This is one of the infamous Sub 2000 hills and out of the 16 walk reports I didn't notice one that raves about the hill. I wonder if any of the 16 have returned?
Both Parminder & myself studied all the reports to try & work out which route would be best / easiest, there are basically 3 options, from the east, north or west.
The North is definitely the easiest as we used that route to descend, however if you carry on reading you will see that is not without complications.
The West has a couple of intrepid reports starting just past Loch Shandry, we didn't fancy that as it is a mixture of new growth, debris from old trees and steep.
So we opted to tackle it from the east, as that seemed to be the way the majority tackled it from, it also makes sense if in theory you are planning to nip across the glen and nip up Hare Cairn. I studied Malky & Weaselmasters reports and our plan was to follow the latter. I had downloaded both routes onto my phone, however we had to amend our plan of attack - Weaselmasters access point was badly overgrown & as we weren't carrying a chainsaw or machete it was a no no. So the route was going to be try & keep going uphill whichever appeared to be the easiest & safest way.
Angus has been our second home for the last couple of months well every weekend and we have been slowly visiting the numerous hills in the region. It was Parminder's turn to drive and his car knew the way as we recently parked beside Backwater Reservoir, which is just slightly east of where we were heading.
We parked at the Freuchies car park & set off on our way about 10am we headed north along the eastern track, it was obviously heavily used by large vehicles as the track was muddy with plenty of tyre tracks. After a couple of Km's we heard the sound of vehicles & soon saw that forestry vehicles were in operation on a SUNDAY. Now for the photo's, if anyone has a tree phobia look away now.




Car park also doubles up as a recycling centre - loosely speaking


Heading up that track to the left of the fence


Take your pick


Very gradual incline to start


Well used track


Way ahead


It was now that we could hear the forestry workers in action


Plenty of timber lying around ready to be stacked, Hare Cairn is hiding under the low cloud


This was going to be our route across to Hare Cairn


Plenty of timber stacked ready for uplift


Parminder waited on the track to see how I got on, let the fun begin


So far so good


Here comes Parminder


The way ahead, we kept to the right hand side of the newer trees


We spotted a couple of caravans, probably used by the forestry workers


Parminder surveying the way ahead


The first warning sign of what is going to 'literally' lie ahead


Easy so far


Not sure he is impressed with what lies ahead


Looking south across the tangled mess


Parminder enjoying and savouring the moment


Next hurdle


Still doable, but getting a bit more challenging


Fallen trees becoming more frequent


Here we go, I was scanning the way ahead uphill hoping to find the easiest & safest option




I was loosely following what looked like deer footprints in the damp grass, my theory being if they can get through this mess then so can we


Looking back, Hare Cairn starting to appear, you can see the tree line on the right


Still doable


Looking back


Hmmmm


Getting a bit more congested


A mixture of new growth & dead wood that was snapping with the slightest bit of pressure


Hare Cairn now visible as is Parminder


Over, under or through?


Parminder about to appear


Here he is


Parminder huffing & puffing


Time to take off the rucksack




Parminder about to appear


This may be where Parminder lost his 'piece' box & a bottle of juice, his rucksack zip had been opened by the debris, so if anyone fancies some Tuna sandwiches you had better get a wiggle on if you want a free lunch!!


Action shots now














Hurray, we made it out of the forest


Parminder appearing


It's not often one is pleased to see heather, but we were overjoyed


Safely out of the clutches of the forest


After the struggles, the views were almost worth the effort


Hare Cairn has escaped from the clouds


Cairn now in view, there is also a track through the heather


All that effort for the enormous cairn


West and Mount Blair


Here comes Parminder, he had stopped to dig out his piece box only to find the forest had stolen it!!


After a wee chat we decided one thing for sure we weren't going back the way we came and would 'bin' the idea of nipping up Hare Cairn as well. So we are heading north to look for the "Fire break" with a view to a nice easy descent. Fire break not obvious from here


A bit nearer & it still isn't obvious


Here we go, wish us luck


This looks very familiar!


Easy so far


Looking good


We were very happy so far


Look at this - absolute luxury


Like an avenue


And then - a wall of trees, don't think we will be going straight ahead


Closer view


We opted to head SW or left as there is another fire break slightly further down in this direction


Here it is, plan worked a treat


Bit of tufty grass, no problem


We could now see the track at the end of fire break


Safely on the track that completely circles Crock, we were now on the NW corner of the track and had about 4km to amble back to the car


As we were wandering south we were constantly scanning the hillside round Crock, this is to the west of the summit, newly planted trees mixed in with old tree debris


Somehow doubt if this timber is going to be uplifted - terrible waste


Our first view of Loch Shandry


Spotted an odd looking out of place plant at Tulloch


Loch Shandry looking very calm


Boat house in the distance


Zoomed


Arty shot of the loch


Parminder demonstrating what a mess the forest made of his trousers

A tough day as we expected, even though we didn't manage to nip across to Hare, it will still be there for us in the future. 3rd outing for us so far this year, once the weather improves and we get more daylight hours we will start to venture further afield (hopefully).