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2014 Archive Stories and pics from |
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2014 Archive Stories and pics from |
March Day Trip to the Kilpatricks
It was raining steadily when James, Steven and I met up in the Cochno Road car park just after 9 to start our walk across the Kilpatrick Hills. Donning our waterproof gear, we set off and followed the signs towards the Jaw Reservoir. We bypassed Cochno Farm on the east by crossing a number of fields and fences to reach the open hillside and then climbed north-west toward Cochno Hill. The slope is covered by deep, soft moss, which made for difficult walking, but we soon reached the crest of the ridge where we picked up a track leading to the top of Cochno Hill. Although it was still raining, we had good views toward Glasgow and watched several planes landing or taking off at the airport. Our main target for the day, Duncolm, was visible amongst mist and cloud to the north. By now, the wind had picked up considerably and was buffeting us about.
We continued west and dropped down to the Greenside Reservoir, crossed the reservoir wall and climbed to the trig point on The Slacks. In the valley below, a new access road had been constructed and work was being carried out on the electricity lines that cross the Kilpatricks at this point. We continued west along the ridge and dropped down to the north to pick up a track at Loch Humphrey, heading for the three distinct Duncolm hills. By now, the rain had cleared and patches of sunshine were emerging in the distance, although they never quite seemed to reach us! We passed to the west of Little Duncolm, but decided to climb Middle Duncolm instead of bypassing it. Descending to the north, we found a quiet spot, well out of reach of the wind, to have our lunch, before tackling the rest of our route, which looked considerably more exposed.
A relatively short climb took us to the highest point of our route, the 401m summit of Duncolm, which is marked by a trig point. From here we had views of Loch Lomond and Conic Hill to the north-west and Burncrooks Reservoir and Auchineden Hill (The Whangie) towards the north-east.
Our return route followed a stone wall south, back to Greenside Reservoir along a very boggy track. Following the eastern shore of the reservoir, we were back at the reservoir wall (crossing our outward route), from where we followed the track back to Cochno Road. For part of the way, we used a newly constructed footpath, which was much more pleasant than the track. Another km of walking along the road brought us back to the car park.
As Steven had plans for later in the day, and there was some uncertainty about the local public houses, we decided to skip the customary round of drinks and headed home in time to watch the Rugby. Despite the poor weather at the start of the day, we thoroughly enjoyed our walk, which at times felt quite wild and remote, despite being so close to home. It is certainly worth repeating on a good summer day.
Cornel Brozio
Six club members opted to travel to the Trekkers Lodge at the Kintail Lodge hotel. Willie and Bob travelled up during the day on Friday, whereas Gordon and Andrew also travelled up and climbed a Graham in the Roybridge area. Miriam and I headed up after work. It was a close call for us as the snow was getting deep on the road between Invergarry and Glen Shiel. One car had skidded off the road and was hanging over the deep drainage ditch alongside the road and a lorry had to give up on one of the hills. Miriam's car coped admirably and we arrived at the bunkhouse to find Bob, Gordon and Andrew in the bar. Willie had gone to bed, not feeling very well.
Saturday started off quite cloudy and wet. Bob had brought his bike and was going to cycle in to Iron Lodge at the head of Glen Elchaig and bag the Graham Carn na Breabaig. Miriam and I opted to do the same hill, but would walk down the glen. We got a head start as Bob got his bike sorted. A short time later Bob passed us. Fortunately, the weather was getting better and there were signs of blue sky. We eventually got to Iron Lodge and could see Bob high on the hill. A stalkers track helped us climb quickly and then we could follow Bob's footsteps. The snow was not too deep, but footprints certainly helped. We met Bob coming down and cheered us up by stating that the top was 15 to 20 minutes away. He took our picture (as I had forgotten my camera) and we hurried on to the summit.
The sun was out and the snow was pristine .. well worth the effort! After a short break we headed down, making good progress. We stopped at Iron Lodge for a break and had a look round. It was starting to fall into disrepair. We got going, as it was a long walk back to the car. However, it was a pleasant walk and we were back at the car before it got dark. Bob had got back 2 hours earlier, due to the downhill ride on the bike.
Back at the bunkhouse Gordon and Andrew had returned having climbed the Graham Carnan Cruithneachd from Morvich, which overlooks Glen Elchaig. During the day it had looked very impressive covered in snow. Willie was still not feeling well and managed a bit of the Lochalsh Trail around Sgurr Mhic Bharraich. We all retired to the hotel for a meal and a few drinks (except poor old Willie).
Sunday was an even better weather day than Saturday, and the sun was out from the start. After our goodbyes, Miriam and I drove south stopping at various places for coffee such as the Glencoe Centre, and taking a few photo opportunities. Bob did much the same. Gordon and Andrew were heading for Nethybridge, as on Monday they were hiring a sports car for a few days to blast around the Highlands. Willie managed the most walking, with a drive up Mam Ratagan and then a stravaig (definition: to wander aimlessly).
An eventful weekend and well worth the effort.
Mark Setford
