On the shores of Loch Awe

[soulminer]

I suppose it's been a while since I last hit my digits off the keyboard and wrote a report. The weather, time off from work and lack of cash due to dogs, car etc, put pay to a few walks we had planned.
This particular little foray into the white wilderness was planned only a couple of days ahead. We wanted some where with views for a few piccies, and of course, a good old hill workout to boot !
We were meeting Doogz and Mags at the usual carpark on the outskirts of Paisley at 06:30. Alan and I were a tad late due to skating rink conditions on his windscreen, and on the road below the wheels. After all the gesturing, and posturing, we set off for our visit to the shores of Loch Awe. Headed up the Rest and be Thankful, round to Inveraray over the high road to Loch Awe and parked down from the gate on the Hydro Road. Conditions were still icy underfoot and there was a bit of a fog bank in evidence, shame


DSCN0976 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN0978 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The sun was spreading a volume of rays about giving the flora a lovely autumnal hue

Sheep on the lookout


DSCN0980 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A steep little pull up, especially with the old Winter bag and boots All the fun o' the Fair ! The views were opening up around us quite nicely with the bank of fog now below us.


DSCN0982 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN0983 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We sauntered on in much merriment and reached our turn off point for the hill beside us. The snow was only ankle deep here, a bit different to what we would find later

A couple of views from our turnoff point


DSCN0984 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN0985 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN0987 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN0989 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Looking rather fine out there today, a good choice of hill ! The route up was steepening and we took turns on the point, with a few extra refreshment stops thrown in. Although there was much snow in evidence the ambient temp was not as low as expected. Time for the shades to come out to prevent the old Retinal Bleaching

Behind us


DSCN0991 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

And again from a little higher up


DSCN0996 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The going underfoot was becoming a tad more tiring, the snow was pretty deep in places- but we struggled on in difficult conditions

A photo stop


DSCN0998 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Some locals struggling in the same conditons


DSCN1001 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Across to the fogless side


DSCN1002 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A zoom of the Windfarm


DSCN1003 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A wee glimpse of Mull


DSCN1004 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

3/4 of the Intrepid party


DSCN1007 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Some fine snow sculpture


DSCN1009 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We seemed to have reached an impass just under the summit, some of the snow was waist deep. It took some time for us to pick our way up to and across the deeper sections in order to reach the rocks we could scramble up- not exactly expecting to be waist deep so early in November. I dare say there were some others elsewhere who might struggle with these type of conditions- if not properly equipped. But we reached our goal for the day and the rigours of our efforts were rewarded in abundance.


DSCN1015 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1017 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1018 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1020 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1022 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1024 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1025 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We sat about for a time enjoying the fruits of our labours. Winter walking at it's best, and most enjoyable Sad to have to leave I suppose, but descend we must.

On the way down


DSCN1026 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1033 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


DSCN1039 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


The heat from the sun had changed the conditions for our descent, a bit on the treacherous side for a fair bit. The snow was just sliding off the grass as soon as you placed a boot on it , and on several occasions there was some 'break dancing' going on as I said earlier- all part of the fun !
Cheers.

[malky_c]

Good to see the other side of the story

Best day this autumn so far. Stunning photos

[dogplodder]

Looks like a fab day out - blue skies, sun, fresh snow, banks of mist below - and stunning photos. I'm jealous.