Date: Saturday 15th February 2025
Company: Myself and Ann-Marie
Distance: 14.2km, Ascent: 405m
Time: 3Hrs 30Mins
We set out this morning to ascend Stronend, a Sub2000ft Marilyn in the Gargunnock Hills. I ascended its neighbour, Carleatheran, in July 2017. We parked in the same small parking area that I used for my ascent of Carleatheran and once suited and booted, we commenced walking along the road to reach the start of the track towards Ballochleam farm.
Route:
Track to Ballochleam:
Alas, our walk today would be undertaken in low cloud with non-existent views. It was however still great to get out for a walk. During the walk in along the track past Ballochleam, we passed a Stonechat, a Reed Bunting and several Wren.
Track beyond Ballochleam:
Ascent towards Spout of Ballochleam:
I was surprised to reach the snowline at a height of around 300m.
Above the snowline:
At the junction with tracks leading to Carleatheran and Stronend we saw a 'Welcome to the Moor' sign. This seems to be a standard sign used by numerous grouse moors as I have seen the same sign in different locations numerous times previously.
Welcome to the moor sign:
We then climbed over the gate, as seen in the next photo, to head for Stronend.
Start of track towards Stronend:
The track today was not always obvious. You need to cross a small burn just beyond the dam.
Track beyond the small dam:
There are numerous grouse butts located beyond the dam and there were numerous red grouse in the area. Great to see my first red grouse of the year taking my 2025 UK Bird Year List to 113.
Grouse butts:
As we progressed towards the summit, I managed to lose the track under the snow. After some fairly hard heather-bashing it was great to relocate it.
Limited visibility during ascent:
On reaching the summit shelter and trig point we took a few photos before heading straight back; there was no point hanging about as there were no views and it was cold.
Summit shelter and trig point:
Walking alongside a large pipe:
During the walk back along the track to Ballochleam, as well as again seeing the Reed Warbler, we also saw Great Tit, Blue Tit and Long-tailed Tits.
Back onto the track to Ballochleam:
Great to get up my first wee Scottish Hill of the year. Having recently taken early retirement, I hope it will be the first of many. I really need to focus on finishing my final 29 Munro Tops and final 31 Wainwrights.