Beinn Tulaichean

'The hill abounding in little heaps or knolls'

23rd January 

At the end of the narrow, but very scenic public road, beyond Loch Doine, there is a small purpose built parking/picnic area which always seems to be busy with cars; the road isn't really suitable for minibuses or coaches as there are not many passing places on the 10 mile stretch beyond the 'honeypot' of Rob Roy's grave in Balquidder.

Luckily there was still room for us.

Walking from the farm of Inverlochlarig  towards the slopes of Beinn Tulaichean the landscape is reminiscent of the rugged terrain found north of the Great Glen. 

We left the farmyard following the signs beside Inverlochlarig Burn - it's incredibly boggy for a while, you have to watch your step.

Beinn Tulaichean is (technically) a shoulder of Cruach Ardrain - its lower southern top.

However Sir Hugh had classified it and Andrew still had to stand on it's summit..........

This 3D map view shows our route in green, it was pretty much our own choice, as there isn't a path. 

A couple of minor craggy bits give interest to this 'plod'.

Despite being January, there wasn't much snow or ice.

As always, we search out any patches of the white stuff for fun and to ease aching knees.

There was a beautiful curved bank leading to the summit - soft snow on a hard base, perfect to play on.

Its an unremarkable top...........

.....however, it's good to be out on the hills when there is snow underfoot.

Andy had a closer look at the snow bowl - we wanted a safe run out avoiding the boulder!

Views west were good with interesting shower clouds adding drama.

Despite being of modest height, our hill did hold a fair bit of snow on the top.

Stob a Choin is to the south; its a craggy wee mountain

Ron - at the end of a sitting glissade - that's what you get when you open your legs too wide......

A particularly fine view along Lochs Doine & Voil, with the backdrop of Stuc a Chroin & Ben Vorlich.

Sheltered from the elements, deer and sheep, this boulder had a solitary Rowan cowering in a cleft. The Rowans (Sorbus Aucuparia) are always opportunists seeking out niches in a harsh environment.
It's not quite as dramatic a position as the 'Rannoch Rowan' - however this erratic has a name; 
Clach na Guiseach, 'The stone of the long slender grass' - you wonder about the origins of this name, as a lot of social history has been lost since the clearances.

We called in on Monachyle Mhor (the hill of the big wood) for a coffee. 

It was eerie wandering through dark deserted hotel corridors with signs of refurbishment going on all around.

Full marks to the owner and staff for opening up for us, such a refreshing change to get good service. Fresh coffee and shortbread went down a treat.

Ron, Dee, Bill, Roni and Andy