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Another summer trip I am slow to upload…
We decided that a jaunt back out to Stuc A Chroin was in order. As a family we have been up Vorlich a couple of times, but as the boys stretch legs it is time to put some bigger hill days on the calendar. Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin are a big enough day, with interest, in a place they know, to encourage their heads into taking on the effort and challenge.
A beautiful July day was in the offing – a hot sun with a cool breeze already at the parking spot alongside Loch Earn.
The pull up the track was so much quicker than previous years – before the bribing with jelly babies and ginger biscuits had started before we left the track. This year I was out of breath keeping up with the older two.
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
We wandered up the path proper, a great opportunity to leave the boys to their own conversations and pace, while all of us enjoyed the expanding views. For such a nice day, it was impressively quiet on the hill. Just shy of Vorlich top we decided on first lunch. The strong wind was cold, and so shelter was sought and windproof tops to keep ups warm. Is there anything better than a stunning view, warm sun and butties on a hill?
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
In light of the cold wind, our previous trips to the top, and a large party that overtook us, we decided that Vorlich top was to be left and we would head straight across for Stuc a Chroin. The route over the scree/boulders proved interesting and engaging, with a super drop into the corrie below and great views.
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
As soon as we dropped over the shoulder and into the descent we were much more sheltered from the wind. Great views, clearly having an impact on the eldest who took a moment to enjoy.
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
And so onto Stuc a Chroin scrambles. I gave them free reign, knowing the crag and that there are multiple ways up the intimidating looking rocks. Nearer the top the choices narrow, and only once did I have to *suggest* to an overly confident 14 year old that vertical pitches of at least 20’ was probably outside of ‘scrambling’ territory.
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Very quickly we popped onto the top and enjoyed the short wander across. The wind was dropping by now, and the heat of the day kicking in to a second lunch was declared and enjoyed. We met one other couple on the summit – they and the large group were the only others out on the hill that day.
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
The wander back across the summit, down the descent and round the corries proved a slow one, with many boggy sections on an awkward traverse. Fed up of moving slowly with younger brothers, the 14 year old decided that a run back over Vorlich was the order of the day, and he met us back at the car, having run the whole way up, over and down again. The walk back down the track was hot and still – and having run out of sun cream, some sun burn was dosed out to all of us…
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Stuc a Chroin by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
An absolute belter of a day – lovely hills and views, and a great encouragement that the lads are capable of any hill route we throw them at in Scotland. This day also marked that we had climbed every Munro you can see from our home town of Dunblane, and all the distinct tops of smaller hills too…
Plans for 2017 are bigger and bolder!
