It was around 4pm when I left my car on an area of waste ground just off the A924 Kirkmichael to Pitlochry Road at the start of the private road for Glen Fearnach. Other than the sign indicating the glen road was private they’re didn’t appear to be any problem parking here.
Once organised I walked a short distance west along the A924 to just beyond Straloch School where I headed north up a narrow road then through a couple of stock gates to reach the edge of a forest. I climbed up the side of these trees over rough ground following animal trails when possible. On clearing the forest the gradient eased and I made my way to the summit of the Graham Top, Creag an t-Sithein. (also a Hump)
From there I descended north then north-west across pathless terrain to the col with Bad an Tuirc before climbing this Tump. My next target was Carn Dubh so I continued in a north-westerly direction descending to a boggy col.
Once clear of it I headed for Coire Breac as I needed to collect water for my meal. On reaching the burn flowing out of the Coire I was pleased to discover a good flow but rather than collect water there I followed the stream well into the Coire before filling up.
It was hard work and slow going climbing out of the Coire due to the rough vegetation and the extra weight but eventually I made it to the summit of Carn Dubh, a Sub Simm, where there were remnants of an old stone dyke.
A short descent then an easy climb on a path led to my final hill of the day, the Corbett, Ben Vuirich. Its summit trig point was surrounded by a circular cairn and looked a good sheltered spot to do my cooking. I had a wander round the summit area taking in the views of Beinn a’ Ghlo, down to Loch Moraig and Blair Atholl as well as looking for a spot to pitch my tent.
However the ground was rather stony so I opted to return to Carn Dubh and there found an area sheltered from the breeze. There was a late glimpse of the sun but no sunset so after my meal I retired to my tent.
I didn’t sleep well and at one point heard an engine noise which turned out to be a plane high above me headed north in the starry sky so I watched the flashing lights for some time. The sky was reddish to the east for ages before the sun rose.
It had been a chilly night so I needed extra clothing while packing up then I set off south-east down rough and rocky ground which made for slow progress but at least it was warming up. The next section across to the Sub Dodd, Meal Daimheidh, was a bit boggy with some peat hags before the descent north-east into Gleann Fearnach.
I had thought it might be possible to cross the Allt Fearnach and climb Beinn a’ Chruachain by its north face but despite the wide river being fairly shallow there was an electric fence with cattle on the far bank so instead I walked south to the footbridge and crossed the river there.
The field beyond had been ploughed but a track up the middle led to the upper gate. From there I climbed the Graham Top, Beinn a’ Chruachain, a fine hill and viewpoint.
My next target was Creagan Uaine but to avoid the loss of too much height I descended south-east, crossed the Allt Linne a’ Bhuirein and made the easy ascent south-west to the summit of this Sub Dodd. From there I headed in a south-easterly bearing crossing the Allt a’ Choire Charnaich and climbing the Tump, Bar Achaidh.
The final hill of the day, Creag Dubh-leitir, wasn’t far away so after a descent through heather to some wet ground there was more heather and some rocks to cross to reach the summit of this Tump.
It was then a steep descent south through rocks before heading west across fields to re-join the private road in Gleann Fearnach, south of the Lodge. A short walk down this tarred road returned me to my car.
Day One
- Time taken – 4.5 hours.
- Distance – 11 kilometres.
- Height climbed 915 metres.
Day Two
- Time taken – 5.75 hours.
- Distance – 14.25 kilometres.
- Height climbed – 535 metres.