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Lat/Long: 56.832317, -04.222893
OS Grid ref: NN 64384 73391
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Electric sluice gates. |
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My overnight stop had been at the Dalnaspidal parking area so
after a quick breakfast I set off in the dark to head for
Leitreach. I crossed the railway and continued south to the
start of the River Garry. It was still dark and in the distance
I could see 2 lights which didn't make any sense out here unless
it was an early morning fisherman. As I approached the dam I
could see that they came from the electric sluice gates that had
indicator screens on the side and these were the source of the
light. Once over the bridge I started my climb of the south side
of the mountain but as it was still dark I needed my headtorch
to find the way to the muddy quad bike track. The sky was clear
and as I climbed, was able to get some nice views. |
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The ascent was on a track which was rutted and wet but
by the time I reached the first summit area I had a good view of
the rising sun shortly after 7am. Over the first summit I
continued to the next and higher summit where I had a good view
of Schiehallion in the distance. I started my descent to the
south and thankfully had clear weather to see the Loch ahead. I
managed to find the quad bike track most of the way then started
to descend to the east across flatter and wetter ground. |
Sunrise near the summit. |
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The sharp summit of Schiehallion in the distance. |
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Lochane. |
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At the river by the stoned track the level was low so it was
easy to hop across. In the area are a few shieling ruins but
they are less distinct than usual and probably abandoned for
much longer. I continued up the stoned track to the summit then
started the descent over the other side. The loose stones made
it tricky on the first steep section. Half way down I saw a quad
bike coming up. Half way down are some much more substantial
shieling ruins. After joining the track above the River Garry I
turned left to follow it back to Dalnaspidal. I stopped briefly
by the wooden marker post for the geographical centre of
Scotland. Once back at the car I set off on the drive home. |
Geogrphical centre of Scotland. |
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