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2017
Having compiled a blog for the last few years, it hasn't been particularly enjoyable and very much like a chore so, in 2017, it will be even more downsized than in 2016!
Mid-January Glossop
On 15/1/17, ascended Pendle Hill by quickest route. Drizzle and mist meant no views! Similar weather on 16/1/17, for Black Hill from Holme Moss via Kaye Edge and Issue Edge. In worse weather, repeated this walk the next day. On 18/1/17, walked up Ramsden Clough which is like a remote highland glen and well worth a look. On 19/1/17, met up with some friends who wanted to ascend Black Hill via Kaye Edge. Fortunately, the cloud just about lifted off the tops but it was still very gloomy. On 20/1/17, in much brighter weather, returned to Ramsden Reservoir and walked the edges overlooking Ramsden Clough. A short but pleasant walk. On 21/1/17, en route for home, made a short ascent of Pike Lowe from Langsett Barn in gloomy weather!
Late January/Early February Great Ayton in North Yorkshire Moor
On 31/1/17, had a pleasant circuit from Great Ayton which went up to Captain Cook's Monument then to Roseberry Topping. On 1/02/17, had a frustrating day around the head of Farndale from Low Mill. Thick mist all day – nothing seen! On 2/2/17, headed to Chop Gate for a circuit taking in Round Hill/Urra Moor, the highest point in the North Yorkshire Moors, White Hill and Cold Moor. Gloomy views! On 3/2, repeated the walk from Low Mill, this time with great views! On 4/2, repeated walk of 2/2 but reversed the route which seems a better way round. Much clearer weather with good views. On 5/2, headed home after a morning walk up Roseberry Topping from Newton under Roseberry. Clear and sunny with excellent views.
Mid February Glossop, Peak District
On 13/2/17, headed for Barley and a long walk up Ogden Clough to Pendle Moor then around to Pendle Hill. Cold with a biting, gusty wind. On 14/2, with a clear sunny forecast which was totally wrong, headed for Ramsden Reservoir and a pleasant short circuit taking in Snailsden Reservoir and the eastern edge fo Ramsden Clough. On 15/2, returned to the same start for a circuit taking in Snailsden Pike, Ramsden Clough and Holme Moss. On 16/2, found a short route to Swains Head from the A628, Woodhead road. On 17/2, went to find a way up on to Brown Knoll from Dalehead, very steep, then continued around to Edale Cross, Kinder Low and Crowden Tower before descending its south ridge. On 18/2, went back to near Barber Booth and walked to the foot of Jacob's Ladder then up the very steep ridge to the Woolpacks before continuing to Pym Chair, Noe Stool, Kinder Low, Edale Cross and Brown Knoll which now has a long overdue slabbed path. The descent was down the side of the unnamed clough to Dalehead.
Early March Abington, Scottish Borders
On 5/3, headed for a round of the hills to the SW of Daer Reservoir. Rough ground with snow filling all the hollows made for hard going. On 6/3, started above the Devil's Beef Tub, north of Moffat, and had a pleasant short day to Whitehope Heights. On 7/3, headed for Talla Linfoots and a tough round of 11 tops from Garelet Hill round to Carlavin Hill. Lying snow slowed progress at times. On 8/3, completed all tops in the Culter Fell and Gathersnow Hill range in a very fierce wind with even stronger gusts! On 9/3, had a pleasant round, in good weather, over Talla Cleuch Head, Broad Law, Hunt Law, Cramalt Craig and Clockmore. On 10/3, headed for the Drumelzier hills. Strong winds and low clouds resulted in few views! Repeated this walk the following day but cloud was still low. For variety, decended over Logan Head and Finglen Rig. On 12/3, headed for Annandale and an interesting route taking in Hart Fell Spa, Hart Fell, Whitehope Heights and the Strait Step path. Unfortunately, most the route was in cloud! On 13/3, headed for Peebles and a tough round over Birkscairn Hill, Dun Rig, Glenrath heights & Stob Law in fierce winds! On 14/3, completed the Manor Glen horseshoe taking in Black Law, Deer Law, Greenside Law and Dollar Law in very wild weather with the wind being strong enough to get blown over! On 15/3, headed for home but stopped off for a short walk to Hartfell Spa and Well Rig. Clear enough for reasonable views.
Late March Glossop for Peak District
On 20/3, with a very wet morning managed a short pleasant walk up Jacob's Ladder to Brown Knoll then down Chapel gate Track. On 21/3, weather was drier but with a bitingly cold wind so reoeated the previous day but extended to Rushup Edge and Mam Tor. On 22/3, sat in the car most of the day watching the rain. On 23/3, headed back to Edale for quite a long horseshoe from Ringing Roger to Lose Hill in clear weather but with a bitingly cold wind. On 24/3, the cold wind was still there but the weather was even brighter so had a short walk from the Snake summit to Higher Shelf Stones and Bleaklow. On 25/3, headed for home via Hope where an ascent of Lose Hill was combined with a descent of its N ridge. Fine short walk.
Early April Rum
Took the ferry from Mallaig to Rum on 2/4. Unfortunately, this was the only fine weather forecast for the five day stay so had to head straight out for the hills which made it somewhat of a rush and not possible to get as far as Sgurr nan Gillean so only Hallival, Askival, Trallval and Ainshval were climbed but still a great day! After a lost day owing to bad weather, on 4/4, reversed the return from Ainshaval and reascended it then continued to Sgurr nan Gillean in ferocious winds before dropping down into the corrie below and returning via Harris. On 5/4, had a lovely day on Fionchra, Orval and Ard Nev. On 6/4, had a short day on Barkeval in thick mist!
Early April Mallaig
Taking advanatage of the improved ferry service to Knoydart, on 8/4, headed over to Inverie for an unpleasant ascent of Beinn Bhuidhe where some of the going was very rough, wet and boggy. On 9/4, came over again for a much more pleasant ascent of Sgurr Coire Choinnichean from Inverie although little was seen because of poor weather!
Mid April Kirriemuir
On 11/2, drove to Glen Doll then headed N for Broad Cairn and Cairn Bannoch plus all their tops with a return via Jock's Road. Very windy, thick mist and rain! On 12/2, returned to Glen Doll and had a more pleasant day over Mayar and Driesh via Corrie Fee in good conditions. On 13/4, headed back to Glen Clova for an easy ascent of Ben Tirran in mixed conditions! On 14/4, the weather was, at last kinder, and a pleasant day was had on Cat Law and Corwharn above Glen Prosen. On 15/4, the strong, bitterly cold wind was back and carrying the odd heavy hail shower; the route was from Invermark (Glen Esk) to Hunt Hill. On 16/4, had a pleasant round on the Hill of Wirren, much of it in heavy rain when none was forecast!
Late April Glossop
On the drive over on 23/4, paid another visit to Pendle Hill for a pleasant walk from Barley to the summit then over Pendle Moor and down Ogden Clough. On 25/4, started near Hope and completed the full Edale Horseshoe in very wintry conditions for the time of year! On 26/4, in similar conditions, ascended Kinderlow End then walked all the way around the edge of the Kinder plateau on a very long day. On 28/4, repeated a pleasant walk up on to Kinder via Sandy Hey then down Kinderlow End. On 29/4, ascended Lose Hill by its north ridge from Edale.
Early May Gairloch
After an overnight stop in Aviemore, arried at Gairloch SYHA, an old hunting lodge about 2 miles down a peninsula. On 4/5, had a very long walk and cycle to A' Mhiaghdean and Ruadh Stac Mor. On 5/5, had a shorter walk and cycle to Beinn Airigh Charr. On 6/5, drove to Corrie Hallie and walked in to Shenavall then on to the Beinn Deargs on another very long day. On 7/5, had a shorter day on Beinn a' Chearcaill from Bridge of Grudie on Loch Maree. On 8/5, had another very long walk and cycle to Beinn a' Chaisgein Mor and Beinn a' Chaisgein Beag. On 9/5, had a shorter day on Sail Mhor. On 10/5, had another very long walk and cycle to Beinn Lair and Meall Mheinnidh. On 11/5, had a shorter walk and cycle to Beinn nan Ramh. On 12/5, had another very long walk to Beinn an Eoin and Baosbheinn. Many of these routes are in Fishefield known as the Great Wilderness because of its remoteness from roads. Throughout, the weather was very good. Spent 13/5, writing up these routes! On 14/5, headed for the Glas Leitir Mountain Trail near Kinlochewe and used it to gain access to Ruadh-stac Beag and Meall a' Ghiubhais. This was a very strenuous walk as Ruadh-stac Beag is very steep and covered with unstable scree.
Mid-May Torridon
On 15/5, headed for a new base in Torridon. Stayed at the purpose built SYHA which is a lovely place to stay. On 16/5, had a pleasant short day on An Ruadh-meallan which is behind Beinn Alligin. On 17/5, had a horseshoe walk over Beinn na h-Eaglaise and Beinn Damh with the latter being fairly unpleasantly covered with boulder fields. On 18/5, had the most enjoyable day of the trip so far with a full traverse of Beinn Dearg including the down climb of its rocky tower. On 19/5, tackled Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine and Sgurr Dubh with the latter probably the roughest mountain in Torridon which is really saying something. On 20/5, the weather finally broke so had a rest day catching up on the web site! On 21/5, drove to Attadale, near Lochcarron, and cycled into Bendronaig Lodge over a 350 m high pass then climbed Beinn Dronaig which is a fairly ordinary hill but has great views. On 22/5, had a lovely day on Beinn a' Mhuinidh which, despite its relatively modest height gives great views.
Late May Aviemore and Fort William
On 23/5,en route for Aviemore, took a detour up a long forestry track to Cougie via Tomich for a short walk up Carn a' Chaochain which is a high moorland hill to the south of Glen Affric. On 24/5, had a strenuous day on Beinn a' Bha'ach Ard above the entrance to Glen Strathfarrar. The paths on here are magical as they keep disappearing! On 25/5, had an even more strenuous day, on the hottest day of the year, on the Corbetts Carn a' Choire Ghairbh and Aonach Shasuinn. On 26/5, moved on to Fort William. On 27/5, took a cruise around all the Small Isles (Eigg, Muck, Canna and Rum) but saw little! On 28/5, climbed Carn Gorm from Glen Strathfarrar which was fairly uninteresting. On 31/5, climbed Beinn a' Mheadhoin, the easiest hill in Glen Affric which completed Section 11.
Mid- June Durness, Lochinver, Ullapool & Torridon
Arrived at Durness SYHA on 16/6. On 17/6, climbed Ben Loyal in some of worst weather seen in June with low cloud, heavy rain and storm force winds so very little seen! On 18/6, headed for Ben Hope down the very narrow Hope to Altnaharra road. The weather was drier, almost as windy and the cloud was up and down. The route is an unrelenting climb though! On 19/8, headed for Ben Klibreck which is a tedious slog across pathless moorland until one reaches the crest after which it is quite pleasant. On 20/8, ascended the steep NW ridge of Cranstackie only for the cloud to come down whilst on the summit then continued to Beinn Spionnaidh. On 21/8, with thunderstorms forecast, headed for Ben Stack and managed a full tarverse thanks to meeting someone on the summit who offered me a lift back to the start. Brilliant views. On 22/6, moved to Lochinver. On 23/6, the weather was wild but managed to get up the Corbett of Glas Bheinn, opposite Quinag. Lovely hill with great views. On 24/6, it was unseasonally extremely windy – too windy to go out on the hills. On 25/6, headed for Achiltibuie and a full round of Ben Mor Coigach and Sgurr an Fhidhleir. Once an unexpected storm had cleared through, there were good views. On 26/6, headed for Ben Mor Assynt on a good forecast which was wrong. This is a mountain which needs a dry and clear day for a full traverse but it rained solidly for 3 hours making the SE ridge of Ben Mor Assynt very slippery. On 28/6, headed for Quinag and its three summits. Good weather apart from a persistent gusty wind. Great views. On 29/6, heading for Suilven via Glencanisp Lodge. This is one of the classic mountains in Scotland despite its relatively low height. Managed to get back down to the approach track before the forecasted rain arrived. On 30/6, the forecast should have been good enough to ascend Canisp with some views but the cloud stayed low so very little was seen! On 1/7, headed for Beinn an Eoin. Very strong gusty wind but clear until descending when a storm blew in with heavy rain. On 2/7, moved base to Ullapool. En route went up Breabag in yet another storm and poor visibility. On 3/7, the forecast was dry, clear and light winds but at 11.30, yet another storm blew in for over an hour! Still had a good day on Cul Beag which is one of the best mountains in the area with great views. On 4/7, had a pleasant day on the western Fannaichs over A' Chailleach and Sgurr Breac with great views into Fisherfield. On 5/7, had a very long and strenuous day on Groban, Beinn Bheag and Creag Rainich with not a sign of a path on any of the hills. Great views into Fisherfield though. On 6/7, headed for Braemore Junction to ascend Beinn Eniglair and Meall Doire Faid. Both hills were clear but not the higher ones so no great views! On 7/7, headed for Cul Mor which took longer to clear than forecast so most of the views were lost! On 9/7, headed for Torridon, climbing Creag Dhubh Mhor from Strathcarron on the way. It is a very good viewpoint for Lurg Mhor, Beinn Dronaig and Maol Chean-dearg. On 10/7, had a full day on Beinn Liath Mhor, Sgorr Ruadh and Fuar Tholl. The descent path off Beinn Liath Nhor towards Sgorr Ruadh is now badly eroded. On 11/7, took the Annat path from Annat and ascended the very steep N flank of Maol Chean-dearg then onto An Ruadh-stac, which may be the rockiest peak outside of Skye, before returning on the Annat path. On 12/7, headed to Kinlochewe for an ascent of Slioch on another very badly eroded path. On 13/7, had a very pleasant day on Sgurr na Feartaig from Craig which has a very good path almost all the way to the summit and an interesting bridge to cross! On 14/7, headed for Ullapool via Beinn Ghobhlach which is a fine hill from a distance but quite unpleasant to ascend. On 15/7, headed back to Torridon taking in Beinn Bhreac (formerly Meall Dubh) which is an easy ascent from Inverlael. On 16/7, ascended the two Grahams of Beinn na Feusaige and Carn Breac from near Loch Sgamhain with Carn Breac being an excellent viewpoint for the hills around Beinn Liath Nhor. On 17/7, headed for Applecross and a very steep direct ascent of Beinn a' Chlachain. On 18/7, parked at the top of the Applecross Pass and hada tough walk taking in both Beinn Bhan and Sgurr a' Chaorachain. On 19/7, finished the trip with an ascent of Sgurr a' Gharaidh from Loch an Loin. Sections 12, 13 and 14 are now completed.
September Arran
On 4/9, walked up the tourist path (very easy to follow) to the summit of Goatfell in very foul weather! Nothing seen! On 5/9, the day started just as bad but cleared up giving excellent views but it is a long and strennuous day over Beinn Tarsuinn, Cir Mhor and Caisteal Abhail. On 6/9, the day started with good weather but rapidly went downhill so nothing was seen on Beinn Bharrain and Mullach Buidhe! 7/9 was worse so caught up with web site admin! On 8/9, repeated Mullach Buidhe walk in equally poor weather. On 9/9, finally had good weather so repeated the ascent of Goatfell from Cladach.
September Jura
Stayed at the very nice Port Charlotte Hostel on Islay for 4 nights hoping for a good day but it never really came so on 12/9, got the ferry to Jura and headed for The Paps. This is a very tough round especially after rain and in mist but is worth doing on a clear, dry and cool day after a long dry spell when one will be rewarded with excellent views.
September Killin
En route from Islay on 14/9, climbed the Graham of Cruach nan Mult from the top of Hell's Glen. A short and easy ascent despite the problems caused by recent felling! On 16/9, drove to south of Penicuik for a rough round over Blackhope Scar, Bowbeat Hill and Dundreich – mainly in mist. On 17/9, drove even further, almost to Innerleithen for a round of Windlestraw Law, Bareback Knowe and Whitehope Law. That just leaves Tinto to climb out of all the Donalds and their subsidiary tops. On 19/9, the weather was glorious so drove to Benmore Botanic Gardens for a long walk in, along Loch Eck, to climb Beinn Bheag. On 21/9, again drove to Benmore and ascended Clach Bheinn and and Beinn Mhor by a very strenuous route. On 22/9, headed to the Pentland Hills for a pleasant walk along the Scald Law ridge in a nasty, gusty wind. On 23/9, headed to Glenbranter, at the north end of Loch Eck, for a walk up the rough Creag Tharsuinn in the foulest of weather: thick mist, rain and strong gales. The forecast was dry, clear and sunny! On 25/9, the weather was stated to be clear, dry and sunny already by 8 am but it rained until nearly 11 am and the mist did not fully clear until about 1 pm. On 27/9, headed home via Cruach nan Capull and the Dunoon ferry. Cruach nan Capull possibly offers the best path through a dense forest of any Scottish hill. Now just 2 Munros, 10 Corbetts and 20 Grahams (including 1 Donald) left.
October Isle of Mull
Arrived with poor weather forecast for the whole of the 10 day visit! On 7/10, had a circuit over the Corbett of Dun da Gaoithe, the hill which overlooks Craignure and is well seen from Oban. Probably the worst weather of the year and far worse than forecast with severe gales, thick mist, heavy rain and rough, slippery ground. On 8/10, there was less wind but more rain and thicker mist so just had a straightforward circuit on Ben More. Saw very little. On 9/10, headed for what seems to be the toughest walk on Mull: Creach Beinn and Ben Buie from Lochbuie. The weather was relatively kind but the going was very rough. On 10/10, the forecast was for a reasonable morning with strengthening winds but a very wet and windy rest of the day. For once it was correct! Headed for Beinn Talaidh which is an excellent viewpoint and well worth the steepness of its lower slopes. On 11/10, had another very tough day on Corra-bheinn, Beinn a' Mheadhoin and Cruach Choireadail. On 12/10, good weather was forecast but it was the worst day of weather so far with heavy rain, thick mist and gales gusting severe! Still managed to ascend Beinn Fhada by the pleasant route along its north west ridge. On 13/10, good weather was forecast but never arrived! Again! Ascended Sgurr Dearg, possibly the most pleasant high peak on Mull.
October Fort William
Still plagued by poor weather, on 18/10/17, headed for Stob Ban and Mullach nan Coirean to look at what might be a new Munro Top on the East Top of Mullach nan Coirean. There is now a tiny cairn there. On 19/10/17, had another gentle walk up Meall an t-Slapain across Loch Linnhe in the hope of a few photos of surrounding hills. It was a few! On 21/10, started at Braveheart car park in Glen Nevis for a 10 km to the remains of a prehistoric hill fort on Dun Deardail. Pleasant walk with good views but nothing remains of the fort.
October Golspie & Lairg
On 23/10, headed for West Merkland and a round of Carn an Tionail and Beinn Direach in yet more wet weather. On 24/10, headed back to West Merkland for Ben Hee. Very strong winds, squalls, mist and an unpleasant path! On 25/10, headed for Meallan Liath Coire Mhic Dhughaill but got blown off so made the ascent the following day. On 26/10, headed for Beinn Leoid, Meallan a' Chuaill and Meall an Fheur Loch which is a tough round made a lot tougher in gale force winds.
November Glossop
On the way there, 12/11, walked from the White House to Hebden Bridge using the Pennine Way. It's a very pleasant moorland walk. On 13/11, walked up Far Black Clough to Bleaklow Stones then on to Grinah Stones, Barrow Stones and Swains Head. Rough and pathless in places. On 17/11, had a pleasant, but short, walk up Fairbrook Naze then down Fair Brook. On 18/11, headed for home, taking in a short walk from Castleton which went up the side of Winnats Pass, returning via the Limestone Way and Cave Dale.
December Glossop
A mixed week of heavy snow, a rapid thaw then more heavy snow. On 12/12, had a short walk to Higher Shelf Stones from the top of the Snake Pass. On 14/12, had a short walk from Charlesworth taking in Coombes Edge. On 15/12, went to Pendle Hill and Mearley Moor from the Nick of Pendle.
Late December Lincolnshire
On 27/12, had a pleasant walk in reverse of a previous one from Nettleton to the highest point in Lincolnshire then back along the Nettleton Edge.