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August Day Trip to Ossian Crianlarich

This was our second attempt to take the train to Corrour for a day walk in the Loch Ossian area. Last year the morning train was cancelled. This year we found out late on Friday night that the evening return train on Saturday would not run 'due to a shortage of train crew' and that it had not run on Thursday or Friday either for the same reason. A series of late night then early morning emails and texts resulted in a new plan for the days activities. Three of us decided to go to Crianlarich and find a walk there, Andy and Gwen stayed local and walked around the south side of Glasgow, and Hilary was even more local with a walk around her garden.

I took the train to Crianlarich and met up with Steven and Heidi. Over coffee in the nearby hotel (the station cafe had not opened) we decided to climb Beinn Chaorach, a Corbett near Tyndrum. We then made our way to the Auchtertyre wigwams and the start point for our walk.  The first part of our walk followed the track into Gleann a'Chlachain as far as the Mountain Woodland Regeneration Project and its eco-friendly, wind powered electric fence. From here we had 350m of ascent up steep grassy slopes to the summit trig point. It was also here that the first and heaviest of the forecast showers arrived so it was on with the waterproofs and up the hill. The rain stopped and as we gained height the surrounding hills came into view .. Ben More, Stob Binnein, Cruach Ardrain, Beinn Dubhchraig, Beinn Odhar, Ben Dorain, Beinn a'Chaistel, Cam Chreag and Beinn Challum.  Many stops were made to admire the views and also to keep an eye on the passing showers most of which, fortunately, passed us by.

On the ascent of Beinn Chaorach  On the ascent of Beinn Chaorach  On the summit of Beinn Chaorach

After finding a sheltered spot at the top to eat our pieces, we made our descent down the southern shoulder following the old electric fence then an ATV track back to the track in Gleann a'Chlachain.

After the walk we visited the Artisan Cafe in the old church near Dalrigh. Arriving there just before the 4 o'clock closing time, we enjoyed our coffee and cake 'alfresco' (or 'ootside' if you prefer) in the warm, midgeless sunshine.

I accepted an offer of a lift back to Glasgow from Anson's Taxis thus saving me a wait of an hour at Crianlarich for the return train and I arrived home at the back of 7 o'clock, exactly 12 hours after I had left in the morning. As for Loch Ossian, should we try again next year? Third time lucky, perhaps!

Willie Robison

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July Weekend to Nethybridge

On Carn Glas-choire  On Carn a'Ghille Chearr  On Carn nan Tri-tighearnan

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Pennine Way Part 2

At Garsdale Station  Break near Keld  Lunch Stop  On High Cup Nick  At High Force  Sheep Herders

On Cross Fell  At Dufton Hostel  At Greg's Hut  At Alston Hostel  At Greenhead  The South Tynedale Railway

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Social Evenings

Join us at the Counting House, 2 St Vincent Place, from 7pm on Tuesday 5 September
where we'll be talking (amongst other things!) about past and proposed outings over a small libation or two.

The social evening dates are noted in our Outings Programme, and a reminder will be sent by e-mail about a week beforehand.

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