Date: Friday 20th January 2023
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 11.2km, Ascent: 720m
Time: 4Hrs
The weather forecast for today was outstanding but due to the depth of unconsolidated snow, considerable hazard avalanche warnings and ongoing injuries, we opted to stay relatively low. Ann-Marie picked me up from home just before 5am and we ventured south with a view to ascending one of my outstanding Marilyns. By the time we reached Dundee, we had agreed on an ascent of Dumgoyne and Earl's Seat.
We parked in a lay-by near the Glengoyne Distillery.
In advance of undertaking this walk, I had reviewed the route map on WalkHighlands for an ascent of these hills but found their suggested route to be outdated in that there are signs at the start of their suggested track advising not to use this track and instead to use the core path which starts to the south of the distillery. The route we undertook is below. Have contacted WalkHighlands to let them know.
Route:
Glengoyne Distillery:
The wide grassy track which starts from just south of the distillery was frozen hard. From the outset, Dumgoyne looked a cracking wee hill.
Dumgoyne:
Dumgoyne is certainly a steep wee hill; no gentle walk-in!
Dumgoyne:
Looking back:
We managed the ascent of Dumgoyne without use of crampons but it was quite icy in places.
Ascending Dumgoyne:
The view of distant snow-clad Ben Lomond from the summit of Dumgoyne was particularly nice.
At the summit of Dumgoyne:
Looking out towards Earl's Seat from the summit of Dumgoyne:
From the summit of Dumgoyne we opted to descend via the same route before making our way out towards Earl's Seat. For the descent of Dumgoyne we used our crampons, removing them once back onto the gentler terrain leading out towards Earl's Seat.
Looking back to Dumgoyne:
Looking back:
View towards Loch Lomond, Ben Lomond and the Arrochar hills during ascent:
The terrain out to Earl's Seat was frozen solid. I suspect this route could be boggy in places in warmer temperatures.
Earl's Seat:
On reaching the summit trig point we stopped to take some pics and have a drink before returning back via the same route with the exception of skirting round Dumgoyne.
At the summit of Earl's Seat:
View towards Ben Lomond and the Arrochar hills (zoom):
While the track was very icy in places, it was fairly straightforward to avoid the ice.
Icy track:
Looking back to Dumgoyne:
This was an enjoyable walk in great conditions. Dumgoyne is a wonderful small hill (volcanic plug) and is certainly superior to Earl's Seat.