Hill: Carn Breugach (Kerrera)
Date: Tuesday 28th December 2010
Company: Just me
Dog friendly: Not via my route (lots of barbed-wire fences)
Snow was still down to ground-level in Tyndrum this morning, so I drove in the direction of Oban hoping there would be less snow out West.
I had no particular hill(s) in mind today.
As I made my way towards Oban, I remembered the Marilyn on the island of Kerrera, however, I wasn't sure if the ferry would be running today. I decided to take the chance and followed the signs for the Kerrera ferry.
I waited for half-an-hour or so and was well-pleased when I saw the ferry make its way across the Sound of Kerrera
.
Kerrera and Carn Breugach from jetty near Gallanachbeg:
Kerrera ferry:
It only took the Kerrera ferry about 5 minutes to cross the Sound of Kerrera.
Sound of Kerrera from Kerrera ferry:
I had no map with me today, so it was just a case of make up a route as I went along.
I followed the road/track from the jetty towards Balliemore farm.
Kerrera Church:
Near Balliemore farm was a brightly-painted trailer. Possibly the brightest
landmark on the island
.
Kerrera Collectables?:
After passing Balliemore farm, I continued along the track until I was at the high-point of the track.
I then took to the hillside towards the summit.
Looking back towards Slaterich:
Looking along Kerrera towards Oban:
I initially ascended the 175m top before ascending the main top.
Carn Breugach:
Distant trig point on Carn Breugach:
Approaching summit of Carn Breugach:
The views today were not bad considering the amount of cloud. I think this would be a wonderful viewpoint on a nice clear day.
Summit cairn (Mull in background):
Sound of Kerrera from summit of Carn Breugach:
Oban from summit of Carn Breugach:
Looking across Sound of Kerrera towards castle (zoomed):
Duart Point and Duart Castle on Mull (zoomed):
Oban (zoomed):
From the summit, I took a more direct route back heading directly towards Balliemore farm. On reaching the farm, I then took the road/track back to the jetty.
I really enjoyed the ascent of this hill but was glad I didn't have Beinn with me today. I think I climbed at least 6 barbed-wire fences.
I figured I had enough time to ascend another wee Sub2000 Marilyn before dark.
Unfortunately, I don't know the Oban area that well and I hadn't looked into other Sub2000ft Marilyns in the area. I therefore made my way North towards Duror for an ascent of Ardsheal
Hill.
Hill: Ardsheal Hill
Date: Tuesday 28th December 2010
Company: Just me
Dog friendly: Yes
I parked in the very large car park at the Community Hall in Duror.
I then followed the track up the hill towards the summit.
Nice easy ascent
.
Ardsheal hill:
Looking across to Beinn a'Bheither:
Ascending Ardsheal hill:
There is a transmitter just below the summit.
At the summit I was surprised to meet a friendly couple with a dog.
After explaining what Marilyns are, we parted company
.
View down Loch Linnhe:
View towards Sallachan Point and Ardgour:
Trig point on Ardsheal hill:
Fraocaidh from Ardsheal hill:
At the summit I spent some time checking out the Corbett Fraochaidh. Looks like there are several potential ways up through the trees. I think I might now ascend Fraochaidh from Duror.