Had a late start and did not leave before 7:45 Was originally going
for the Meall Bhuidhe above Glen Ogle, which I chickened out of in the
summer in the face of a certain thunderstorm. However, by t h time I
got to Callander I fancied something more meaty. that alpenglow of
Ledi has an effect.
Seemed a good day to cash in Venue. one of the best known hills in the
area that I have yet to visit. Always been put off by tales of worn
paths and killer bogs in Achray Forest.
Road into the Trossachs was a killer, very slow going. Shame I was not
so slow in Corstorphine, where I saw the dreaded flash.
Path through the forest from behind the coachtour stables that was
the Achray Hotel took for ever, even with views thanks to felling.
Nobody was about, but there were some prints from the previous day.
This is now a very good path. Unfortunately once over the fence the
amnesty is over... I soon left the path and went straight up the east
ridge. Snow his a muttitude of sins and I was over quite a few times.
Quite a lot of snow further up. Good views of the Pentlands and
Arthur's Seat.
Recorded the trig details and managed a lunch break in a bit of
shelter between the trig and the summit. Typical Perthshire crag
dodging, reminded me of Beinn a Choin or Beinn Each. Big views from
Arran round to the Campsies.
Lovely fluffy snow, but the wind was packing it down to that type that
almost takes your weight. Passed two folk and their dog, and was
ignored, as you are in Snowdonia for the first time ever in Scotland.
Must have got too cold taking piccies at the top as my finger tips are
now (following day) very sore. Hope my circulation is OK. Frostnip on
days like this is not on. The view was again good, especially of
Arrochar and the hills beyond Loch Katrine. The loch was good too as
the autumn colours are still around below the snowline.
With a knackered knee, I passed on Beinn Bhreac, still got two new
tops today, and dropped off my own crag dodging way into the corrie
where I met the hellbogs , cunningly hidden under the snow and some
very icy path streches. Until the shadow this was a suntrap out of the
wind and quite toasty. Saw folk still going up, canny choice for a
short winter's day.
Returned via the long forestry path.
Main wildlife was numerous snow buntings on the hill.
Road out was still icy.
Guidebooks are right, this does feel like a much higher hill.
Richard Webb