Over The Hill

Over the past couple of years The Brack has become synonymous with a fine winters walk in blue skies and crisp snow with crampons and ice axes at the ready; given the lack of snow at all this winter it was therefore not surprising that our packs were somewhat lighter as we ditched the crampons and ice axes, the snow being nonexistent. Nevertheless, this was still a fine walk, on a mountain that has plenty to offer in challenge and views.

As challenges go, the first task on leaving the good forest track is to overcome the deteriorating path leading up through the forest onto the open hillside. Always a rough path, over boulder and tree roots, it has now become so worn that it is almost a scramble in places as you clamber over exposed rock and tree roots. However, once onto the open hillside this is where The Brack takes on the feel of a real mountain, as you climb steadily towards the rocky north face, the crags creating an impressive view ahead.

Intrepid climbers may well head for the crags, but we walkers skirted below them, heading to the flat plateau below the east ridge, with its small lochan, today, free of the ice and snow we had experienced on previous years, an ideal spot for a short break before the final pull to the summit,

Again, the clear conditions dictated a slightly different approach to previous years, when with a good covering of snow we had tended to tackle the steeper and rockier slopes slightly north of the lochan, the snow giving good purchase for crampons and ice axes. Today however, we traversed to the south of the lochan and up an easier, grassy track to the summit cairn where a leisurely lunch provided the opportunity to relax and just enjoy the views.

A northwest descent down grassy slopes and across a surprising dry Bealach Dubh-lic soon had us approaching the forest boundary and the short descent through the forest to pick up the main track for the longish, but easy walk back to Ardgartan.

A fine walk on a fine mountain - Thanks Ian.