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2008 September was the last time I visited Glen Almond. It was September and Creagan na Beinne was summited after a cycle up the Glen. Prior to this I used to visit upper Glen Almond relatively frequently, whether it was for a nice stroll or a winter hike (that involved cycling up to Achnafree on compact snow/Ice !!). We even had school trips up here to visit the old shielings and other school trips that the school didn’t know about (skiving up the Glen!).
Video report below:
Anyway it’s taken an injury and a requirement for an easier day out (needed to be on the bike) for me to return here. I’m almost embarrassed as I only live 20 minutes away! However I was not disappointed by the wait. This Glen is a beauty and even more stunning in the conditions I had today.
I made it to Newton Bridge just after sunrise but the encircling hills of the Sma Glen to the East blocked the sun from reaching Glen Almond. I stopped and set up the cameras as I witnessed the shadows of the night being eaten away by the rising fire ball to the East. The mists that were lying low across the field evaporated and the temperature soon rose to make it feel like a late summer day and not a winters morning as it had 20 minutes earlier…..
Morning light grows (1 of 1) by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
The weather was stunning and the cycle very enjoyable. I took my time, taking lots of pictures and videos…. I started to think what the views would be like from the tops… maybe I could cycle up ? This would enable a cycle back down and no weight bearing on my knee… mmmmmmm – the weather so good!
bothy (1 of 1) by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
river almond (1 of 1) by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
By the time I reached Achnafree I was down to my T shirt – slightly different to the woolly hat and gloves required at Newton Bridge… The low sun was showing off the Glacial features nicely and sign boards explaining various facts about the Glen proved a nice touch so far up the Glen.
upper glenalmond drumlins monochrome (1 of 1) by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
About a kilometre shy of Dalriech a decision was made. A glance at the map and I decided to cycle up to Sron a’ Chaoinedh at 868m, or give it my best shot anyways. I would return via Lechrea hill, if I made it to the top!!! I took my time and had lots of breaks. Ben Chonzie looked a stone’s throw away on the other side of the Glen and was rather magnificent. As I gained height I could tell some individuals who may have been ascending mountains to the west were in for a stunner. The cloud hung low in the valleys with the Peak poking through… No inversion here just clear, crisp sunshine. The clarity was superb today. A quick break at point 868m and another decision was made. I needed to head up Creagan na Beinne – the views were too good to not head up. I eventually found myself sat on the summit looking over to Schiehallion and the Lawers group over Loch Tay. A fine view point…
Summit (1 of 1) by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
Usually I don’t look forward to descents but today was one of the most amazing descents off a mountain I’ve experienced. Hope the video does it justice. The views coming off Lechrea hill were great. A speedy descent was then enjoyed after the disc pads were tested coming off the hill. A fine day and I won’t be leaving it seven years before visiting again!!!
Taking it in by
Scotland's Mountains, on Flickr
