Nope, It's only Ben Hope

[scottishkennyg]

A backlog TR from three weeks ago just before the heavy snow. Sorry no prose or JK Rowling narrative, just basic links between images of Ben Hope and neighbours in full winter sunshine to hopefully brighten up this dull rainy period we are currently experiencing. (images can be enlarged by clicking on them)

A frosty day with high pressure and the prospect of great views over the NW coast enticed me on a short walk up Ben Hope.
The drive in through Tongue showed the hill in fine splendour alongside the sharp ridgeline of Ben Loyal.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Prominent Caisteal Bharraich on mound
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The views across the Kyle of Tongue were superb and someone had the good fortune to be parked up in a solitary caravanette on the shores of the water as I snapped another image.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Across the Kyle and beyond Achuvoldrach I got a glimpse over to Beinn Spionnaidh and Cranstackie, then it dawned on me that the wee single track road down Strath More might still be closed. Still they would make fine alternatives.
I turned left up the single track road just before the river Hope and immediately reduced speed as the sun was shining brightly into my face.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Then I came across the first damaged bridge with signs. Thankfully a wee bypass had been constructed right next to the collapsed bridge.
BenHopeNov2014 061 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

I continued along the road at about 40mph then heard a load crunch as the car came into contact with a low dent in the road. Pants, I think I hit that the last time I drove down this road too.
Anyway, I arrived at the big barn and parked up just beyond the second damaged bridge and got kitted out. I decided to leave the heavy winter pack and forced only the essentials into the chest pocket, then set off up the obvious path.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The climb up to the ridge was fairly straightforward and offered nice emerging views as height was gained.
BenHopeNov2014 073 by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

On the saddle of the ridge the going eases.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Over to Loyal
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The route edges up the main south ridge for 2km to lead to the trig point and cairn after 1.5 hours.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The surrounding views were exceptional and I spent some time wandering around and taking over 200 shots.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

I wished I had brought my new camera to try out as this would have been an ideal opportunity to experiment.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Back to Klibreck with cloud waves swirling lower down
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

The wind chill was evident and I took shelter behind the icy cairn to eat the just ham Tesco sandwich and the chocolate orange.

Summit panos.
West
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

East
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

West
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

South
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr
Then a young lady arrived on the summit plateau. She had carried a full pack up including a DSLR camera. I felt guilty what a light weight I had been.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

She gave me a chance to use the quality camera as I offered to take the summit shot. She explained about lens filters. What a difference the CPL one seemed to make. I made a note to find out more about the use of filters.
I bid farewell and set off with a quick visit to the north edge for a few unfiltered shots.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Near the base I slipped on a large slimy wet boulder and went right up and onto my filter, coccyx. That was a sore one. I got up and made it to the car without further incident about an hour after leaving the summit.
I decided to drive out south along Strath More passed the Broch, Dun Domagil, and alongside Loch Meadie stopping to take some final shots.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Dun Domaigil Broch
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

A lonely stag at side of road.
. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

I stopped to take a final shot back over Loch Meadie to reflect on a superb session on a cracking hill.

. by scottishkennyg, on Flickr

Thanks for looking over the short TR and best wishes to you and your kin over the festive period..

[weaselmaster]

What excellent weather you had, great pics
Must be amongst my most favourite places on earth
Can't wait to get up that way again

[litljortindan]

That's some weather you got. Like the summit pictures but also the one from the foot of the hill with the reddening colour on the hill. Went there ten years ago. Must do so again.

[dogplodder]

Love the hills in far north and your photos do them justice. Me and my dog came face to face with a stag with impressive head of antlers by that road and there was a bit of a pyschological stand off as we eye-balled each other until he decided we weren't worth it and bounded off.

[Gordie12]

That looked brilliant.

Was up there in the summer and whilst it was a really good day there was a bit of a haze so I missed out on the views you got.

[scottishkennyg]

What excellent weather you had, great pics
Must be amongst my most favourite places on earth
Can't wait to get up that way again

Cheers Al, it's grand when the weather is as good..

[scottishkennyg]

That's some weather you got. Like the summit pictures but also the one from the foot of the hill with the reddening colour on the hill. Went there ten years ago. Must do so again.

Thanks Litljortindan..hope you are as lucky with the weather on the next visit.

[scottishkennyg]

Love the hills in far north and your photos do them justice. Me and my dog came face to face with a stag with impressive head of antlers by that road and there was a bit of a pyschological stand off as we eye-balled each other until he decided we weren't worth it and bounded off.

Nice one Dp, think that may have been the same one...he just hung around whilst I took some shots over Loch Meadie..

[scottishkennyg]

That looked brilliant.

Was up there in the summer and whilst it was a really good day there was a bit of a haze so I missed out on the views you got.

Thanks Geordie...it is a great place and hopefully you will get back up on a haze free day..

[Alteknacker]

Love the pics. Perfect mood-lifter. Thanks.

[scoob999]

Nice one and great pics

I got a real soaking on that hill must get back on a good day

[scottishkennyg]

Cheers Alteknacker..know what you mean

[scottishkennyg]

Cheers Scoob...hopefully you will get cracking weather on the next visit.

[Meatball]

I enjoyed that!

[scottishkennyg]

:clap:
I enjoyed that!

Cheers Meatball..