Monamenach above the clouds.

[Mike Reynolds]

At last I have overcome the winter inertia and got myself back out into the hills even though Monamenach is one of the easiest Corbetts you could find. Just fine for Ronnie and his dogs and me in our rather unfit condition however. After meeting up in Perth we drove one car up the A93 then across into Glen Isla and the road end at Auchavan.
There is considerable work going on by the bridge where the suggested parking is available. Two diggers and a large dumper truck and piles of material have made a bit of a mess of the road and verges but we did find a firm enough spot for the car and got organised. There was no actual work going on and no-one around at the time to ask for advice , but be aware if you're heading that way.
On the drive up the weather had been low cloud and occasional drizzle and at Auchavan the cloud was almost down to road level, so as we set off we were resigned to getting a good leg stretch but little in the way of views. However after about half an hour blue sky began to show overhead and five minutes later we had that wonderful moment of coming out into glorious sunshine above a sea of cloud. Who doesn't love a temperature inversion?
From there on it was hot work following the track to its high point then the path up across a few snow patches to the summit. The view as we reached the top was terrific, to the south was a sea of cloud and north everything beautifully clear and sharp. We sat in the sun to refuel and take in the views and sympathised with all those people below who thought they were having a miserable day weatherwise.
Back down the way we came up as we felt our fitness had been suitably tested although a hundred metres or so down the path we had to leave the bags and go back up to the cairn to retrieve Ronnie's gloves left at the top. No I did not just lie in the sun, I went back up with him for another look at the views.
Turned out to be a great wee walk in fabulous conditions, so much better than expected, so that should be us back to much more regular outings again.
A few not very good phone photos.

Through the cloud looking to the summit

and looking back down

getting higher

Creag Leacach from the summit

looking west

a not very fit hillwalker