Blethering Blonde

Winter weather has been very fickle this year.  This week had seen a dump of snow only for it to be mostly washed away.  So we weren't sure what we were going to be doing hill wise for Craggy's stay at the newly refurbished Glen Nevis Hostel . When the decision was taken to go for this date Alan had a cunning plan for doing the Ring of Steall with a few of us thinking of the Aonachs via the Gondola from Nevis Range. However........... Good old mother nature may have given a weather window of opportunity but not really of the kind that meant all the original targets were still in play. 50mph winds and a -5C windchill with snow showers were mentioned.  Backup plans B, C, D  were discussed with the Loch Lochy Munros in sight for Alan, Barry, Eleanor, Malcolm and Roddy.  Steve, Kathryn, Niamh, Susan and myself had the Corbett Beinn Bhan if the gondola was off. The morning arrived and the gondola was on.  Wind can't be that bad.......... or so we t...

So........ the plan was the "easy" group of hills to the west of Glenshee Ski Centre.  There are 3 Munros in the route given on Walk Highlands.  Carn Aosda ,  Carn a' Gheoidh  and  The Cairnwell   However.......... the jet stream is currently sitting over Scotland and didn't we know it. The weather when we arrived at Glenshee was better than expected. There was snow at the car pack at 650m but there was also blue sky. That was what lulled us into a false sense of security as we headed to the first target of Carn Aosda. With not enough snow to ski we had te hill to ourselves so just headed directly up one of the ski runs.  As we topped out we were soon getting the full hit of the 50 - 70 mph winds. Discussion quickly ensued on amending the plan. Going back down was the consensus. Even moving off the summit took a lot longer than anticipated as every time we went to move the wind got stronger!!!!!! Once onto the service track we...

There was an excellent turn out for today's Craggy adventure on the Merrick of 14 humans and 3 dugs.  It wasn't a day for our favoured route round the five lochs as rain was forecast to come in anytime between midday and 3pm.   As it was a big group the mountain goats of Gail and Barry went off first while the rest of us sauntered up from the starting point a Bruce's Stone.  There's been some tree felling of the lower section since our last visit which certainly had me a bit disorientated as we headed up.   Before long we were clear of the treeline and that was when the wind kicked in.  So much for the heatwave the weather bods were talking about.  No evidence of any heatwave here!! There was no messing about today as it was a bit of a battle to keep upright at the summit and not much in the way of views.  So with various speeds being taken on the descent some managed to make it back before the ra...

There have been so many excuses used for not getting our act in gear and getting over to the Isle of Mull.  A big one was wanting to go outwith the tourist season but up until now, there was a real issue getting accommodation.  So I thought I was setting Steve a mission impossible when I said I wanted to go for my birthday.  But the boy came up trumps when he found  Cill Mhoire Lodges in Dervaig  😃 Having a birthday in February means you really are in the hands of the weather gods.  This birthday was no exception but the weather gods had decided to give me the present of Storm Erik.  It certainly made the ferry crossing entertaining but at least we got there. While the initial plan for the weekend might have been Ben More and possibly the Corbett  Dun da Ghaoithe, those ideas were quickly binned in favour of exploring the islands beaches and otter spotting.  There are certainly plenty of beaches to chose from around the island ...

It was that time again......... the Craggy annual pilgrimage to the Luss Hills.  Today it was just Steve, Jake and Elaina making the most of the perfect weather conditions. It wasn't as snowy underfoot as last year but there was still enough to give us lots of pretty pictures.  Route details on Walk Highlands And off we go, heading up Beinn Dubh Sun glinting on Loch Lomond The boys and Ben Lomond  Views opening up as we reach the first Beinn Dubh Arrochar Alps looking magnificent  Ben Lomond On the summit of Beinn Dubh Heading down off Mid Hill Looking back up Mid Hill

There were a lot of options on offer today from  Air na Creagan Mountaineering Club   with other members off having adventures in Glen Shiel and the Mamores. We'd opted to stay local doing a walk on Irvine Bogside and Garnock Floods which Alan L has been enticing us with. Irvine station was the start point for Alan L, Eleanor, Gail, Steve, Tracey, Noah and Honey dog.  The first section of the walk follows the National Cycle Route 7 which also doubles up with the Ayrshire Coastal Path .  When you get to Irvine Golf Club, it's time to leave the NCR7 and head over to Irvine Bogside SSSI .  This also happens to have the abandoned Irvine Bogside Racecourse which used to host the Scottish Grand National. Heading south on the old racecourse track You really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere as you make your way round the old track looking over the River Garnock to the Ardeer peninsula and the now empty Big Idea. Looking over the River Garnock...