I was looking for a relatively short day in the hills, with an early start and a return before mid-day. I cannot say I was at my best in a sense of physical condition, so the idea was to pick something small (ish), either a Graham or a Cortbett and just enjoy the walk. I was hoping to get to the top before the sunrise because… I like sunrises 😊

So, after a long search I decided to pick a hill I am still not sure how to pronounce, and I am still puzzled why there is so little reported about it – as it quickly became one of my favourite wee hills!

Beinn Bhreac (Graham) near Loch Lomond – this is my wee story.

I set off from Glasgow early to get to the car park at 0720, and this went to plan. The sunrise was at 0850 and I though I can get to the top in one hour, 30min before sunrise.

I found the carpark without any problems. I used the gate to get to the field and followed the tree line (keeping trees on my right).

ForumDSC04283 by Pawel, on Flickr

The conditions were really icy, and I was really happy I took my walking poles with me. Saying that if not the ice the ground would be absolutely soaked.

ForumDSC04282 by Pawel, on Flickr

Following the tree line round the right-hand corner, and further uphill got me the next gate. This is where I left the trees behind and from then on just went up.

ForumDSC04271 by Pawel, on Flickr

ForumDSC04270 by Pawel, on Flickr

Below the snow line the it was nice and easy, although it is not immediately obvious which direction is the summit, as there is few "false tops". Just when you think you can see the top, the moment you get there, there is another one a bit further up. This was the case three or four times for me.

When I reached the snow line the walk became soo much harder. I did not expect the snow to reach my knees, and my pace just…well, lets just say it was obvious I was not in shape 😊

I reached the summit (climbing over yet another gate viewing distance from the summit) few minutes after the sunrise. But it was worth it. The light was stunning. I seem to be chasing sunrises but they amaze me every single time.

Pano004v2-working by Pawel, on Flickr

There is something about being up when most are still in bed, and when this happens in the hills… there is nothing that can beat it.
And I must say this an absolutely cracking hill with views hard to beat. Loch Lomond, Ben, Arrochar Alps all bathed in the morning light looked beautiful.

Pano001-working by Pawel, on Flickr

ForumDSC04121 by Pawel, on Flickr

On the way back, which was following my footsteps I managed to make a wee stop for a not-so-quick coffee.

InstaSheepDSC04264 by Pawel, on Flickr

InstaTree2DSC04275 by Pawel, on Flickr

ForumDSC04289 by Pawel, on Flickr

A very pleasurable day this was.

A wee video from the trip. The video is in Polish but with English subtitles: