Two new ticks at last! And not the blood sucking kind :)

[madasa mongoose]

After several years in the PhD wilderness, it was time, at last, for normal mountain service to be resumed. Unfortunately, sitting in front of a computer all day does not a fit person make. So, after a jaunt in the Ochils that confirmed the old legs were not up to much, a sensible, albeit last minute, decision was made to tackle the two solitary and most northerly Munros that remained red. Dog friendly B&Bs found, car stuffed full of “just in case” stuff and five hours of driving later, we arrived at Altnaharra B&B to a very friendly “Would you like a cup of tea?” Yes please!

The next day dawned sunny, bright and clear…for a whole 10 minutes. Then Mr. Clag appeared over Ben Klibreck and, like an unwanted guest, stubbornly hung about for the next two days




But, hey ho, it was great to be stepping out onto new terrain; soggy, boggy and steep terrain but a great route up Ben Klibreck nonetheless, courtesy of Walkhighlands We were not far up the all-terrain, “sheep free” track (according to B&B owner) when sheeplike creatures suddenly appeared running at full speed, towards us. Corrie dog was most confused!



Plodding upwards, ever so slowly upwards, to reach the cairn atop Cnoc Sgriodain with a fine view of Ben Loyal.




Then a grand little traverse to the bealach taking the opportunity to take photographs between clag breaks.






Then eventually, up the last steep, bouldery bit to the summit. Yay! New blue tick number one




No time to pause to soak up the claggy views as the rain started to descend in great big, soggy sheets of wetness. By the time I decided to put on waterproofs, it was already too late so it was a squelchy return to the car, brightened by the appearance of the friendliest ptarmigans, ever






Then just a short drive up to the fantastic Bothy B&B in Tongue, situated close to Castle Varrich and the majestic Ben Loyal.








Leaving Ben Loyal for another day, we headed to Ben Hope early the next morning with faint hope of a view from the top.




Sadly, stunning views were not to be today but still, new blue tick number two in the bag!




And Corrie provided some bonnie views on the way down...






Back at the B&B, the cloud cleared to reveal a stunning sunset




The following day dawned sunny and clear! Typically, we had to return home but just time for a wee pootle up Castle Varrich.






So, a fine wee highland jaunt and two, new blue ticks to make up for the one lost from the Fisherfields, two years ago. At this rate, I should complete in another 30 years

[simon-b]

Good stuff, mm. There's nowhere quite like the far north. I stayed at the Altnaharra b and b to do both these hills, a great little place with real character. Coincidentally, it was Mandy at that b and b who made me wary of the wrong type of ticks. I bet you found your trip up there very worthwhile.

[scoob999]

Some fantastic pics

30 years don't think so

[Fife Flyer]

Nice one, loved the title, especially after all the horror stories re the other 'ticks'

Some great photo's, good luck with the next few ticks

[AnnieMacD]

Great report and pics nonetheless! A little cloud give the photos a bit of character I reckon you'll be done this year....

[madasa mongoose]

Good stuff, mm. There's nowhere quite like the far north. I stayed at the Altnaharra b and b to do both these hills, a great little place with real character. Coincidentally, it was Mandy at that b and b who made me wary of the wrong type of ticks. I bet you found your trip up there very worthwhile.

Thanks Simon. Love this part of Scotland and intend to return. Feels remote yet such lovely, hospitable folk like Mandy make it feel like home

[madasa mongoose]

Some fantastic pics

30 years don't think so

Thanks Scoob You're right. It'll probably take me much longer!

[madasa mongoose]

Nice one, loved the title, especially after all the horror stories re the other 'ticks'

Some great photo's, good luck with the next few ticks

Thanks Fife Flyer. Tempting fate, but no other 'ticks' for me or, surprisingly, Corrie dog this year. We must be too sweet smelling

[madasa mongoose]

Great report and pics nonetheless! A little cloud give the photos a bit of character I reckon you'll be done this year....

Thanks Annie. A few more new ticks planned this year; life and knees willing