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So unexpected day off, decided to head up to Crieff for a wander.
Bit of a bumpy road to the car park, where a few cars were parked. The Dam is nice as dams go - blends in nicely especially with the water levels being high at the moment. A quick tromp along the track saw me at a high point, so decided to take to the hillside there. Lots of sheep tracks on the hill, but the path I was heading for was obvious heading up the ridge so no route finding probs today.
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Seana CarrollThe path through the heather was narrow, and it was quite hard work pushing through the deep heather, especially because of the wind - big shoves every now and then
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Seana CarrollOnce up on the ridge, the wind was horrendous - had to brace against gusts every few steps which made for laborious going, although at least the heather had shortened so better going underfoot at least. I contemplated going down, but decided the wind was coming from a safe direction, and if I did get blown over I would at worst, end up in a peat bog so just keep going until that happens.
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Seana CarrollThere were a fe big cairns en route, and a massive one at the top near the track.
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Seana CarrollI followed the track - it takes a crazy route that is neither level or direct, but the rain had come on, pelting one cheek with ferocity, so was happy at a speedy plod along the track for that bit
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Seana CarrollI saw a herd of sheep, and knew they would be in a sheltered spot, and sure enough, there was an oasis of calm, where I sat and emptied my flask and had a sandwich.
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Seana CarrollJust a featureless climb to the summit from there - rather disappointing really. A really good walk with a lacklustre summit is how I would sum u the walk
Not sure the cairn is at the top either, as a lump nearby definitely involves some up..
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Seana CarrollI followed the rough path from the summit, the wind had eased up a bit so no bracing against the wind
The path led to a boggy track which led to a proper track, couldn't see an easy way down to the track below, so just followed the track on its traversing course till the two met then headed down.
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Seana CarrollThe loch was beautiful late on a winters day - a lovely light enveloped everything and I didn't mind all the twists, ups and downs along the track and was regretful to get back to the car. Good day out and home in time for dinner