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Therre have been many things Allison has said she's not doing. Munro Tops, Grahams, Simms and most definately not doing bloody Marilyns
Despite these protestations, here we were going out on a stormy Friday to bag 2 more Grahams/Marilyns that would bring her tally to 600 and allow entry to the exaulted Marilyn Hall of Fame (lower division). I'd chosen these hills as they were close to home and would easily fit into a short hill day. Although the forecast was for heavy rain and 70mph winds we thought it would be good to get out and about.
We set off around 8, driving the few miles to the A817 Glen Fruin road. We parked just off the roadside, tried to get kitted out as far as possible in the car rather than exposing ourselves any earlier than necessary to the elements. Then it was time to set off out into the gale. We walked along the road til we'd crossed the river then headed up The Strone, skirting the edge of the firing range although there was no red flag up today, for some reason
We picked up an ATV track and ascended easily, the wind pushing us forward in a generally helpful manner. However, I'd not found my heavy duty waterproof trousers in the car and left my better lightweight ones at home, so was wearing my least favourite and least effective pair...I could feel the water penetrating behind my knees and before too long trickling down into my boots. Lovely.
The Strone ahead
P1140572 by
Al, on Flickr
P1140574 by
Al, on Flickr
We continued uphill, making good time and reaching Maol an Fheidh, from where we dropped a little to Bealach an t-Saic and from there made the final spurt to the top of Beinn a'Mhanaich. Retracing our steps for a short way we met with the fence and followed it SE along the course of a very swollen burn. Descending to the bealach between the hills we paused for an early lunch. I'd packed the storm shelter which gave us respite from the rain although the wind whipped and cracked at the plastic material and made eating crisps and drinking coffee a little challenging. I was irritated to find my GPS playing up, possibly damp.
P1140576 by
Al, on Flickr
Summit Mhanaich
P1140577 by
Al, on Flickr
P1140578 by
Al, on Flickr
Lunch stop
P1140580 by
Al, on Flickr
From here we continued to follow the fence line up Beinn Chaorach - steep in places, the sodden grass slippy underfoot. There was re-ascent of around 350m, the gradient leveling out after we made the 667m point. Fortunately the rain stopped and the clag lifted, giving some views up to Loch Lomond. The wind remained strong, at times almost lifting me off my feet. It was fun to lean at a 45 degree angle and be held up by it. We continued on to the trig point at the summit, Allison celebrating achieving something she claims no interest in. Will she send off her application to join MarHoF?
P1140581 by
Al, on Flickr
P1140582 by
Al, on Flickr
Towards Loch Lomond
P1140584 by
Al, on Flickr
2 Simms for another day
P1140586 by
Al, on Flickr
P1140587 by
Al, on Flickr
600th Marilyn
P1140588 by
Al, on Flickr
I had intended that we'd include a couple of Simms to the east of Beinn Tharsuinn, but as my boots were full of cold water and the rain seemed to be returning they were sensibly left for another day. We descended SW off Tharsuinn, with a few bumslides on the wet grass. I could see the car and made for that.
Nice hills and I suspect good views on a day that you can actually see anything. But quite nice to get out in a challenging day (apart from the wet legs and feet).
