Beinn a' Chreachain on the horizon - seen from Meall Buidhe

The start of the walk with the Tarmachan ridge forming the backdrop

My original plan for this weekend was to meet up with a guy called Simon to do some summiteering. The plan failed - brake failure for his car. I did, however have a plan b that climbed the same mountains minus Ben Lomond. I had the plan in my mind for a long time and I wondered if it was possible to do it in November. My main concern was hitchhiking from Crianlarich to Killin - would I start too late?

It wasn't until the day before that I actually measured the effort needed. My it would be a tough one this trip. I did a brief check on Richard Webbs sub 3000 page to check the nature of the terrain for the 1st Corbett - boggy on the passes either side of it. It would be best to go over that top.

The forecast for the weekend seemed gloomy - thick anticyclonic cloud seemed the order of the day. Indeed I arrived in Glasgow in overcast weather. It was largely overcast in Manchester for the last few days. I thought it wouldn't budge. It wasn't until the coach drove from the Central Belt to the southern end of Loch Lomond that the cloud cleared to give the best dawn I've seen for a long time. Wow! The highlands do give pleasant surprises from time to time! My spirits soared and I suddenly became very confident about the weekend to come.

I was dropped off at Crianlarich at 8.30am and within 1/4 hour, I was given a lift to Lix Toll garage and then soon after, a bus ride to Killin. It was the bus from Stirling and I was the first passenger! It started walking at 9.15am - I couldn't ask for better timing! First of all it was a walk down Glen Lochay to get to the Allt Dhuin Croisg - a road walk all the way. I followed the advice on Sub 3000 and avoided the path starting east of the river and instead followed an unmarked track on the west side of the river. It was 10.30am when I finally left the road and headed for the first summit.

In the lower part of Glen Lochay

Looking towards the upper part of Glen Lochay

By now, cloud from the north east had largely blotted out the sun. The clouding over process started in Killin but it was only now that I realized that it was pretty much good-bye to the sun for today. I made steady progress up the riverside and up the slopes. The ground was a bit boggy higher up the river but it was nothing too bad. Once on the ridge, I was exposed to the chilly wind so it was on with the fleece, gloves and jacket. I reached the top just before 12.30pm. Good progress.

On the ascent of the first summit looking south across Glen Lochay

The Tarmachan ridge with Meall Ton Eich in the foreground

It was now time for a very swift descent to Glen Lyon and into more desolate domains. I aimed for a marked bridge near Kenknock. I arrived at the bottom at 1.30pm and it was time to cross the river - trouble is the bridge was in no state to be crossed (Tilted at an angle with a broken handrail). A safe crossing point was found downstream but none the less it was time for wet feet. I HATE WET FEET! Once at the road it was time for lunch before heading up to Stuchd an Lochain.

Looking up Glen Lyon to Loch Lyon

Stuchd an Lochain seen from Beinn nan Oighreag

My first destination was the Allt Ridge Ghuibhas. I hauled myself up the lower slopes of Glen Lyon. The rushing river sound was suddenly replaced by the sound of rutting deer as the slope leveled off. I've never had the privilege of hearing dear at this time. It certainly does make the corrie sound eery. Time for some water. I had already drunk 2 liters so far and it was no time to top up and drink some more. By the end of the day I had finished drinking 4 liters.

Creag an Tulabhain (left) and Creag
Laoghain (right) - spurs
of Meall Ghaordaidh

It was 3pm and it was now time for the final haul up to 3000ft and the first top of Sron Chona Choirein. My legs were tiring and the ascent felt longer than the first mountain. I arrived at the summit ridge at 4pm - ten minutes before dusk. I stormed along the ridge making the most of the daylight and finally arrived at Stuchd an Lochain. Wow! I made it. No time to waste, I had to find a spot down in the corrie before too long.

I descended the narrow north ridge quite quickly. I was surprised to see so little erosion here. It was a race against darkness. Eventually I arrived at a suitable pitch just before a headtorch would be necessary. I was on schedule. I was relieved to be here. I just had the camp routine of dinner and washing up to do and then I was fast asleep at 7pm.

Looking up Loch an Daimh

I awoke at 6.30am expecting more cloud but was pleasantly surprised to see clear skies. Things were looking up again. Washing up was cold in the slight frost and I was on my way at 8.30am. Wow! The sun certainly knows how to provide good pictures. The views along Loch an Daimh were mouth watering.

Meall Cruinn from the campspot

Meall Buidhe seen from the camp spot

I walked along the shore to the dam. The air was still and even in the shade, I felt very warm with my fleece on. Then I hit the sun. It felt like summer! Walking up Meall Bhudie was warm work even with just thermals on. The walk itself was unspectacular moorland walking. The views of Stuchd an Lochain, however, were great.

Loch an Daimph and its surrounding hills as seen from the dam

Cam Creag - the Corbett east of Meall Buidhe

Stuchd an Lochain seen from the slopes of Mealll Buidhe

Looking north along the ridge to Meall Buidhe

I finally reached the south end of the summit ridge and a whole new view sprang out. Amazing views of the central highlands appeared to the west with the Black Mount and Glen Coe peak especially prominent. Ben Nevis and the Mamores also held the attention as did Ben Alder which still has some patches of snow from last weekend.

Looking East towards the Carn Mairg Munros

The Black Mount and Glen Coe peaks

I reached the summit at 11.30am, had a big snack and then headed down to the Allt Sloc an Chreadha for the long walk out to Bridge of Gaur. I finally reached the road at 2pm. A sign at the gate said 'Danger Stalking Keep Clear' It didn't look like people are so welcoming around here.

Looking south from Meall Buidhe

Rannoch Moor and Ben Nevis

I now had the final road slog to Rannoch Station to do. I completion's sake, I didn't hitchhike despite the regular traffic. Dusk was slowly creeping in and the colours were getting richer. Low cloud was also forming. The Bridge of Orchy summits were piercing the cloud - it would be nice up there!

Meall na Meoig

Stalking? What Stalking?

My walk was now finished! Phew! I didn't think I would make it. I glad I did though. It was certainly one of the better weekends. Shame the pub was closed. Time to warm myself in the phone box! The pub eventually opened at 6pm giving me 30mins of precious warmth before waiting fro the 6.38pm train to Bridge of Orchy for the visit to the usual hotel for a great finishing soup.

The spur of Meall Buidhe
seen from Bridge of Gaur

I arrived back in Manchester in the cloud and drizzle. Apparently it was cloudy here all Sunday with the hiking club reporting drizzle at Kettlewell that Sunday. Oh well - a pity they missed out! Now I had 3 hours of sleep before 9am lectures - my god did that feel like torture!