walkhighlands

First midgies of 2010?

Route: Stuchd an Lochain

Munros: Stùcd an Lochain

Date walked: 21/05/2010

Forecast was good with a very slight chance of lightning later - better get started early then, at least early for us. Drag dad (Oldman to you) out of bed and off to Stuchd an Lochain to be on the hill by 9AM. On the way up sun was shining and weather was excellent. Parking was easy and we started to walk at 9.10 AM. No-one told us we would have to climb over a gate at the bridge. When we got to the cairn the path looked dry and cut diagonally up the hill making it easier than going to the boathouse for a headlong charge straight up the hill. The path was steep and dry and we made good headway considering that Oldman is not as young as he wishes to be (69 next month but not doing too bad). We also drink a great deal, water on the hill, alcohol at home. The views soon open up and are extensive - pity about the heat haze. Oldman likes to take loads of pictures, wild flowers, animals, birds and stuff, it takes ages when I'm raring to go!! He also watches the weather especially the thundery type ever since we got caught in a severe storm on An Caisteal last year - him a retired weather man too! An experience I'm not keen to repeat.... We got onto the ridge in about 1.5 hours where Stucd an Lochain was revealed in all it's glory - what a sight. The remainder of the walk was easy and we arrived at the top at about 11.20AM. Not bad for Oldman. We usually take a few pictures at the top and then lunch. Not today! Midge attack. They swarmed in their millions it seemed. Quick, get the 'Skin so Soft'! Unfortunately no-one had told the midgies they don't like it - they just kept coming. We retreated exceedingly quickly and found a light breeze and that was the end of the little beasts - strangely neither of us got a single bite - maybe it wasn't their lunch time.

A great walk, nice and easy after the first steep climb, crystal clear path and beautiful views, especially to Lochan Nan Cat. We would have gone onto Meall Buidhe but we were on a schedule, looks very easy so one for kicking off another season I think.

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Comments: 12


siobhan_flute


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Location: Glasgow
Occupation: Freelance Musician and teacher
Interests: The five 'F's; fluting, family, friends, food and fun!
Activity: Ambler
Pub: Too many to choose from!
Mountain: Beinn a Chochuill
Place: All of it
Gear: Mini spikes
Ideal day out: Conquering a couple of hill tops in good conditions - I'm yet to see a cloud inversion and keep hoping for one!
Ambition: Live a good life!

Munros: 42
Corbetts: 3
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2010

Trips: 1
Munros: 1


Joined: May 15, 2010
Last visited: Jul 15, 2022
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