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Lat/Long: 56.88326, -4.25312
OS Grid ref: NN 62808 79137
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I wasn't able to complete my packing yesterday because of other
stuff going on and Photo Society in the evening. Completing my
packing this morning meant I set off a bit later than usual for
my drive to the Scottish Highlands. I was away by 07:45am and
had an uneventful drive for the first part of my journey to
Perth where i got fuel. It was raining when I left but the
weather gradually improved as I drove north. After Perth there
was some sunshine along the A9 and lovely autumnal colours on
the trees and hillsides. My original plan was to stay the night
before heading out on a walk Wed morning but the forecast had a
lot of rain for then. I stopped briefly at Dalnaspidal and as
the weather was still good decided to try for the shorter of my
2 planned walks. |
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North view on the climb. |
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I continued driving north for a few miles and parked at
Balsporran Cottages. There were a few patches of blue sky as I
set off and thankfully it was fairly calm. Across the busy A9 I
followed and old vehicle track for a short while before it
petered out. Across some very boggy ground I reached a quad bike
track that headed south and up the ridge of Creagan Doire
Dhonaich. I'd noticed the faint track when on a previous walk on
the other side of the glen. I’d planned a descent down the
valley to the east of the ridge but had no idea what the terrain
would be like. If things looked too rough I could descend the
way I’d come. There wasn’t much sun around and none on me but I
knew that if I’d stayed in the car the whole mountain would have
been bathed in sunshine. |
Creagan Doire Dhonaich summit cairn. |
Small tarn. |
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The climb was easy and pleasant and as the gradient eased I
reached the summit cairn which was wide and low. I was treated
to some nice views to the south and decided to continue over the
top and visit a small tarn lower down in the distance. At the
tarn I then had a choice. Return the easy way I’d come or
continue down the unknown valley. I decided on the valley. There
was no path of any kind to follow so kept to the middle which
higher up was dry. Further down the occasional spring emerged
which soon formed a small stream. The gradient eased with the
occasional steep section. |
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The going was easy and I had a nice view ahead of the distant
mountains to the north. I was easily able to hop across the
stream to pick the best route but when a larger river came in
from the right I had to cross to the left as no more easy
crossings would be possible. I climbed up through the heather
and followed the contour round to rejoin my original route up
the ridge. By now it was getting dark and I soon needed my head
torch to find the best way along the dark muddy track.
Thankfully the main A9 was quiet when I crossed it as by then it
was pitch black. |
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Hidden valley on the descent. |
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