Ben Challum and its baked bogs
Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:11 pmAnother hot day forecast so another 6 am start. Looking at the route it reminded me of one of my dad's old sayings when I asked where he was going "There and back to see how far it is". We parked up in the layby on the A82 then set off down the lane to the farm and railway. It was already feeling like we had a hot day ahead.
Once across the railway we headed up a grassy slope towards the fence. This felt steep and my calves were having their usual early morning hissy fit. I am not fond of steep grassy slopes at the best of times so it was a case of head down, grit teeth and carry on upwards. We crossed a few stiles, the steepness relented and the fence carried on into the distance towards the south top. A man and his dog passed us on their way down from an overnight camp.
It was easy going now, the bogs and peat hags were dry with just the odd spot of slippy mud. Just keep following the fence.
Eventually the terrain started to steepen. I was now of the opinion that Ben Challum was one of those hills where the top never seems to appear, there is always just another bit of up and I was starting to get fed up of the relentless grassy slope. Even the fence had given up and left us to it. Eventually we arrived at the south top. The clouds appeared to be forming on the hills all around us and I was getting concerned we may not make either top before the mist came down. We stopped for a bite to eat before tackling the ridge to the main top. It was starting to get a bit chilly now with a cool north wind developing. The clouds continued to circle but kept their distance.
The cleft between the south top and the summit ridge reminded me a little of Ben Stack. After crossing this it didn't take long to reach the summit and this was the most enjoyable part of the walk with fantastic views in all directions.
All that was left was to turn around and retrace our route back to the car. The cool wind accompanied us for much of the way then left us as we descended into the furness of the glen. The walking was easy across the dry crunchy bogs, the cotton grass looked a bit forlorn. We passed a few folk setting out on their day's adventure, all looking very hot.
We stopped at the River Fillan for Jess to have play in the water and cool down. Despite the dry conditions there had been plenty of small burns for her to take a drink during the walk but she does enjoy a swim.
- Looking south towards Ben More and Cruach Ardrain
- Nice view from the railway
Once across the railway we headed up a grassy slope towards the fence. This felt steep and my calves were having their usual early morning hissy fit. I am not fond of steep grassy slopes at the best of times so it was a case of head down, grit teeth and carry on upwards. We crossed a few stiles, the steepness relented and the fence carried on into the distance towards the south top. A man and his dog passed us on their way down from an overnight camp.
- The fence
It was easy going now, the bogs and peat hags were dry with just the odd spot of slippy mud. Just keep following the fence.
- It's getting nearer - I think
Eventually the terrain started to steepen. I was now of the opinion that Ben Challum was one of those hills where the top never seems to appear, there is always just another bit of up and I was starting to get fed up of the relentless grassy slope. Even the fence had given up and left us to it. Eventually we arrived at the south top. The clouds appeared to be forming on the hills all around us and I was getting concerned we may not make either top before the mist came down. We stopped for a bite to eat before tackling the ridge to the main top. It was starting to get a bit chilly now with a cool north wind developing. The clouds continued to circle but kept their distance.
- Main summit from the south top
The cleft between the south top and the summit ridge reminded me a little of Ben Stack. After crossing this it didn't take long to reach the summit and this was the most enjoyable part of the walk with fantastic views in all directions.
- The summit with the south top and cleft in the background
- Another view looking back to the south top
All that was left was to turn around and retrace our route back to the car. The cool wind accompanied us for much of the way then left us as we descended into the furness of the glen. The walking was easy across the dry crunchy bogs, the cotton grass looked a bit forlorn. We passed a few folk setting out on their day's adventure, all looking very hot.
We stopped at the River Fillan for Jess to have play in the water and cool down. Despite the dry conditions there had been plenty of small burns for her to take a drink during the walk but she does enjoy a swim.