Date: Monday 17th October 2016
Company: Myself, Becky and Cuillin
Distance: 12.3km, Ascent: 600m
Time: 5Hrs 15Mins
Yesterday was forecast to be yet another day of rain. After enjoying breakfast at our accommodation, I decided to visit Killin to buy Becky new waterproof trousers. En-route to Killin, we stopped at the Falls of Dochart.
Becky at the Falls of Dochart:
From Killin, we made our way round to Inverlochlarig for an ascent of Stob Breac. We made use of the wee shelter at Inverlochlarig to shelter from the incessant rain while putting on our boots and waterproofs.
Click here to see a map of the route undertaken
After a quick photo at the Inverlochlarig sign, we took the track leading to the bridge over the River Larig and beyond to Blaircreich. All photos taken today with iPhone as there was no point carrying the DSLR in such horrid weather.
Becky at the Inverlochlarig sign:
Having previously viewed Stob Breac during an ascent of Stob Binnein, I knew it was a very steep hill. I have seen reports of people directly ascending the front of this hill. Such an ascent would be unpleasant and somewhat mad. Instead we would be ascending the hill from its western flanks via a wide firebreak.
Stob Breac:
We passed an abandoned house and shortly thereafter left the main track to commence our ascent of the hill.
Abandoned house:
This was Becky's first walk in such constant, heavy rain. It has been some time since I have walked in such weather. Even Cuillin was wearing his jacket.
On the track leading towards Blaircreich:
During the initial ascent we could see down to the farm at Inverlochlarig which is apparently built on the site of Rob Roy's home.
Looking down to Inverlochlarig:
We followed the track running parallel to Glen Sgionie for just over two kilometres until reaching the wide firebreak providing access to the hill.
On the track above Glen Sgionie:
Firebreak ascent:
Looking back down firebreak during its ascent:
The ascent of the firebreak was steep, slippery and mostly unpleasant. This is my least favourite time of year as grass, tussocks and bracken are all currently at their maximum height. We now need a good dump of snow to flatten it all.
On reaching the top of the firebreak we had two options, i) continue the steep ascent onto the ridge or ii) make a rising traverse up towards the summit. We opted for the rising traverse.
Rising traverse towards the summit:
During the ascent, the rain did stop for perhaps thirty minutes. However as the rain decreased the wind was increasing with height.
Looking back down rising traverse:
We didn't hang around at the summit as it was fairly unpleasant up there due to wind and rain. Thanks to Becky and Cuillin for accompanying me up this hill. My 200th Fiona, 19 to go.
Cuillin and Becky at the summit of Stob Breac:
We decided to return via approximately the same route. During the descent I stopped to take a photo of Stob a' Choin, an equally steep Corbett.
Stob a' Choin:
Looking back during descent:
We had to take our time and take care during the descent of the firebreak. Becky did well to get up and down this, I wouldn't recommend this hill as being ideal for children.
Inverlochlarig:
Becky heading back to the car:
While Becky was fine on the hill, later in the evening she complained of a very sore foot. Holiday cut short to return home as not good to walk with an injury
.