Lat/Long: 56.935663, 04.245607
OS Grid ref: NN 63458 84954
There was a lot of
overnight rain. I left the Schiehallion Road and drove to the A9
and the car park by Ballsporran Cottages. I had breakfast here
then drove on to Dalwhinnie. It was still dark so I had a look
at the railway platform to take a photo. The guide notes I was
using said limited parking was available near the level crossing
but signs along the road say residents only. |
Dalwhinnie Rail Station |
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I left my car by the railings in another area of rough road.
There was light drizzle as I set off over the level crossing and
along the estate road. I came to the Gate House Estate Building
but there was nobody about. Then I passed another empty estate
building before reaching the point where I left the road to
start the steep direct climb up the hillside towards The Fara.
There is no path shown on the map and no marker sign to show the
start of the route. It was steep and very wet at first with many
tree roots in the way. |
Tree roots on the climb |
Fara Cairn |
Small Tarn near the ridge |
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Higher up the going became easier underfoot. I came to the top
edge of the tree line where the gradient eased a bit. I then
followed and old post and wire fence line where higher up it
joined a substantial stone wall that took me steeply up to the
huge Fara cairn. It wasn't quite on the summit. There was misty
at first and cold at 0degC. Slowly the cloud blew away and I had
some hazy views at first that slowly improved. My route now
headed SW along a long ridge heading into the distance. |
View south to Loch Ericht |
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I couldn't see the full length as it was a series of climbs.
Coire Anaic, Meal Cruaidh. It was short grass underfoot and
mostly very easy walking. The views increased steadily with good
views down to Loch Ericht. I was surprised to see a solo figure
approaching towards me. We said a short good morning as we
passed. He must have started early to have reached that position
from the south. Over the final rise I started an easy descent
which wasn't too steep. A wide vista was in front with Ben Alder
away in the distance mostly in cloud. |
Ben Alder gatehouse |
Ben Alder |
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Below was the Loch and Ben Alder Lodge buildings mostly obscured
by trees. Above the tree line was a deer fence but following it
to the right was a gap where a gate had been. The gate hadn’t
been fixed for a while so the fence isn’t doing anything. A
short steep descent took me to the estate road. I came to the
impressive gate house to the main Ben Alder buildings. All gates
were closed and no access. |
Gate house |
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Higher up the path I came to |
Loch Ericht |
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I was surprised to see that I had a full signal for my phone and
4G data connection. As I walked the 5miles back along the estate
road I kept a lookout for a mast but couldn't see one. The
weather was changeable with some sunny patches. A few estate
vehicles passed both ways. Back at the car it started to rain
again. I drove to the 3.5miles to the car park by the A9 at
Balsporran |
Forestry machinery |
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