Over The Hill

Ben Donich has always been a favourite of ours, whether as a go-to mountain for a short day out, or, in fine weather, a mountain with stunning views. It has however had one drawback; it was invariably an out-and-back walk, as any attempt at a circular route was obstructed by crags, rough, unpleasant ground or thick forest. That was, until Ian and Mike recce’d a section of forest, which although very dense, was short enough to endure the struggle to make a transit from hillside to forest track, and thereby complete a fine circular route around Ben Donich. The recce was followed shortly after by a trial run with a slightly larger group of willing “volunteers” leading to today’s successful “inauguration” of it as a route worthy of inclusion in our official Rambler programme. The route was fine, pity the same cannot be said for the weather, but then, it is Autumn, and we have been somewhat spoilt recently by some fine weather walking.

We left the forestry car park just off the B828 a few hundred metres beyond the Rest and Be Thankful and headed up the well defined track which climbs quite steeply up the eastern-most north ridge of Ben Donich. Low cloud and mist drifted across the hillsides, breaking only briefly to give the occasional glimpse of Loch Restil and the Glen Croe mountains. Drizzle added to the poor visibility, and brought with it the usual dilemma, “waterproofs on” or “waterproofs off”, it was one of those days.

However, you can always rely on the mountain for stability; the track was the usual mix of rough stony ground, muddy grassy tracts, and, of course, the “bad step” on the way to the summit. A misty and quite blustery summit, and so we huddled below a rocky outcrop for a welcome lunch break out of the breeze.

Lunch over, and it was onwards over the summit and the descent to the rather minor 700m bealach to the northwest of the summit from where the broad, grassy northwest, turning to north ridge makes for a leisurely descent towards the forest boundary in Geann Mor, where, for 10 minutes or so it is necessary to indulge in some serious forest bashing to gain the main forest track beyond. Serious forest bashing, but worthwhile, as once through the forest, the final stretch back to the start point is along a fine forest track, and the bonus that you have complete a circular walk on a beautiful mountain, irrespective of the weather, which, true to form deluged us in heavy rain from the moment we exited the forest until we returned to the car park.

Nevertheless, a brilliant route and great company – Thanks Ian – Wonderful day.