Date: Friday 15th February 2019
Company: Just myself
Distance: 18.5km, Ascent: 780m
Time: 5Hrs 10Mins
After work yesterday, I drove to Brora where I parked-up for the evening. This morning I was treated to a beautiful sunrise.
Pre-sunrise at Brora:
Pre-sunrise at Brora:
Shortly after 08:00, I drove to Gordonbush for an ascent of Carn Garbh, a Sub2000ft Marilyn north of Brora.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
Once suited and booted, I set off along the track through a lovely forest. It was a beautiful morning, far better than had been forecast.
View towards Beinn Smeorail from just beyond Gordonbush:
The nice forest unfortunately did not last long and I was soon onto a typical over-sized windfarm track. The good track was however a pleasure to walk on compared to what was yet to come.
Beinn Smeorail:
On reaching Breach-achadh, I passed a small herd of H'lan Coos. During my many years of walking, I have never had any problems with H'lan Coos. They are lovely docile animals. I can't say the same for normal cows having been attacked previously.
Looking back towards Carrol Rock:
On approaching the windfarm, I was treated to an array of over-sized Health and Safety signs each demanding compliance. I just ignored them as I am sure they are meant for SSE workers.
Heading for the Gordonbush Windfarm:
As I progressed along the track, I could see a large bird heading in my direction. My initial thought was, "It's a Buzzard". Then, "That's no Buzzard". My camera was grabbed out of its case and I was able to fire off a few shots before it passed by. I had my fingers-crossed at least one of the pics would come out in focus as the auto-focus on my Canon 18-200mm lens is currently playing-up and needs repaired.
Golden Eagle:
Golden Eagle:
I watched the Eagle as it soared away into the distance. What a marvellous bird.
From the highlight of the walk, to the walk low-point, I entered the windfarm! A windfarm of 35 turbines which in walking through sounded like an airport. I am not a fan of turbines on the hills but do prefer them to nuclear. Please, please, please just keep them competely away from the North-West Highlands!
Entering the windfarm:
On reaching one of the turbines, I left the excellent windfarm tracks and entered tussocks from hell. I took my time to avoid hurting my already knackered knees dropping down to a small burn and then ascending to the col between Meallan Liath Mor and Meallan Liath Beag. From the col, I had to lose a fair bit of height dropping down to another burn before commencing my ascent of Sron Garbh.
During the ascent, I aimed for the co-ordinates of a Vickers Wellington R1093 wreck which crashed on 30th July 1941. The crew were on a navigation training flight from RAF Lossiemouth when they flew into Carn Garbh kiling four out of six on board.
There are small pieces of wreckage over a sizeable area with most of the wreckage in two spots.
Vickers Wellington R1093 wreckage:
Vickers Wellington R1093 wreckage:
After spending some time looking at the wreckage I continued on to the summit of Carn Garbh. It was great to see Morven from the summit, a fantastic Fiona.
At the summit of Carn Garbh:
Morven from the summit of Carn Garbh (zoom):
It was also nice to see Ben Griam Mor and Ben Griam Beag, two good Marilyns located in flow-country near Forsinard.
Ben Griam Mor and Ben Griam Beag from the summit of Carn Garbh (zoom):
I returned via approximately the same route, again passing the wreckage in descent.
Heading back towards the windfarm:
Passing the wreckage again in descent:
During the walk out I was surprised to meet two other walkers heading for Carn Garbh. They were also heading to see the plane wreck prior to attaining the summit.
Breach-achadh:
It was good to get back to the van and get the boots off. 18.5km distance and 780m ascent for a wee Marilyn was more than anticipated. Not the most interesting of hills but glad I did it or I would not have seen the eagle.