Lorna’s Mountains 2017
Date:	Where:	Munro (M)		Notes:
		Corbett (C)
		Graham (G)
		No:	Total:
8th January	Craigellachie, Aviemore.			Parked at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort and followed paths through the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve to the large cairn on the ridge. Visited the 493m north-western top then continued past other cairns towards the southern end of the main ridge. Descended north-west to Lochan Dubh to join a track down to Alltnacriche and Lynwilg. Crossed the A9 here and returned on the Speyside Way. Very pleasant Sunday stroll.
14^th January	Birnam Hill, Dunkeld.			Nice sunny day with minimal wind, clear views and snow underfoot. Very pleasant circular walk from the Quarry car park on the Bankfoot road. Walked the woodland footpath to Dunkeld railway station to climb Birnam Hill from the north. Returned on the southern footpath, diverting to Stair Bridge on the way.
21^st January	Scalan, Braes of Glenlivet.			Parked at the Well of the Lecht and started the walk with a visit to the old mine building up the glen. Followed the old hill path north over Carn Dulack and onwards to Tom Trumper. Descended towards Larryvarry to visit the ruined crofts there and at Crofts of Scalan. Followed the track to Scalan Seminary (locked!) then continued to Clash of Scalan and beyond. The track degenerated into an overgrown footpath so it was abandoned in favour of a direct ascent of the hillside to the south. Descended the ridge on the outward footpath. Very sunny day with light wind.
28^th January	Meall Dearg, Glen Cochill, Aberfeldy.			Repeat ascent of this hill. Parked near Loch na Creige then walked the windfarm track south-westwards towards Loch Hoil. Continued southwards on a track to gain the wide featureless ridge to Creag an Loch. Descended to the outflow of Loch Fender and climbed Meall Dearg from here. In failing light, descended in a northerly direction to a fire break in the forestry which led round to the outward track. Snow underfoot and snowing most of the walk. Breezy on the high ground making for a wintry outing. Camera lost, thought possibly to be soon after 87150-41726 (waypoint 77 in current GPS memory).
4^th February	Creag an Loch, Glen Cochill, Aberfeldy.			Returned to last week’s outward route in search of the lost camera. Chose Creag an Loch as the objective to make sure a hill was involved. No sign of the camera. Cold day with thin snow covering on the higher ground and snow falling during the search. Sunshine and blue sky to finish. Better visibility than on previous visit: adjacent wind farms very prominent and more distant view down to Loch Freuchie.
11^th February	Falls of Kirkaig, near Lochinver.			Cool, sunny day with blue skies and little wind. Parked near Inverkirkaig and walked the riverside path to view the falls. Continued onwards to Fionn Loch for superb view of Suilven. Followed the shore path northwards to a frozen Loch Uidh na Ceardaich. Returned on a south-westerly compass bearing to re-join the outward route near the falls. Superb little walk in perfect weather.
4^th March	Inchnadamph walk.			Attempted to visit the remote grave of the 6 airmen killed when an Avro Anson crashed in April 1941. Followed the track east out of Inchnadamph then diverted onto the footpath up the Allt Poll an Droighinn. Forked right at a small shelter to follow the Allt Tarsuinn then continued on the path up towards Loch nan Cuaran. Conditions at this point were very unpleasant due to poor visibility, high wind, driven snow and extreme cold. The walk was aborted here due to GPS malfunction, it being too risky to continue without it available as backup. Pleasant return on the outward route as conditions improved on descending. Wind and rain most of the walk turning to snow on the higher ground.
11^th March	Inchnadamph walk.			Repeat of last week’s walk in much better conditions. Followed the path all the way to Loch nan Cuaran, much easier this time as not obscured by snow cover. Navigated to the crash site via Lochan nan Caorach in its fine setting. Dry day, cold wind but sunny with blue skies. Excellent scenery.
18^th March	Aodann Chleireig, Fassfern.	G1	G126	Parked at Fassfern and walked the forest track to grid reference 01331-81238 where a zig-zag track led uphill through forest devastation to point 00928-81086 on the open hill. Ascended west onto Druim Beag and followed this broad ridge to the summit. Returned on the outward route. Wet day with fine drizzle and low cloud. Breezier on the higher ground with heavier rain but cloud occasionally cleared to give views of Loch Eil, Gulvain and the Glen Loy hills. Quite an enjoyable day in spite of the weather.
25^th March	Beinn a Chapuill, Gleann Beag, Glenelg.	G1	G127	Sunny day with blue sky and minimal wind. Walked a short section of road to Balvraid then continued on the track past Dun Grugaig broch. Crossed the river by footbridge to gain the end of the east ridge. (There were a number of ruined dwellings here, possibly shielings). Followed the ridge to the summit then proceeded north-west to the 742m top for the descent to the west. Continued north to pick up the higher of two forest tracks which zig-zagged down to a river bridge and the road back. Superb views of snowy Beinn Sgritheall and neighbouring Corbetts.
1^st April	Sgurr Choinnich, Loch Arkaig.	G1	G128	Parked at the Allt Mhuic butterfly reserve and followed the eastern bank of the Allt Mhuic to its source at the bealach. Continued roughly northwards to meet the ridge which was then followed to the summit cairn. Followed the old fence line for a short way westwards before descending due south back to the reserve. Sunshine and light showers with limited visibility on the high ground and cold wind. Saw a slow worm at the very start of the walk.
8^th April	Glas-charn, Glenfinnan.	G1	G129	Parked on the Road to the Isles at Drochaid Allt an Utha, just past Glenfinnan. Walked roughly northwards on a track, then footpath, following an old fence-line to the bealach. From here, followed another fence-line westwards to the summit. Descended south-east to the 454m bealach then climbed Sgurr a Mhuidhe, visiting each of the three outcrops forming its summit. Almost direct return to the car down the south-east ridge. Bright day with occasional sun but with distant haze. All surrounding tops clear of cloud. Superb day in rugged terrain.
29^th April	Meall Blair, Loch Arkaig.	G1	G130	Parked near Arcabhi hydro power station and followed the hydro track to its end. Continued northwards for view of Loch Blair then headed north-east to the 646m western top and summit trig. Returned on the outward route, taking a short-cut across the face of the 646m top. Good views of surrounding hills. Mostly dry day with sunny periods. Brief spells of very light drizzle higher up on a moderately cold wind.
6^th May	Sandwood Bay, Sutherland.			Parked near Balchrick and walked the track northwards, past several lochans, to the beach. Visited the ruined cottage of Sandwood and Sandwood Loch on the way. Returned via the coastal path, passing the impressive sea stack of Am Buachaille. Turned inland at Port Mor following the Allt Lochan a Mhuilinn to join the outward track. Nice, sunny day.
13^th May	Beinn Bheag & Groban, Loch a’ Bhraoin.	G2	G132	Walked the track along the north shore of the loch to the bothy at Lochivraon. Continued on the path for a short way before crossing the river and making directly for Beinn Bheag. Visited the two summit cairns before descending to Bealach Gorm and climbing Groban. Mostly sunny day with good visibility but heavy rain commenced whilst descending Groban and thunder could be heard to the north. Good views from the tops. Stopped at the bothy on the way back for a drink and sandwich. Fisherman and son in residence.
3^rd June	Stob Breac, Balquhidder.	G1	G133	Parked near Inverlochlarig to approach on tracks from the north. Followed the Allt a Choire Bhain through a forest firebreak to reach Coire Ban and the summit. Continued northwards for views of the glen then turned south to walk the entire ridge to An Stuchd and beyond. Descended west to locate another firebreak which gave access to the return track. Mixed day of sunshine and showers but all main tops almost always clear of cloud. Good views of the neighbouring hills.
10^th June	Creag Each & Creag Ruadh, Glen Tarken.	G2	G135	Parked below the ruins of Wester Glentarken on the road along Loch Earn. Followed the track north into Glen Tarken before ascending westwards up Creag Each. Descended north-eastwards to view the Glen Tarken Stone, a massive boulder with the more impressive name of Clach Mhor Na h-Airighe Leithe. Followed the track around the head of the glen before ascending Creag Ruadh from the foot of a ravine. Descended roughly southwards to return on the track down the glen. Wet, with poor visibility all the way to Creag Each. Cleared almost immediately on the descent with clear skies and sunshine. Fine weather for the rest of the day.
17^th June	Cruinn a Bheinn, Inversnaid, Loch Lomond.	G1	G136	Parked at Inversnaid then walked south on the West Highland Way as far as the cottage at Cailness. Continued steeply uphill on a zig-zag track to reach a high plateau above Loch Lomond. Direct approach from here across rugged moorland, returning on the outward route. Hot, humid day mostly with little breeze and cloud on most surrounding tops. Clear views from Cruinn a Bheinn throughout the visit.
24^th June	Cruach nam Mult, Hell’s Glen, Argyll.	G1	G137	Parked at the head of the glen and walked downhill, past Moses’ Well, to the bridge over the River Goil. Continued on a track into Gleann Canachadan then climbed northwards to Stob Liath. Followed the ridge over the 502m top before ascending a wide, grassy gully to reach the main top. Descended north-west to enter the forest and locate the end of the track back to the car. Occasional light drizzle but mostly dry with good visibility. Cold wind on the ridge – jackets and gloves required!
1^st July	Beinn Dearg, Glen Artney.	G1	G138	Parked at the church and did a clockwise circuit of the very knobbly ridge across the glen. Ascended all the main tops including the 705m top (Stuc na Cabaig) which has been unofficially surveyed as marginally higher than the 706m Beinn Dearg top. Fine start to the day but wind, drizzle and cloud commenced at the start of the climb. Fine weather returned soon after leaving Stuc na Cabaig revealing superb scenery along the ridge. Excellent day out in very rugged terrain. Visited Cultybraggan POW camp on the way home.
8^th July	Beinn Ruadh, Loch Eck.	G1	G139	Parked at Inverchapel woodland parking area and followed the associated footpath uphill to the viewpoint overlooking Loch Eck. Continued steeply uphill over very rugged terrain to reach the broad, south ridge. Now on easier ground, walked northwards over the south-west top to the summit trig. Returned on the outward route. Warm, sunny day with cool breeze higher up. Coulport nuclear armaments depot visible from the trig and distant views of the Clyde on the ascent.
15^th July	Creag a’ Mhadaidh, Loch Rannoch.	G1	G140	Parked on the north shore of Loch Rannoch, not far past Kinloch Rannoch. Followed the track past the farm at Annat to the ruined township of “old Annat”, labelled Torr a’ Chruidh on the map. Continued northwards on the track to its highest point between the target Graham and another hill of equal height. Climbed Gualann Sheileach first then crossed the bealach to ascend Creag a’ Mhadaidh. Returned on the outward route. Rainy day with light mist on the tops.
22^nd July	Mor Bheinn, Glen Artney.	G1	G141	Parked at the church. Climbed Ben Halton (615m top and 621m cairn) then Mor Bheinn. Returned on the outward route. Very rugged terrain made for heavy going. Rain and cloud to start but visibility and dry weather returned whilst loitering at the Ben Halton cairn.
29^th July	Sgiath a Chaise, Loch Lubnaig.	G1	G142	Followed the path and track along the Ardchullarie Burn from the shore of Loch Lubnaig. Turned west at the track’s highest point to climb Creag a Mhadaidh where two wild goats were sheltering in crags. Continued north to the main top then south over Meall Mor to Creag a Gheata for views over Loch Lubnaig. Returned on the outward route. Rainy day with passing cloud but good visibility on the ridge.
5^th August	Creag Mhor, Balquhidder.	G1	G143	Interesting little hill with good views of surrounding hills. Ascended from Ballimore in Glen Buckie taking in all four of the obvious tops. Descended towards Bealach Driseach then down the Fathan Glinne. Joined the old footpath from Brig o’ Turk to Balquhidder to return to the road. Mostly sunny day with good visibility.
12^th August	Sgorr Mhic Eacharna & Beinn Bheag, Ardgour.	G2	G145	Very fine ridge walk from the foot of Coire an Iubhair to the bealach at its distant end. Descended into the coire, eventually joining the path down the glen. Superb view of Garbh Bheinn and its massive crags. Mainly sunny day with occasional cold wind.
2^nd September	Beinn Mheadhoin, Kingairloch.	G1	G146	Parked on the shore road near Kingairloch House. Followed the road and track across the river to climb Sron Seann onto the high ground. Completed a circular walk over various named tops and bealachs, descending via the old stalker’s path off the end of Meall an Doire Dhuibh ridge. Mostly sunny day with a strong breeze. Skirted the edge of Glansanda Quarry.
9^th September	Druim Fada, Loch Hourn, Arnisdale.	G1	G147	Tough walk over very rugged terrain. Accessed from Glen Arnisdale, ascending alongside the Eigin Allt and descending by the Allt Blar an Eich. The ridge included a lot of descent and re-ascent, a pair of interesting lochans and a shattered concrete trig point. Sunny start with a bit of rain and cloud higher up. Good views of the mountainous terrain around Loch Hourn.
16^th September	Stob na Cruaiche, Rannoch Station.	G1	G148	Followed the track from Rannoch Station, through the forest and up onto Meall Liath na Doire. Encountered memorials to three of the landowner’s family on Meall a Bhuirich. Descended south-east from the trig point then roughly eastwards towards the Allt a Bhuirich to meet the return track in the forest. Dull day with short spells of light rain.
23^rd September	Ben Griam Mor & Ben Griam Beg, Sutherland.			Parked near the Garvault Hotel and used the nearby boat-house track to gain height towards the first hill. Ascended north-west ridge of BGM and descended the north-east ridge. Ascended south-west ridge of BGB and descended north-western hillside. Ancient remnants of a hill fort evident on Ben Griam Beg. Returned around the northern shore of Loch Druim a Chliabhain to meet the outward track at the Loch Coire nam Mang boat-house. Sunny day with fierce wind. Heavy going on the rough moorland.
7^th October	Glensulaig Bothy, Fassfern.			Followed the track up the east side of the An t-Suileag river to the bothy. Two male Glaswegians in residence. Outing abandoned here due to illness. Poor forecast but quite sunny with only light drizzle.
14^th October	Carn an t-Sagairt Mor, Braemar.			Repeat Munro. Parked near Auchallater Farm and walked Jock’s Road as far as Lochcallater Lodge. Visited the bothy and got a guided tour of the lodge. Met Zuri the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Good footpath from here to the summit. Spent considerable time exploring the summit area for debris from an English Electric Canberra bomber which crashed in 1956. Dull and overcast but good visibility. Views to Tolmount and Coire Loch Kander.
21^st October	Beinn Clachach, Arnisdale.	G1	G149	Parked at the Corran Ceilidh House near Arnisdale on Loch Hourn. Walked a short way up Glen Arnisdale to visit the Achadh a Ghlinne stalking bothy before continuing up the stalker’s path behind it. Turned south-east into Coire Luachrach to climb the main (east) top before continuing to the west (618m) top. Returned on the outward route. Dull day but dry weather until rain started back at the bothy. Good views of nearby hills with plenty of deer visible.
28^th October	Meall Onfhaidh, Fassfern.	G1	G150	Walked the track up Gleann Suileag to Glen Sulaig bothy. Continued uphill on the track behind the bothy to the Allt Fionn Doire footbridge to climb the hill from there. Visited the summit cairn and the actual 681m summit nearby. Returned on the ascent route. Occasional light rain but good visibility of surrounding hills. Saw a mole on the track back.
4^th November	Ben Macdui.			Climbed from the Cairngorm ski area via the Miadan Creag an Leth-choin path and Lochan Buidhe. Surprisingly easy on good paths. Returned on the outward path via the memorial to an Avro Anson which crashed in August 1942. Cold day with good visibility and a couple of very light snow showers.
11^th November	Sron Riach. (South eastern ridge of Ben Macdui).			Walked the track from Linn of Dee to Bob Scott’s bothy and Derry Lodge. Continued westwards before diverting onto the footpath up the Luibeg Burn to partially ascend the Sron Riach ridge. Terminated the climb in failing light at a rocky prominence (grid ref 00172-97023, alt 3084 feet). Overcast day but nearby tops mostly clear including view of Cairn Toul across the Lairig Ghru. Darkness finish!
25^th November	Cairn Gorm.			Repeat Munro. Walked the track from the Ski Base Station to just past the Shieling Station. Continued up Fiacaill a Choire Chais to the cairn at 1141m then continued east to the summit. Descended northwards to the Ptarmigan Station for refreshments then returned on the track. Very windy, limited visibility and snow underfoot.
2^nd December	Shenavall Bothy.			Walked the track and path from Corrie Hallie on a wet and windy day with paths turned to rivers. Minor streams swelled to torrents by rain and snow melt. Continued south-east down Strath na Sealga to return on the Sail Liath track but couldn’t cross the river at Achneigie. Took a direct route north over rugged moorland to meet the outward path. Low cloud obstructed views of surrounding hills. A very wet day out!