Beinn Lora

27 December 2015

Participants: Neil and Ben
Where: Beinn Lora, 308m/1010', Sub-2k Marilyn, Map 49, NM 919377

The last day of the Oban Christmas break and the first sight of the sun. I decided to go for Beinn Lora above Connel which I had climbed a few times before, it is a good viewpoint for minimal effort. The forestry had improved a number of the paths since I was last here although the part above the forest and before the final climb resembled a bog, not surprising given the wet December we have endured. I took a few photos.

 

From the other side of the Connel bridge.....

  

The view to Mull from about half way up.....
 

 

 The airport from the summit.....

 

The trig with the Etive hills background.....

 

Mull from the summit.....

 

The view up Loch Etive to a cloud covered Ben Cruachan.....

A good way to finish the year.

Beinn Mhor (Lorn)

22 December 2015

Participants: Just me
Where: Beinn Mhor (Lorn), 194m/637', Sub-2k Marilyn, Map 49, NM 798216

There are a number of Beinn Mhor's (big hill) about, some "Mhor" than others. What this one lacked in height however, it made up for in its situation.

 

We were staying near Oban for Christmas week and the forecast was poor, to say the least. However, I was determined to add this one to my list of sub-2k's and to reach a total of 30 new hills for the year. On day one of the holiday, I was taking Ben out for a walk and noticed that some clearer weather appeared to be coming in from the west. So when I got back to the chalet, I decided that I had better go for it, in case the rest of the week was awful- it almost was. So I changed into my hillwalking gear and drove to the south end of Loch Seil on the road to the slate islands where there was a large lay-by opposite a track that would take me most of the way to Beinn Mhor.

 

I knew from passing this way previously that there were usually cows in the fields here so I had left Ben behind. Sure enough, I soon came across a herd, here with the hill in the background.....

 

 

I left the track at its high point and headed for the upper slopes, soon picking up a rough ATV track which actually went to the summit. I also picked up a near gale force wind, which was not so welcome. Here are some shots taken on the way up. Looking south with Scarba just visible on the horizon.....

 

 

and a zoom shot, lots of rough country south of here.....

 

 

and across to the hills of Mull, which seemed to be catching the rain.....

 

 

The path wound around the west side of the hill, here approaching the summit area.....

 

 

Even at this modest height, I had difficulty standing up in the gale that was now blowing and photography was decidedly problematic. Especially so as the trig was perched close to the edge of cliffs and other steep ground falling all the way down to the sea. What a situation! I was probably lucky to visit in such wild conditions.

 

 

 

I hung about for 10 minutes or so until I noticed a large, very black cloud heading my way. However, the rain somehow missed me and by the time I arrived back at the car, the sun was making a brief appearance.....

 

 

So a spur of the moment decision to go for the hill had paid dividends!