Old Articles

I have at last made the effort to put pen to paper and join the ‘Great Wee Hill’ dialogue. There are so many smaller hills which pass unnoticed by the often single track minds of the ardent Munro/Corbett baggers (with some obvious notable exceptions however!) I cannot say too much as I have been there myself but now feel I can indulge in hills which capture the interest, regardless of height.

A comparatively local hill, Beinn an t-Sithean Strathyre, is often overlooked but provides a pleasant half day expedition. Turn left over the river and left again to park beyond the school; follow the track up through the forest, cross the forest road and take the new track up through more open woodland, where you may be lucky enough to glimpse a red squirrel. Negotiate a steep dark stretch through a dense sterile conifer plantation to emerge into the light and a view of the prominent 546m top of the hill above. This is the objective for most, before ascending by the same route, however a much more worthwhile outing is achieved by continuing northwards over knolls and the highest point of 572m. Following sheep tracks through bog and heather, with patches of cloudberry, there is a panoramic view of the bigger hills, including Ben More and Ben Lawers, before looking down to Loch Voil and Balquidder. On reaching Buachaille Breige a dyke meets a derelict deer fence which can be followed down to enter the conifer plantation by a narrow ride, leading eventually to the forest track. A pleasant walk, through open woodland with noble fir, spruce and hemlock, takes you back to Ardoch and your starting point.

Landranger 57 GR NN547178


Georgie McCrae

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