Log 15 Feb 2009

TROSSACHS 15 FEBRUARY 2009

Beinn a'Choin was the peak named on the programme, but Donald as co-ordinator for the day suggested that it was not the most interesting hill in that area, and so two Marilyns on the south side of the road were tackled.

Donald, Andy and Billy plus Noelle, Fraser and Allan C set off in two cars, and parked at NN 40611 08655 on B829.  
The route was a fairly gentle uphill to BEINN UAMHA.   There were increasing areas of wet snow underfoot.   The cloudbase was at about Munro height, and the temperature above freezing.   The descent towards BEINN DUBH was initially very interesting through crags.   Beinn Dubh  would be fairly confusing in mist, as it has a number of gently rounded "tops".  
An attempted descent through forest to a marked track by lochside back to the road was frustrated by cliffs at NN 412 050, and we had to reascend and go round the top of the forest until eventually a clear felled area gave somewhat laborious access to an unmarked road through the forest, which emerged almost at the cars.  

The first hill had many interesting features which made the choice well worth while, and the cliffs above the forest were much bigger and more extensive than the map would have indicated.

Refreshment was found in front of the fire and TV football in the Black Bull pub in Gartmore.

The walk took in about 16 k plus something over 600m of ascent, and took 7 hours due to the detour and the clear felled area on descent.

Report by Fraser Gold