Druim Fada

[colinwatson]

The final day of our Loch Lochy trip.

We were keen to have a short walk for the morning before driving home and Druim Fada fitted the bill perfectly. We had a short drive to Glen Loy and we found the start of the walk opposite Inverskilavulin. The parking area is marked, but it is quite small. As we were the first car here, that wasn't a problem. The route through the forest is very clearly marked. I am often a critic of the Forestry Commission, but they have done a great job here. The ATV track leading to the edge of the forest wasn't great, but much better than hacking our way through the trees. We emerged from the trees to find the first sign of the wind that was to be a dominant feature of the day.

We lost the track at first, but once we found the bridge over the stream, we could pick it up again. It followed the line that we intended to take up to the east ridge.

Looking up to the east ridge with the summit beyond

After our exertions yesterday, the legs were heavy as we plodded up the track to the ridge. Once there, we were met with the full force of the wind, so retreated to the lee side for a tea break. At its height, the wind was really knocking us about and we almost decided to retreat, when we decided to attempt the climb on the lee side. This worked to an extent, until the terrain forced us back to the crest. Fortunately, on the higher section, the wind was lighter and we made our way past the lochan to the cairn.

On a clear day the view here must be spectacular, however, it was very hazy today.

Looking west from the cairn

Looking south east to Ardgour

The Ben in a haze

My son pretending that he is enjoying himself

Me enjoying myself

We went back by the same route, being buffeted about for a while on the way. Once at the forest, we decided to keep going to the car for lunch.

A final look at the hill before entered the forest

After lunch, it was just a case of driving home after an excellent weekend.