Over The Hill

Setting off on this walk with full waterproofs on just about sums up the weather for the remainder of the day. That said, it was still somewhat better than the early morning forecast, which spoke of upland gales and heavy, possibly, thundery showers.

The north east slopes of the minor top of Meall Sgallachd are covered in a carpet of very deep heather interspersed with areas of rocky crags, which makes for an energetic start to this walk as you clamber through the heather and scramble up wet grass and rock towards the flat shoulder just to the north east of the 707m summit. From here the going eases a little as the deep heather underfoot is replaced with short stubbly grass and rock as you make the ascent towards the cairn marking the summit of Creag Mac Ranaich, 809m.

Our arrival on Creag Mac Ranaich coincided with a worsening in the weather, as rain and some rather strong gusts of wind made for a few unpleasant moments, so much so, that we stayed just long enough to take our summit pictures before heading off in the direction of the lesser 808m top in the hope that we could find some shelter from the elements in which to take a break. Alas, it was not to be, and so we decided to forego a break and head for the 596m bealach, surely we would find some shelter there.

Thankfully, as we made the steep descent and gained lower ground we came more into the lee of the wind, sheltered as we were by the higher ground directly above us; and as we crossed the peat hags at the head of the bealach the rain and wind abated somewhat, and we at last found ourselves a spot just below the crags of Creag Loisgte in which to stop for our well earned break.

Break over, a short, steep scramble up Creag Loisgte took us to the 757m un-named top at the far end of the north north west ridge of Meall an t-Seallaidh, from where an undulating ridgeline is easily followed to the Trig Point and cairn marking the summit of our second Corbett of the day, Meall an t-Seallaidh, 825m. A south easterly departure from the summit leads you to a broad, grassy ridge, from which, we made a curving descent towards the point were the Kendrum Burn and the forested lower hillsides merge.

It was obvious from some distance away that the white waters we could see cascading over the rocks of the Kendrum Burn would make any crossing of the burn very difficult, if not impossible. Our alternative was to head for a small gap in the forest, shown on the OS25000 maps, but not on the OS50000 maps, through which we could gain the hillside beyond and from there pick up the cycle track just to the south of a bridge over the Kendrum burn. Although we found the gap, access was barred by a very tall deer fence. but, fortunately, a hundred metres along the fence, a gate lead to a well maintained forest track, not shown on either of the OS maps, which served the same purpose, leading us through the forest and across a field to the bridge over the Kendrum Burn. An exit point well worth noting should the burn be in spate for any future visit to these two hills.

All that remained was for us to take an easy walk along the cycle track and downhill into Lochearnhead and our pre-positioned cars for the return to Glen Ogle.

Despite the weather, this was a very enjoyable day in the hills, and quite a landmark for David, whom I am sure will not mind me mentioning, as this was his 80th birthday - Congratulations David.

Thanks everyone for your support and company, a thoroughly enjoyable day.