The Fairy Hill of the Caledonians

My big objective for the weekend was an ascent of the TRAIL 100 summit of Bidean nam Bian.

But with yesterday’s walk up Glencoe’s Pap putting 800 metres of ascent into my legs, the prospect of 1,200 metres of ascent was probably a little ambitious for my lack of hill fitness.  I decided to drive over to Braes of Foss to walk up Schiehallion.  It involved a 150 mile round trip but with only about 800 metres of steady ascent I was happy to make the journey.

I had feared that the car park would be busy on a Saturday with a reasonably good weather forecast but there were plenty of spaces to choose from.

The initial path was well constructed after previous years of much use and erosion.  As we reached the first uphill section path switchbacked, making good progress through the thin covering of snow.  Other groups passed us as we walked up with most of them not burdened by winter boots, ice axes or big winter rucksacks.

As we climbed and had started walking quite late in the morning, a number of parties passed us on their way down.  They told of conditions similar to those currently underfoot with some icy patches to be negotiated.  Schiehallion has a reputation of being rocky underfoot but the snow on the ground filled the gaps between the stones and made it reasonably easy to follow the tracks of those who had gone before us despite the flat light.

There were no views at the summit but identifying the true highpoint was a challenge.  There are a number of blocks as well as the cairn that are candidates so of course I visited them all.

Although we had seen about 20 other walkers on the day, the walk down was quiet.  The snow lower down had turned to slush and we finished in drizzle.  Despite this it was an enjoyable day, even if most of it had been spent in the cloud with its base at about 2,000 feet.

West Highland Way

I must be getting old.  I had plans to walk up Schiehallion but I didn’t feel my legs were up to it after yesterday’s big day out on Ben Lomond.  As well as the lie-in I’d had to recover.  And I wasn’t the only one !

We chose a much easier option and decided to walk up the West Highland Way to Tyndrum.  After scrounging a lift to Crianlarich train station, we set off up the well-marked path into the forest.

I’ve never fancied myself as a long-distance walker – summits have more easily held my appeal – but, if I had to choose one to do I’ve always thought that the Milngavie to Fort William option would be a good introduction.  There are options including wild-camping or using one of the baggage transfer companies which allows walkers to travel with minimum weight.  I think I’d go for that, not to be encumbered by a large sack and taking away the end-of-day hunt for a suitable pitch.  Although it wouldn’t allow you any flexibility about lengthening or shortening the day should the mood take you.

We followed a good graded path and had occasional glimpses through the trees of some of the higher ground, notably Beinn Odhar, before dropping down to cross the A82.  This stretch was much flatter and we were soon nearing Tyndrum and The Real Food Cafe, where we had arranged to meet our lift back to the hut.

Beinn Odhar

I enjoyed the walk more than I thought and maybe, at some point in the future, I’ll try the West Highland Way, but I’ve still got a few hills to do first !