walkhighlands

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

Attachment(s) Munros: An Socach (Braemar)
Date walked: 30/05/2022
Distance: 17.5km
Ascent: 744m
Comments: 1
Views: 910

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



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Statistics

2023

Trips: 1
Munros: 1

2022

Trips: 1
Distance: 17.5 km
Ascent: 744m
Munros: 1


Joined: Oct 17, 2018
Last visited: Jan 02, 2024
Total posts: 47 | Search posts