I have in the past used it many times to check out my early season fitness when visiting Ben Tirran. I have not been up since 2012 though and new nothing about the track over Tirran, I must visit again soon and check it out, very dissapointing :( Ta for posting, fine day and loads of good photies as usual :D
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby jupe1407 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:19 am

The Rodmiester wrote:Oh dear! never been to Loch Brandy before and you a local lad :( Its a fine wee walk and I have in the past used it many times to check out my early season fitness when visiting Ben Tirran. I have not been up since 2012 though and new nothing about the track over Tirran, I must visit again soon and check it out, very dissapointing :( Ta for posting, fine day and loads of good photies as usual :D


Cheers Rod. The new track isn't at Tirran itself, but starts from Loch Wharral down into the Glen. I assume it's to ferry shooting parties about or whatever.
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby The Rodmiester » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:24 am

jupe1407 wrote:
The Rodmiester wrote:Oh dear! never been to Loch Brandy before and you a local lad :( Its a fine wee walk and I have in the past used it many times to check out my early season fitness when visiting Ben Tirran. I have not been up since 2012 though and new nothing about the track over Tirran, I must visit again soon and check it out, very dissapointing :( Ta for posting, fine day and loads of good photies as usual :D


Cheers Rod. The new track isn't at Tirran itself, but starts from Loch Wharral down into the Glen. I assume it's to ferry shooting parties about or whatever.

I guess so, that is normally the excuse! :( Glad to see your staying East Coast just now, weather on the West crap! :crazy:
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby jupe1407 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:36 am

Isn't the weather in the West always crap? :D

I've got a 100% clag record for walks west of Lawers :lol:
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby GillC » Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:51 am

Youre 'almost' right on the weather in the west lol that's what happens when weather fronts come in and simply cant be bothered lifting themselves over the hills. I see the forecast for the coming days, week are just that, total cloud cover etc,,, putting me off a plan to go up to the 5 Sisters this weekend, a) it will be bog ridden already and b) don't fancy another soaked night in a tent too soon lol

Smashing pics above,,looks a lovely area., :)
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Re: Ben Tirran & An Unexpected Case of Sunburn

Postby Sunny Speyside » Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:11 am

I just love the Angus Glens but I am on the wrong side of the Cairngorms to visit regularly. Smashing photos as always Jupe :clap:
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