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Having had a morning swimming, driving range and lunch, I didnt want to waste this great weather,,so with basic kit, (boots, waterproof jacket, juice and chocolate) already in the car. I headed for a solo stroll 'somewhere' in the Campsies as its on my back door step.
Often overlooked for more challenging or far flung walks I thought it would be nice to use my 2 yr old, and so far unused, Cicerone book on The Ochils, Campsie Fells and Lomond Hills, so coupled with the OS map,, I got to the Crow Road carpark before investigating where to go. From the carpark, I considered revisiting Cort Ma Law and Lecket, having done that solo before,,on a very wet misty day, but the lower slopes were mobbed, as was the downward on the reverse at Lecket Hill. I then decided to wander up Dungoil a little further on the Crow Road, then Meikle Bin came into view. Was it too late in the day (after 2pm)? Stronend crags was an option, then with no where to park there, I thought, stuff it,,Meikle Bin it is.
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- View from the Crow Road
The last time I climbed Meikle Bin, I did the majority of the journey on my dads shoulders....you may realise then, that this was not recently. In fact I think much of the forestry covering the walk up probably hadn't even been planted then. From memory,,only dad and I made it that day as mum, sis and bro turned back because the flies and midgies were too much. I have spent almost 40 years or so thinking my dad carried me on his shoulders to let me escape the little blighters,,,but yesterday, it suddenly struck me,,,did he do it to keep them off HIM!! lol
I know of the remnants of a plane that crashed there but didnt see any sign of it on this walk, is it still there?
Quick change of trousers in the spacious parking area opposite Todholes, boots on and off I went. Low views over the Carron Reservoir and several 3 manned boats out fishing.
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- Looking over the Carron Res from the lower path.
There are one or two paths leading off the main track, but just carry on until you cross the river on the concrete bridge, over a very straight, shallow River Carron flowing to the reservoir.
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- River Carron
I often pass walkers going up hills later in the day and wonder why, but here I was,,today I WAS that person. Walking on my own, means no reason to stop for a natter, so on I went, at a fairly fast pace for me. Lots of walkers around in the lower forest paths which weave around the land south of the reservoir.
As you rise through the trees after taking the right hand fork beyond the river, you are teased by glimpses of the views North. Passing under Little Bin on your left, you dont get a view of that until you pass by and get to look back over your left shoulder. The views to the North open up here for a short spell. Could see straight through to the tracts of snow covered hills.
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- View North over Double Craigs to Stronend and beyooooooooonnnnnnd
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- Todays target
The forestry looks thick on the map but there are plenty breaks in the trees and with the sun shining on a pretty snowy track,,it was a pleasure (if a bit slippy at times)
![IMG-20130406-01026.jpg]()
- Sun dappled forest pathway. lovely
This is an easy to follow, constant incline, no real toughy,,keeps the heart pumping and legs working though.
![IMG-20130406-01025.jpg]()
- Sunny day and sunny disposition...
Smashing...
Onward and upward, you peel off left and out of the trees on to the long sloping shoulder. Several singular pine trees looked ever so Christmassy against the snow covered North slopes , in fact one tree had tinsel and decorations, has someone had a Christmas climb there?
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- Awwww,,how festive....
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- Can anyone hear bells?
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- A snowy north slope and the trig point just in view.
Its less than a km from the tree line up to the trigpoint but climb gets a wee bit steeper and there are a couple of shoulders to clear before getting to the top. With quite a bit of cloud cover now, accompanied by an icy wind on the open top, I dug in and decided not to stop for gloves hat etc, until I was at the trig. I could see 2 people and a dog there already. By the time I got there,,my hands were so cold they were a combination of red raw and blue. Colourful. so, hat on, gloves on, windproof jacket too. jumbo fruit and nut bar scoffed, and a few pics taken.
![North Lanarkshire-20130406-01039.jpg]()
- Check out the Jedward do! nice view North too.
![IMG-20130406-01029.jpg]()
- Looks like Ben More and Stob Binnein,,,or do you know otherwise?
![IMG-20130406-01033.jpg]()
- View south east to Lanarkshire hills
My proposed route was circular,,leaving the summit to the South East and down to the tree line, off to the left to and back along the low ground beside the reservoir. BUT...... down into the trees,,following a wide path of footprints in the snow (as well as the 2 with the dog from earlier) I got to the "drainage ditched crossed with sleepers" WHERE,,tell me,,WHERE ARE THE SLEEPERS??? I saw plenty of evidence of people clambering through 3-4' deep peat and mud BEFORE getting to the drainage ditch of running water. I made several attempts at scrambling under the low trees to either side to avoid the leg-sucking mud, then, erring on the side of caution, (Im on my own and I dont think anyone else will be passing this way today) I decided to head back up to the summit and take my ascent route, back down. Wasn't happy about the decision, a) I had to regain a bit of height and b) I do like a circular route.
Anyway,,back to the top, gloves and hat back on as the wind was pretty relentless here, spent another few mins just enjoying the open air. Then off down the snowy track. Having had my nasty fall on packed ice on Nevis,,I made a mental note not to get too relaxed and kept an eye on my footing. The path down through the trees was pretty slippy too for quite a way, but sticking to the softer patches or the slushy broken up bits, made it a bit easier.
Feeling inspired (and hungry) I broke into a jog for some stretches coming down and got back to my car after 3.5hrs,,quite happy with that considering I'd reclimbed the hill after the mud episode.
Not a big hill, not a hard climb, but one thats easily bypassed in the search for more interesting days out. But for a late start and smashing views, this was a good decision. Loved it. I WILL be back. Home for pizza and wine and an early night,,ROCK N ROLL!
![North Lanarkshire-20130406-01038.jpg]()
- Looking North,,fabby
