4 Grahams from Glen Luss

[lomondwalkers]

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A quick jaunt up the a82 to the wooden bridge at Luss where you turn left into Glen Luss. I carried on up the glen and parked at the side of the road just at the entrance to Glenmollochan Farm. I'd imagine most people planning these 4 would go via Beinn Dubhs South East Ridge, but Beinn Dubh has always confused me. If anyone knows what the summit proper is then please let me know, I just always head for the 657 spot as it's the highest point So with that in mind I leave the parking spot, head through the gate onto the hillside,and start climbing up the South East Ridge of Mid Hill, unfortunately, MWIS were spot on with their forecast of 600M cloud around the Loch Lomond area I've done the Glen Striddle Horseshoe many times, and usually Loch Lomond is a fine accompaniment on the descent back into Glen Luss, but alas, not today.

Mid Hill

Loch Lomond

Once up the initial ascent, there's a small cairn, and its a short walk from here to another small cairn at the 657m spot

One down

From here, I skirted round Coire Carlaig and made the heartbreaking descent to the valley floor at 227m with the highest point of this group of Grahams, Doune Hill, hiding in the cloud. As I descend, light snow starts to fall, gradually turning to rain as I hit the valley floor.

Doune Hill (Route of ascent to the right of the right hand stream

Descent route from Mid Hill

The route to from here to Doune Hill looked pretty steep on the map, and down on the ground, this proved to be the case. On a better day, the view behind you down Glen Mollochan may be more inspiring than it was for me I eventually zigzagged my way to the col between Doune Hill and its East top where there was a fairly brisk wind, the new snow was starting to lie over existing ice patches and visibility was pants. Had to get the map and compass out as I headed for the summit, eventually JUST making out the trig point in the distance. Stop for a very quick self timer shot in horizontal snow then carefully on my way. 2 down, 2 to go

View towards summit...

...Spot the trig

I think I'm smiling

Made my way to the 515m Bealach via Beinn Lochain, thankfully not the same leg bursting ascent as Doune Hill, and the outlying Cruach an t-Sidhein is quickly reached, even seeing a smalll cornice around the rim of the small crags below the summit

Cruach an t-Sidhein

The wee cornice

1 to go

From the summit, I retraced my steps to the Bealach, then traversed the Southern slopes of Beinn Lochain as I headed for Beinn Eich, once again visibility here was naff, so a keen aye was always kept on map and compass, and I eventually got myself to the low point between Beinn Lochain and Beinn Eich. From here I found a bit of a path, which became more defined once the climb up Beinn Eich started, but then quickly vanished in the well trodden snow, where many footprints led me quickly to the chilly summit. Again a quick snap, then off down the East Ridge to Eddentaggert Farm, where you join the road and follow it back to the car.

Beinn Eich is in there somewhere

4th and final

All in all a good walk despite the lack of views, though be aware, they can be very boggy when the terrain isn't frozen ( my mate was knee deep on Beinn Dubh )

[Johnny Corbett]

Nice one, bit of a wild day you got though. I'm with you on the Beinn Dubh confusion as it's 642m but the summit is 657m Maybe it's because it sounds better, a bit like Beauchille Etive Mor.

[tomyboy73]

nope, sorry , you missed out the lower bit, it doesn`t count , get back up there and do it again ! nice walk Dave, have done most if it on seperate walks, on nicer days

[SusieThePensioner]

Good to see you out walking, Dave. Not good weather as your photos show but, there's nothing better than being out on the hills......well, sometimes

Had to get the map and compass out

I'm all for using a map and compass

[Gavin99]

Nice one , that's a fine round , I like the photo of the cornice on Cruach , it suits it

[Stuart Angus]

Nice, the Graham's next to Beinn Dubh are the more impressive of the bunch anyway IMHO

[lomondwalkers]

Nice one, bit of a wild day you got though. I'm with you on the Beinn Dubh confusion as it's 642m but the summit is 657m Maybe it's because it sounds better, a bit like Beauchille Etive Mor.

Aye maybe that's it Johnny, and it's just as inspiring as you approach it on the a82

nope, sorry , you missed out the lower bit, it doesn`t count , get back up there and do it again ! nice walk Dave, have done most if it on seperate walks, on nicer days

Shame on me Tommy, I'll wait til it's another crappy day and go back.... shouldn't need to wait too long Aye, I seen you even spotted some eagles up that way

Good to see you out walking, Dave. Not good weather as your photos show but, there's nothing better than being out on the hills......well, sometimes

Had to get the map and compass out

I'm all for using a map and compass

Sometimes??? Whatever can you mean? Can't complain about the weather really, we were spoiled for long enuff. Back to the norm now though

Nice one , that's a fine round , I like the photo of the cornice on Cruach , it suits it

The wee cornice was a nice surprise

Nice, the Graham's next to Beinn Dubh are the more impressive of the bunch anyway IMHO

I'm with you on that one Stuart