Slow amble up Stuchd an Lochain
Route: Stuchd an Lochain
Munros: Stùcd an Lochain
Date walked: 06/02/2023
There's no denying I'm a slow walker. As well as that I like to stop a lot to have a drink or a bite to eat, take in the views, and take some photos. That being the case, I limit my winter climbs to local hills where I know I will comfortably be able to get up and down while there is still plenty light. Somewhere like Stuchd an Lochain.
After a 90 minute drive I arrived at the road leading up to the Giorra Dam. I'd been told there was a good chance of seeing red deer there, but couldn't see any. I asked this fella, but he was no help.
There were already a few cars in the parking area. I went up onto the dam and got a nice view of the hills reflecting in Loch an Daimh.
I followed the path and turned left at a small cairn marking the route up Stuchd an Lochain. I followed the path most of the way up, but as it got increasingly icy, I picked my own way up through the grassier (and safer) areas, stopping now again to enjoy the view towards Glen Lyon.
Once I'd reached the cairn on Creag an Fheadain the rest of the walk was far easier on the legs. I'm not the best at identifying other Munros from where I am, but as I walked I slowly started to get my wider bearings and was able to pick out a good few. The clear weather meant that the Black Mount and Glencoe hills, the Mamores, and Ben Nevis were all in view along with plenty more.
Before long I was walking round the corrie's edge (not too close), and could see down to a partially frozen over Lochan nan Cat.
A strong cold wind had picked up since I'd left Creag an Fheadain, and it got progressively stronger as I got nearer to the final rise.
When I reached the summit, the wind had died down, but unfortunately cloud was preventing any good views. I got a the obligatory summit photo and moved on.
The walk back down was enjoyable, as I knew I'd plenty light left, and could just take my time. Although the icy path meant I had to navigate my own way down which I did easily enough. The thought of a good hot bowl of soup at the tearoom in Bridge of Balgie spurred me on, and I only had one short break at these stones.
After a 90 minute drive I arrived at the road leading up to the Giorra Dam. I'd been told there was a good chance of seeing red deer there, but couldn't see any. I asked this fella, but he was no help.
There were already a few cars in the parking area. I went up onto the dam and got a nice view of the hills reflecting in Loch an Daimh.
I followed the path and turned left at a small cairn marking the route up Stuchd an Lochain. I followed the path most of the way up, but as it got increasingly icy, I picked my own way up through the grassier (and safer) areas, stopping now again to enjoy the view towards Glen Lyon.
Once I'd reached the cairn on Creag an Fheadain the rest of the walk was far easier on the legs. I'm not the best at identifying other Munros from where I am, but as I walked I slowly started to get my wider bearings and was able to pick out a good few. The clear weather meant that the Black Mount and Glencoe hills, the Mamores, and Ben Nevis were all in view along with plenty more.
Before long I was walking round the corrie's edge (not too close), and could see down to a partially frozen over Lochan nan Cat.
A strong cold wind had picked up since I'd left Creag an Fheadain, and it got progressively stronger as I got nearer to the final rise.
When I reached the summit, the wind had died down, but unfortunately cloud was preventing any good views. I got a the obligatory summit photo and moved on.
The walk back down was enjoyable, as I knew I'd plenty light left, and could just take my time. Although the icy path meant I had to navigate my own way down which I did easily enough. The thought of a good hot bowl of soup at the tearoom in Bridge of Balgie spurred me on, and I only had one short break at these stones.
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Comments: 1
Only Fools and Horses (and a plonker)
Munros: An Socach (Braemar)Date walked: 30/05/2022
Distance: 17.5km
Ascent: 744m
Comments: 1
Views: 930
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Stobart
- Location: North Lanarkshire
- Activity: Mountain Walker
- Mountain: Beinn Dorain
- Gear: Garmin
- Camera: Canon SX50 bridge
- Ideal day out: Ridge walk on a clear day
- Munros: 169
- Filter reports
- Trips: 1
- Munros: 1
- Trips: 1
- Distance: 17.5 km
- Ascent: 744m
- Munros: 1
- Joined: Oct 17, 2018
- Last visited: Jan 02, 2024
- Total posts: 47 | Search posts