I parked at the start of the vehicle track that leads to the masts on Ben Gullipen.
The weather wasn't too bad at the outset.
Ascent through forest towards Ben Gullipen:
The track as far as Ben Gullipen is pretty-good, albeit quite wet today.
Looking across to Ben Ledi from track:
View from track:
Callander:
Looking towards Ben Gullipen:
Looking back towards Callander and Beinn Uamha:
There are three sizeable masts at the summit.
Masts at summit of Ben Gullipen:
The walk from Ben Gullipen to Beinn Dearg was a walk through clag.
There is a small top in between Ben Gullipen and Beinn Dearg which can be ascended or skirted round.
Beinn Dearg from Ben Gullipen:
Lochan Balloch:
Approaching summit of Beinn Dearg:
The summit of Beinn Dearg is at a meeting of three fences. No views today
.
Looking back from summit of Beinn Dearg:
On the way back from Ben Gullipen to Beinn Dearg, I had a bit of a Groundhog day
moment
.
I descended to what I thought was the col and then re-ascended what I thought was Ben Gullipen. Turns out I ended back at the summit of Beinn Dearg.
Serves me right for walking in the clag without a compass or GPS
.
From Ben Gullipen back to the car it was really chucking it down.
Back to Trossachs Tryst to dry out a bit
.
Hill: Conic Hill
Date: Friday 5th November 2010
Company: Just me
Having ascended Beinn Dearg this morning, I set off this afternoon for it's neighbouring Marilyn, Craig of Monievreckie. When I got to the starting point the rain was pi$$in' down. I therefore kept on driving round to Balmaha for an ascent of Conic hill instead. Was glad I did as it is a cracking wee hill
.
I parked in the large car park at Balmaha and set off along the West Highland Way track.
Start of walk from large car park at Balmaha:
West Highland Way track:
On reaching a track junction, I took a left to ascend up through the forest.
Steps through the forest:
Gate beyond forest:
I thought the autumn colours were nice today.
Conic hill:
As I ascended, Loch Lomond come into view.
Conic hill is a great viewpoint for Loch Lomond and its' islands.
Loch Lomond:
Loch Lomond islands:
Loch Lomond:
I followed the wide wet track towards the 358m top, meeting several groups en-route.
Wide track up Conic hill:
Wide wet path:
Loch Lomond islands:
On reaching the 358m top I wasn't sure if it was the summit or not.
There wasn't a cairn so I suspected not. I therefore carried along the ridge as far as the top with the cairn, which is the actual summit.
358m top of Conic hill:
Looking towards 358m top from summit:
Loch Lomond again:
I decided to stick to the ridge line during the descent. This route was really enjoyable as it involves some easy scrambling on conglomerate rock.
Looking along ridge of Conic hill:
Loch Lomond again:
Looking back at scramble descent:
Campsies:
Looking back at Conic hill ridge:
Balmaha:
I really enjoyed this hill. One I will definitely be doing again
.