Creag Mhor (Loch Voil)

26 May 2012

Participants - Just me
Where - Creag Mhor (Loch Voil), 658m/ 2,160', Graham, Map 57 NN 510185

Hot, hot, hot! Scotland was enjoying a heatwave and it looked like continuing for a few more days yet. Only problem was that I knew that it would be too hot for me to walk in; however, MWIS was saying that although the temperatures would be in the mid-20's, there would be a strong easterly breeze today and on the basis of that forecast, I decided to give it a go. Creag Mhor was the nearest Graham that I had never climbed; I'm not sure why as it is less than an hours drive from the house. Anyway, I set off early as I was determined to get the climb over before the real heat of the day set in.

I parked in the car park at Ballimore farm at the end of the public road in Glen Buckie. I chose what looked like the least steep route- head for the east top and walk along the ridge. This is the route seen from the car park, I walked back along the road a few hundred yards and climbed up alongside the forest before heading for the east top- the pointed top in this picture.....

It was warm, but just as forecast, the breeze increased in strength as I got higher and as the going underfoot was on grass rather than heather, all in all it wasn't too bad. I still needed plenty pauses though- to check out the view you understand! This is looking back down the slopes to Ballimore farm with Ben Vane in the background.....

There was plenty of wildlife to look at as well- buzzards, a few deer- and I also came across this pipits nest with three eggs. The mother flew off as I approached otherwise I would not have noticed it. A quick photo and then on as quickly as possible so as not to disturb the mother too much......

The summit ridge had a few up and downs and false tops and of course the highest point was at the far end, marked by a few stones on top of a rock. Stobinian was well seen from here.....

and zoomed.....

and to the east Ben Vorlich and Stuc a'Chroin.....

I sat at the summit for a while before taking a more direct line back down to the road- steeper but shorter. Lower down, there was a good view to the neighbouring Corbett, Beinn Stacath.....

The heat was suffocating down in the glen; no way would I have been able to walk in that. But the breeze higher up saved the day!