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I don’t know how or why, but my solo mountain trips always seem to have a wee bit more ‘adventure’ in them than planned, whether it’s climbing the same mountain 3 times in one day, cycling miles along the A82 in the gloom, or coming down 4 miles too far along the road, wading a stream and getting a lift back from an Irish builder. These things just don't seem to happen when I'm with other people... Today was no exception
After my epic snowy Glencoe fun yesterday (I’ll write that one up next) I looked at the forecast and decided it looked good enough to sneak in a wee one today and it would get me back in time for work. I made an executive decision that my ‘won’t go out in the snow on my own’ promise was null and void, because 1) I’m a seasoned snow veteran now (well, I’ve done 3 snowy trips) and 2) there’s hardly any snow left in Perthshire (actually there was a fair bit) and 3) I’d be back down before the weather turned bad and it was supposed to be an easy walk anyway! Famous last words.
My adventures began on the B827 where the visibility was zero thanks to the darkness and very thick fog.
I crawled along hugging the grass verge as there were no white lines and it was really bendy. The single track road up Glen Lednock was a relief in comparison. Eventually arrived at the car park and set off up the track at exactly 8am. It was still dark but the weather was fairly mild and there was barely a breath of wind.
Ben Chonzie beginning to appear
It began to get light and I started shedding layers pretty quickly. Eventually approaching the dam, I checked the instructions which said to cross above the dam. A relief as the ford was far too deep! Had a look above the dam. No chance. I guess due to the rain and snow melt recently the river was much fuller than usual. I walked about a mile up stream looking for a crossing point but there was nothing. I was kicking myself for not remembering my bin bags, as it looked like a wading job.
I sat myself down above the dam (it looked like the easiest crossing point), removed gaiters, boots and socks, rolled up trousers as far as I could and braced myself. It was absolutely bloody freezing
The water was flowing fast, it was deeper than I expected and slippery underfoot as well. No turning back now, I went for it. The bit at the far bank went even deeper and water went up to mid-thigh (I’m short, ok
) and nearly knocked me over. Chucking the boots on the bank, I clambered out and jumped around swearing for a full 5 minutes
Chonzie now visible in the light
Eventually, after feeling had returned to my feet, I dried myself off with a spare jumper and put clothes back on but leaving off the gaiters to give trousers and leggings a chance to dry. Heading off up the track I had cold, wet legs, but blissfully dry and comfy feet. Trying not to think too much about the return journey, I ploughed on. The track made the ascent and navigation simple, but my legs were still screaming at me. Trying to work out what was wrong, I remembered yesterday’s 900m of ascent in deep snow. That would be it.
Mountains beginning to appear
Eventually reaching the cairn, I turned off the main track.
It looked a bit sludgy and snow looked deeper, so stopped to put the gaiters back on. I was extra thankful for this about 10 seconds later when my foot went through a snow drift into a deep bog.
Nice views making up for muddy foot
The wind had picked up a lot by this point, so I stayed below the crest of the hill whilst still following the fence posts. Eventually there was nothing for it, I had to come out of hiding! The fence posts changed direction and I followed them to the summit, knowing that there was a shelter there where I could at least get out the wind for a few minutes.
Today was not to be my day, not only was the shelter facing the wrong way, it was also full of snow. I quickly took some pictures – the views were not bad at all, a wee bit hazy but looking down Loch Turret was impressive. After frantically adding more clothes, I utilised the snow in the shelter as a tripod, got my summit photo and off I went, today was not a day for hanging around!
Loch Turret and pretty skies
It was so windy it blew my eyes shut
The route back was the same, I had some fun sliding down the deep snow and very quickly was out of the worst of the wind.
Following those fenceposts again
I think this could be the Loch Earn hills in the background?
The track made for an easy descent and before I knew it I was at the river again. Sighing, I removed boots etc all over again and decided to try the ‘ford’ as I thought it might not be so deep. In fairness, it was a little shallower, but wow it was cold;
it felt colder than before. After a few more dodgy balance moments and a whole load more expletives I reached the far side.
My nemesis
As I was re-dressing myself, a couple of walkers came along the track, clearly thinking I was insane (I was wondering myself to be honest!). They didn’t seem too keen on the wading so heading downstream in search of a better option. For their sakes, I hope they did!
Looking back
Pretty Glen Lednock
Walking down the rest of the track was simple and my feet were still dry! I was knackered but felt pretty pleased with myself. I was expecting it not to be the most interesting walk, so how wrong I was
Got back to the car and met a guy just heading up, so I warned him about the river and wished him luck.
Back in Glasgow in time for work...when my student asked me if I'd had a nice day, she was a bit shocked when I told her what I'd been up to
So, did I miss a trick? How the hell are you supposed to get across that river?!
