Hill: Beinn Dearg (Trossachs)
Date: Friday 5th November 2010
Company: Just me


A short day out in the hills today - but might head out again this afternoon if the weather improves .

Click here to see a map of the route undertaken

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 .