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So here goes my first Walk Report....
The forecast I saw had indicated fog and mist. Not a great day for someone who doesn't navigate very well. However, I am climbing the walls and need to get out. And this is the hill because I have had my eye on knocking it off since long before I climbed Beinn Dearg (its neighbour) a few weeks ago. The drive from Dunblane to Blair Atholl was indicating that the forecast might just be right...
I left the car at cowboy time bursting for a pee (yeah I know you really don't want to know)... Being a woman though - this is a problem. There is never anywhere to hide!
I was taking my bike for this trip and the route was right across the road from the car park (the sign is a bit of a giveaway). The trees are bursting with colour and the river is running wild at the bottom of a very deep gorge. I kept going past Marble Lodge, a lovely wee self catering cottage and continued on to the bridge opposite Balaneasie. 1hr 10mins
- I think thats my hill....
- Marble Lodge
This is where I dumped my bike and started walking up the side of the grassy hill. I was so desperate for a pee I had to go on the middle of the open hillside. I just got my trousers up when I saw a chap at the bottom of the hill. Phew!
The weather was looking good and I got a glimpse of the grey rocky summit. However, 20 minutes later cloud appeared, so I played my Safety Card, which was to follow the track all the way as it takes a detour. The chap behind me had gone cross country.
- Last jaunt to the summit
Anyway, I eventually reached the summit all clouded in, but moving.... I briefly chatted to the chap on the summit, whilst scoffing lunch and grapes. Another guy appeared over the shoulder after Chap 1 took off. I stayed on the summit for about half an hour. It was really nice and Beinn Dearg and the Beinn a Ghlo range were both clearing. The munro tops are littered with dribs and drabs of snow, but don't get excited.... Chap 2 arrived (Ahhhh.... mr man I met in the car park).... Gee whizz, he was motoring on... took me 2hrs from bike park..... half an hour on summit
- Thats me on the summit
- Looking East to Beinn a Ghlo
- Looking back down the glen from the summit
I left the summit wearing four layers on top and two on the bottom and I was starting to get cold... so I decided this time to go cross country. There is actually a wee path and a gap in the dyke where it heads down to meet the track. This path is a little soft in places, but nothing serious.
- Carn a Chlamain
Carn Liath, Braigh Coire Chruinn-bhalgain and Carn nan Gabhar were all clear now as I was heading down. Back at the bike in an hour.
I must say I am not excited about the bike out.... it's not downhill all the way. I am going to have to do some work. Layers off
Back on the bike. I met a bike, at least 16 people, 1 dog and 2 cars.... Busy busy place.
Took me 45mins to cycle back to the car.
Great day!