Over The Hill

The layby on the A82 which is the starting point for An Caisteal is a fairly large one, and although the mountains which it gives access to are popular, there is normally no problem parking. Not the case today, I was lucky enough to grab the one remaining squeeze between two cars, otherwise it was taking a chance parking by the banking and running the risk of any large vehicle using the layby having to squeeze by. I guess the no car sharing Covid rule is playing havoc with these popular parking areas, as I noticed Inveruglas was also well packed as I passed en route north.

The weather forecast was for a fine day with scattered clouds, with any rain holding off until the evening, although a cool, breeze was forecast, with summit temperature down to 2 or 3 degrees. And, in a word, that is what transpired; a fine day on a great hill.

A short walk along the banks of the River Falloch brought us to the base of the north ridge, from where we started the steep ascent on the very wet and muddy track which has been worn up the grassy hillside on the climb towards the 630m bealach just below Sron Gharbh. Here, thankfully, the muddy track is left behind, and a rough, stoney track then climbs in fairly easy stages to the 995m summit just short of 3kms away. I say, easy stages, there are however, a couple of rocky sections and short rocky scrambles over the lower top of Twistin Hill which need negotiating before emerging onto the final broad section of ridge leading to a fine, two cairned summit.

The weather remained fair, although quite cool at times, especially when the high clouds covered the sun, but visibility was very good, and we had extensive views from the lofty 996m summit, and, we had what was probably the longest spell of sunshine as we settled down for a well earned snack at the summit, after which we made a straightforward return reversing our ascent route back to the still packed car park on the A82.

Great to be back on the hills in fine weather, and really nice to catch up with Mhairi and Idris for the first time since lockdown. Still not yet back to normal, but at least we can meet, albeit in smaller groups for a day on the hills.