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Various options for the corbetts in this area; multiple single trips means driving in between, cycle in from the east (Newton Bridge) or west (Ardtalnaig) meant ascent/descent by same route so had a look for alternatives. A loop from Glen Lednock seemed to fit the bill albeit that it would mean returning over Ben Chonzie – but it did allow for the addition of the Graham, Shee of Ardtalnaig.
Up (very) early and drove via Comrie to the wee car park at Invergeldie. Not surprised to see no-one else parked at that time. Away from the car just on 0500hrs walking NW towards the reservoir. Light rain at this point with forecast not exactly inspiring until late morning.
Followed the track which ascended up from the start of the reservoir then more steeply northwards uphill until it turned into a more faint atv track.
NW over Meall Dubh Mor with some boggy ground en route. More persistent rain, clag down and nothing to see.
Arrived at the trig point on Creag Uchdag. So far the forecast was proving disappointingly accurate.
Now to get the best way to the Shee of Ardtalnaig. The map shows cliffs so basically two options – NE to Dunan then an up/down or head north over Meall nan Oighreag then descend eastwards. Opted for the latter and headed off.
Just after leaving the summit, the wind got much colder and it started snowing – must have kept up for about 20 minutes. Bit of a zigzag route here trying to get through a large area of boggy peat hags. There were to be quite a few areas of these throughout the day but this bit was probably the worst.
Clag starting to lift after turning eastwards and heading down towards the track from Ardtalnaig.
Crossed the track then straight up the hillside. Cleft in the rock at the top.
Small cairn
Then off SE in the direction of Dunan
View over towards Creagan na Beinne
Creag Uchdag
Skirted to the north of Dunan, short section on the track then quite steeply up the hillside to the summit of Creagan na Beinne
Views to Lawers hills, An Stuc and others
From here the plan was to pick up the hill track over Lechrea Hill to get down to the River Almond.
Ben Chonzie
River Almond
Auchnafree Hill in the distance
Back down to the floor of the glen, continued eastwards. Past the monument marked on the OS map.
Had hoped to pick up a hill track which started around NN798334 but there was no bridge and couldn’t be bothered removing my boots.
Instead continued eastwards to the bridge at Larichfraskhan
Weather starting to clear up quite nicely now – hot when the sun came out. Followed the hill track steeply up Auchnafree Hill.
Track stops only a short distance from the summit.
Found two cairns – smaller one seemed to be higher than the larger one.
Now on the final leg – returning via Ben Chonzie. Headed west to the north of A’Chairidh then over Moine Bheag. Tried to stay high but had drop down to the track before the climb up to find the fence posts.
Loch Turret reservoir
Clearer views
Followed the track up close to the fence posts
Arrived at the summit cairn and shelter – stopped for more food with the sun now quite strong. Then off SW to find the hill track back to Glen Lednock.
Fence posts at start of descent
Hill track in distance
Had run out of water so filled up in the wee stream just before getting on to the hill track – much prefer the filter to the bottle drops. Then back to the car for drive back home for a late dinner.
