Glenshee is a wonderful location with a multitude of options in the surrounding hills so it was surprising that only five members attended. Andy, Ella, Evelyne, Drummond and Dan selected their own rooms in the spacious and well-equipped Blackwater Bunkhouse, cracked open a bottle and discussed plans.

Saturday was hot and sunny. Ella and Drummond went up Ben Tirran via a new bulldozed track and then continued around the head of Lochs Wharral and Brandy over various high points. Drummond hoped that some of these would be Marilyns, Grahams, Humps…, etc. but Oracle Andy confirmed that they were “merely” Corbett tops. I’m not sure which “high points” Drummond had in mind, but anyone looking at the map of the area cannot fail to want to add “Benty Roads” or “Boustie Ley” to their list of achievements.

Andy started early (he’d left before the rest of us were even out of bed) and headed up Glen Isla. He did a lovely round of the hills at the head of the glen, including Monega Hill, Little Glas Maol, Glas Maol, Cairn of Claise and Druim Mor. He saw various wildlife, including many hares.

Mountain Hare

Caenlochan Glen

Evelyne drove to Blair Atholl and parked at Loch Moraig, from where she headed up the glen running along the south side of Beinn a’Ghlo. She saw lots of wildlife, including plover, lapwing, skylarks and a peregrine. No doubt next time she’ll be back with tweeds and a gun…read on.

Dan went up Beinn a’Ghlo from the south via Gleann Fearnach with the assistance of a mountain bike. It was a lovely day made better by sightings of many grouse, a peregrine and ptarmigan. He returned to find Evelyne engrossed in the latest edition of the Shooting Times.

Sunday was dawned warm and sunny. Most folk headed off early to be home in time for the tennis. Ella and Drummond went up a hill somewhere, but I’ve forgotten which one. Dan, ignored the tennis and heat and discovered a new favourite hill… – a straightforward approach lead to an increasingly gnarly and steep summit. It was pretty hot going up but the adrenaline-filled descent made it well worth it! …Feel sorry for anyone walking up Mount Keen though.

Anyone who thinks that the southern Cairngorms are uninteresting rounded lumps has obviously not explored the area and is truly mistaken… so say the five members at the Blackwater Bunkhouse. The impressive coires of Glens Isla and Clova are just two examples. See you there next time.

Author: Dan Moysey
Photos: Dan Moysey and Andy Lawson