At quite short notice, I decided to join Kerrie and Erin for a wander up Schiehallion. Picked Erin up around 8:30am for a planned 10am start, oh the luxury of a late start.

I was a little concerned that even on a Friday, the parking might be an issue as we were arriving so late. After an emergency loo stop on the way, we arrived at Braes of Foss car park just after 10am and Kerrie had seconded poor Rob from Newcastle to park diagonally, thus saving a space for us, so a bit of manoeuvring and managed to fit the camper in to the space. Last space in the car park! Result

My last visit to Schiehallion was with Margaret back in Apri 2012 on a cold clear sunny day with a lot of snow lying around on the tops. We could see the odd patch of snow off on distant hills today but nothing on Schiehallion itself.

As you head out of the car park, the whole hill is pretty much in front of you, nothing technical today, a nice wander up.




We had a lovely breeze to keep us cool, nice day as we wound our way up the path. A few people who had obviously started a lot earlier were on their way off the hill too.



The heathery ground got rockier as we reached the shoulder and the wind also started to pick up but the view ahead up to the summit remained clear (and busy). We just took our time, stopping often for a chat, to give wee Jake a breather (he had a long day yesterday too with Kerrie) or just to take in the views. There really isn't anything taxing on this hill, hard to believe its a Munro.





As we crossed the undulating moonscape, we could see some cloud moving in and all of a sudden, the summit was GONE!

The top remained totally hidden in cloud as we ascended the last few hundred mtrs to the summit. Plenty of folk heading off and on reaching the small summit cairn, we blagged a wee spot just under for some lunch. The wind was really whipping up now so it wasn't too sheltered but doable. Rob from Newcastle arrived about 20 mins later and we had a chat about the views,,,we couldn't see lol Peering into the clag, we saw imagined lines, views etc, a colour etc. The clag sat with us for quite a while, considering the strong winds, I had thought it would blow over more quickly.






Eventually, after about half an hour, VIEWS! the clag lifted gradually for a minute or two then just GONE and we could see for miles in all directions. Fab.





The summit was fairly busy by now as we headed off, taking some time to talk to a few people on the way, we got slightly distracted and started to drop just a little too far North on to bigger chunky rocks with large gaps, not ideal for a wee doggies feet, so we scrambled back up to the right and on to the pathed section.



Nothing for it but to retrace our steps and saunter down.

Its a very simple, easy walk up and down Schiehallion, a good no brainer giving us a chance to natter and catchup. Erin and Kerrie upped their Munro count, and I got a good leg stretch. (much needed)

Back to the camper for a cuppa, thanks to Rob for the milk so that the girls could have their tea as they like it. Just as he commented on the lack of midgies, up they came. A quick dash and we were off on the road south. (midge screen now ordered for the van door!!!)

Thanks Kerrie for the pics.