free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
I hadn't been out for some months so I was looking forward to a day on the hills. However, things started badly when I stopped for a quick rest from driving and a cuppa on the shores of Loch Lubnaig to discover that I'd left all my maps at home. This put me in a bit of a mood but I remembered reading about a 'blue route' up Beinn ant-Sidhein from Strathyre that I could manage without OS assistance. Not what I wanted to do but at least it was something. I parked in Strathyre and walked for a short distance north up the road to cross the river on the left on a minor road to the school. Just at the bend was the blue marker showing a path up through the woods. I continued to follow these posts until I was out on the open hillside looking down on Loch Lubnaig.
- Looking down on Loch Lubnaig from the ascent of An Sidhean
The first target was the summit of An Sidhean - a rocky little knoll. There was still a path, this time marked by red/white tape on poles, which led pretty straightforwardly through the bracken and heather, becoming more distinct nearer the top.
- On An Sidhean looking over to Beinn ant-Sidhein
From this top, there was a drop to a fence, with a style, and a track led over an intermediate top to the summit with an impressive (NOT) cairn.
- On the summit (with the cairn?) looking over to the Graham, Creag Mhor
I just followed my route of ascent on the way down, popping up on to the rocky knoll again where there was an excellent flat-rock 'seat' for some tea and grub.
- Walking back over to An Sidhean
The day, though, wasn't finished with me. It was very midge back at the car and in the rush to get away, I left my two Leki walking poles behind in the car park. Ah well ... one man's loss ....