Walking

NW Loch Eck,Trig :- Bike and Hike.

Posted by explorecowal on December 30, 2014

Posted in: Biking, forestry commission, Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: biking, Eck, loch, Trig, walking, Winter. 2 Comments

Decided to try something different,a bike followed by a hike to get to this trig point.

Parking at Glenbranter at the FCS car park, I headed off on the bike for the forestry road section. I’d found an ATV track by chance when descending from Beinn Bheag a good while back, so relocating this track for access to the hill was the next step. Remarkably I found the track, as if I was there yesterday, just as I remembered. The track too steep to cycle up, I pushed the bike the point of the washed out burn crossing then walked the remainder and onto the open hill. There’s a couple of splits in the track, two lefts and a right gets you onto the hill. The second left hand track was unknown to me as my descent on last trip came from the right, but the choice paid off.
The track took me out at the base of the hill, leaving a short and steep ascent to the trig, far easier than I thought it’d be.

Stunning views were to be had, snow covered hills and mountains all around, along with partial views over Loch Eck.
I remember seeing a mast at the top of this hill many years ago, but it had vanished and I never thought anything about it…….until I reached the summit. The control station still exists along with the dismantled mast, the internals of the station stripped out…..a good wee place to hide in extreme weather! Even if there’s no door.

After a wee wander about the tops I returned on the same route, picking up a frosty bike for the downhill return. I’m no mountain biker, mostly forestry roads but I enjoyed hanging of the back of the bike on the track section!! The forestry road hardly took a turn of the pedals to get back to the car, the quickest descent I’ve ever done!!!

Time saving and energy saving……it’s the future!!!! 😉

FCS Glenbranter office

Unloaded

Forestry road

Turning left on to top road

Hill track

Quad track

Left here

Summit on left

Abandoned bike here

Left here

Follow track on right

Summit hill

Looking back

Grassy way,between rocks

First sight of Trig

Old mast station

Lego man,gettin a picture

Loch Eck,Loch Long and beyond

Frozen bike on return

Interactive map and pictures HERE

Location map below.

Knap Burn,Ardentinny. Closed- Taken Back by Nature

Posted by explorecowal on December 27, 2014

Posted in: forestry commission, Walking. Tagged: Ardentinny, Burn, Cowal, Knap, walk, walking. Leave a comment

Took a wee trip to Ardentinny to have a look about,an area I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never walked or cycled. Main objective was to look for an access route onto Creachan Mor,whilst i was there i decided to check out the ‘Knap Burn’ route, signed by the Forestry Commision.

Found an accesss to the hill via the pylons that cross the lower section of the hill,not ideal but once on the hill it’s easy enough to divert away from them.

Continuing on,I checked the GPS and a 5 mile route on forestry roads looked straight forward. Heading NE on the forestry road prior to heading down to ‘Raven’s Rock’ and down to Knap before returning on the lower road to the woodland walk. The section in the NE between the Upper and Lower road is more of an ATV track……….an overgrown one at that !! Doesn’t seem to have been much or any maintenance carried out in this section for a while,quite hard to spot the track from the top road.

There’s the reamians of a building at Knap,an ideal Bothy project!!! I had also noticed a sign at the FCS car park stating the Carrick trail was closed due to damage to the road……….they weren’t wrong !!!

Map with pictures CLICK HERE

Next time i return,it’ll be for a trip to Carrick and back or to conquer Creachan Mor.

Beinn Ruadh, 644mts. A winters walk.

Posted by explorecowal on December 15, 2014

Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: beinn, Cowal, route, ruadh, walking. 2 Comments

Although I’ve walked this hill before , I thought I’d try it from a different approach. Setting off from the FCS car park at Inverchapel,following the red route to the view point then leaving the hardcore track for the open hillside.

I’m not going to lie……….the initial climb over the varied and steep terrain did have me taking a few picture opportunities ( breathers), my legs were paying the price of the constant climb. There is no path, so it’s pretty much do your own thing. I had an idea to follow fence lines but the steep rocky terrain put me off. I’d plotted a rough route,dodging the larger rocky outcrops,so that’s the route I took. Looking on a map and seeing what’s actually on the ground are two different things!! Zig-zagging up the hill I eventually got to the section where I could see the summit,the walk from here is quite straight forward. There are a number of old iron fence posts that guide you to the summit.
On the return, I decided to head out onto some of the outcrops to gain some great views over Loch Eck and the surrounding hills. I also decided to follow the fence line that took me back the the gate,mid hill. Thankfully I never took this route on the way up as the boulder strewn hill was not ideal walking terrain, especially with a dusting of snow. Some voids could take your leg !!

Despite the constant climb,it was a great way to do this hill. A great view was always had,more so with the hills topped with snow.

Below are all my pics (almost 100),I couldn’t bare to miss any out…………….well there is that dodgy ‘selfie’!!! Feel free to print it and it’ll keep the kids away from the fire !!

For interactive map and locations of pictures,click HERE

Sgorach Mor,Cowal. 601 mts.

Posted by explorecowal on November 30, 2014

Posted in: Walking. Tagged: Cowal, loch, mor, sgorach, tarsan, walk, walking. Leave a comment

A walk I’ve not done for a while, Sgorach Mor was on the cards after last weeks trip ti Beinn Mhor. An interesting hill,giving great 360 degree views ( weather permitting ) not forgetting the views over Loch Tarsan.

5.7 (ish) miles :- 3 hrs.

Starting off on forestry roads,then onto a quad track (wet in places) and onwards to the open hill. The open hill is strewn with large boulders to start with along with many rocky outcrops. The summit it’s self is found on top of a rocky mass knows as the ‘volcanic plug’ !! It looks daunting on the approach but as you contour to the left and get to the rear of the hill,an easy final ascent to the summit is found. No trig point on this one,but a well defined Cairn awaits.
I made it up just in time,the clag wasn’t long in closing in on the summit.

A point to worth noting is where you come out of the tree line. Sometimes it can be hard to retrace to find your exit from the hill. I’m pretty sure there’s another way onto this hill from the top track,it looks to come out to the open hill by the burn at top of the climb then follow the fence line to Sgorach Mor, I just stuck to what I found last time up there.

Map of Route.

Interactive map with pictures and stats, click HERE

Beinn Mhor,Cowal. 741mts.

Posted by explorecowal on November 24, 2014

Posted in: Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: beinn, Cowal, mhor. Leave a comment

A quick note,on a trip to Beinn Mhor,one of Cowal’s Graham’s.

I decided in my wisdom to start this walk nice and early………….06.20 on Sunday morning. Needless to say the ascent was done in the dark with the aid of a head torch,switching off as I headed out of the trees onto the open hillside.

Starting of from the small car park at the top of Glenmassan,up the forestry road till it branched of to the right just beyond the old sheep fank. From here following another forestry road as it winds its way up the hill and into to trees. Eventually the road is reduced to a quad track,this is well defined and easy to follow. Once out the trees and onto the open hill I followed the track over to the left, contouring round the bottom of the hill then finally onto the ridge. The quad track from here leads you right to the summit,an easy navigation on all accounts.

I’ll do this walk again,maybe in daylight and favourable conditions so I can get some decent pictures.

Below are some pics, mostly on the way down due to darkness on way up !! Gives a rough idea of the type of terrain covered. Even encountered my first snow shower of the season !!!

360 degree video from summit

The snow shower

For some reason the GPS paused when heading to the summit, hence the ‘ as the crow flys ‘ straight line to the summit. The return shows the route better. Following the quad track makes sure you’ll find the exit from open hill to forest.

Route 26. The planning.

Posted by explorecowal on October 14, 2014

Posted in: Biking, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, Cowal26, glenbranter, marathon, toward. Leave a comment

Route:Toward Hall to Glenbranter Forestry Office.
Length: 26.2 miles 41.9 km
Ascent: +1345m -1327m
Naismith: 10h 38m (walking pace)
Terrain : Forestry road and short sections of rural paved road.

I was looking to create a route similar in distance to the Loch Eck Loop, a route that isn’t weather dependent (lower level) or to difficult to navigate but still giving rewarding views. As always staying away from public roads as much as possible and making the route manageable in smaller sections if need be. The availability of public transport is always a bonus. The route can be either cycled or walked and tackled in either direction.

A scenic route, starting from Toward, South Cowal extending to Glenbranter,south of Strachur.

Leaving Toward,heading north, passing above Innellan and Dunoon enjoying view over the Firth of Clyde. Continuing through to Glenkin and on to Glenmassan, before heading to Benmore and finishing at Glenbranter.

I’m going to aim for the 26.2 miles as that’d make it a marathon, should Cowal ever hold it’s own Marathon Trail Run

Please click HERE for interactive map.

Map will default to Auto,however there should be an option in the drop down menu (top right of map) to choose ‘Ordnance Survey GB’. If it’s not an option you may have to register with an email and password (Login). Perhaps set up an email and password (Login) for your club/group that can be shared.

0 miles to 9.5 miles.

Had an afternoon off work, so managed to cover the south section of Route 26. Toward Hall to the link bridge in Bishops Glen,Dunoon. Works in at exactly 9.5 miles.
Got to Toward via a lift but there is a bus service that takes you to the start point.

Further route info available on an interactive map with Route,Statistics and Pictures, click below.
Interactive map HERE.

Pictures from walk,due to light and conditions pictures aren’t the best but give an idea of views and route.

9.5 to 17.65 miles

A wet and windy Sunday morning! Might as well record some of the route in the worst conditions!!
Started off where section 1 finished at the link bridge at the Bishops Glen. This route takes in, Dunoon, Sandbank, Glenkin, Ballochyle, Lower Glenmassan and Benmore with lots to see ( weather permitting ).
Bridge to Bridge came in at 8.15 miles and took me 2hr 45mins, that’s including stopping for pics but little else in the conditions.

See below for pictures and interactive map.

Viewranger have made it possible to view pictures from the route rather than the track only. Clicking on the camera icon at each location should bring up a picture below the map. You can zoom in and out and pan round the map. Any feedback welcome on this mapping system.

INTERACTIVE MAP BY CLICKING HERE

17.65 to 26.2

I finally got round to recording the final section of route 26. This section starts off at Benmore Gardens and finishes at Glenbranter. A scenic loch side journey.

Once I’d figured out where the 26.2 accumulative total ended, I continued the loop of Loch Eck, decided to take the bike for this section so I could get the miles in.

The mathematics were done,I needed 8.55 miles to get the the 26.2 from the bridge at Benmore. Now,whilst it’s not an exact science but this distance brought me to a forestry gate,right in front of Glenshellish farm……an excellent finishing point.

Interactive map with pictures can be found by clicking HERE. It’s for the full Loch Eck Loop but details the western flank of the loch for Route 26. Could always continue and make the route an Ultra!! (38.5ish miles).

There marks the end of Route 26. Its an extra half mile to the Forestry Commissions office.

Now just to piece it all together in one run and report back.

Some scenic footage of sections 2 & 3. Dunoon to Glenbranter.

Cruach nan Cuilean and Cruach Mhor wind farm in Glendaruel.

Posted by explorecowal on October 11, 2014

Posted in: Cowalfest, Walking. Tagged: cruach nan cuilean, walk, walking, wind farm. Leave a comment

Another walk programmed by Cowalfest.

This time setting off from the B836 heading to Cruach nan Cuilean and over to Cruach Mhor wind farm in Glendaruel. I’ve visited both the hill and the wind farm but never tied the two together,so today was an excellent opportunity to do so. Our guide for today was Jim Campbell from Bute,who knows the area very well.

Conditions were not ideal due to the low cloud on the hill reducing any views to zero,but it was calm and dry for the majority of the walk so I’ll settle for that. Terrain,open hillside following deer paths,sheep paths and joining anything in between.

Interactive map with stats and pictures can be found by clicking HERE You can zoom in and see what part of the route the pictures were taken.

Info on wind farm can be found HERE

Previous trip report,different route……same hill. Gives some idea of the views that can be had. Click HERE for details.

Thanks to all who attended and made it a great day on the hill.

Favourite picture of the day…………..

Succothmore,Strachur. B29 Bomber crash site.

Posted by explorecowal on October 4, 2014

Posted in: Cowalfest, Walking. Tagged: B29, bomber, Cowalfest, crash, plane, succoth, walking. 1 Comment

Today was my first ever ‘Cowalfest’ walk, guided by John Ferguson.

John

A walk I’ve been wanting to do for years but never had the time or quite sure of an exact route.

Six keen walkers turned up to be guided to the crash site of the B29 Bomber. The Flying Fortress came down after clipping a nearby summit due to whats is thought to have been icing of the wings. This was back in 1949.
The walk it’s self was great…..forest roads, tracks, burn crossings, waterfalls, open hillside and that all important crash site.
Below are photos taken en route to the crash site,the site it’s self and a few returning via the same route.

John

A big thanks to John and Robert for their guidance on the walk and the organisers of Cowalfest.

Fully interactive map of route along with stats and locations of where pictures were taken. Click HERE

Further info on the crash site HERE

Cowal High Way

Posted by explorecowal on August 25, 2014

Posted in: Cowal High Way, forestry commission, Trig Point, Walking. Tagged: Cowal, high, walking, way. Leave a comment

Planning on covering a route through Cowal with minimum walking on public paved roads. Whilst this can be done at lower level, I prefer off the beaten track with a bit of elevation for views. Not the easiest of walking in some areas (not defined paths all the way) , underfoot can be of varied terrain. Trying to split routes into sections that can be done in a day. Hopefully starting / stopping at points where vehicles can be left or lifts arranged,even public transport is available on some. Of course,some wild camping can be done if your that way inclined.

I’ll be updating this entry as I complete sections.

Map scale 1:25000 advisable as this shows the fence line for navigation on the latter sections.

Section 1

Dunoon(Kilbride FCS Car Park)-Bishops Seat (504mts)-Leacann nan Gall(568mts)-Cruach nan Capull(611mts)-Cruach Neuran(607mts)- Loch Tarsan (Coll dam).

Section one – Route 16kms/10 miles.

Ascent: +1229m -1167m ,Naismith: 5h 11m

Forestry road to start with then onto the open hills,navigation is aided by a fence line (which is quite convenient) once you’ve passed ‘Giants Knowe’ and contoured round the hillside.

Breakdown of route 1

Dunoon (Kilbride) to Bishops Seat

Bishops Seat to Leacann nan Gall

Leacann nan Gall to Cruach nan Capull to Cruach Neuran

Cruach Neuran to Coll Dam ( more detailed to show descent through fire break

Below are a selection of pictures,they are in sequence of the walk. Please click on them for full details.

Route to forestry road

Timber

View over dunoon

Cairns at turn of for Bishops Seat

Bridge to Bishops Seat

Views to Loch Eck and beyond

Bishops Seat summit

Cruach nan Capull in distance

Firth of Clyde

The ridge of Cruach nan Capull and summit od Cruach Neuran in the distance.

Giants Knowe looking over Glenkin.

Glemkin

Gully

Navigation aid

The 2nd climb begins

Looking back to covered ground

Loch Striven

The summit of Cruach nan Capull

Final climb to Cruach nan Capull.

Steep wee climb

Cruach nan Capull Summit

Cruach nan Capull summit

Mid Hill to Cruach Neuran

Steep descent from Cruch nan Capull to Mid Hill

Looking back to summitof Cruach nan Capull.

Out the passing shower for lunch.

Leading to burn you follow to Cruach Neuran

Following the Burn

Stag hiding…not very well!

Looking back over to Cruach nan Capull

Cruach Neuran Summit

Cruach Neuran Summit

Wrapped up after challenge.

The pool I took my ‘ Ice bucket challenge’ in. A facebook craze where your nominated by a friend in aid of charity.

Loch Tarsan

Loch Tarsan and beyond

Loch Tarsan

Entrance to fire break

Fire break descent

Avoiding wind blown trees

Forest break at Pylons

Coll Dam

Altitude Chart

Just worked out that this walk is only 123mts less in ascent than doing Ben Nevis !!! Over pretty much the same distance!!

Bishops Glen, High Loop.

Posted by explorecowal on August 7, 2014

Posted in: forestry commission, Walking. Tagged: Bishops, Cowal, glen, Kilbride. Leave a comment

Bishops Glen, High Loop
4 Miles (Approx)
Start/Finish Kilbride car park.

A circular route on forestry roads and tracks. Includes 1 burn crossing and one stream crossing,which are easy enough if rivers not in full spate after prolonged rain.

Leaving Kilbride car park, continuing on forestry road taking the trail on the left (marked by Blue/Yellow marker posts), climb till you meet the forestry road again.

The view will be opening up behind you.

From the trail turn right and follow the forestry road downhill to the S bend, you leave the road and cross the burn and join the path on the other side. The path continues till it meets another forestry road.

From here turn right and follow the road as it heads towards the town, you’ll eventually come to a fork in the road. Take the road on the right as it turns back on its self heading down to the link bridge and continue on the road back to the car park.

A good walk without climbing too high for stunning views over Dunoon.

Explore Cowal

"Take nothing but pictures…leave nothing but footprints..kill nothing but time".