Saturday, 12 April 2008

Ben A'an (Binnein) and Meikle Ben...






Uncle jackie far left there at the foot of Ben A'an in the forest. Same for me on the right of Jackie.
That's Jackie on the top of Meikle Ben above and below on Ben A'an with Loch Katrine in the background.




Sae meikle but, sae meikle ben! (which when translated means....)
so much at one end of the house, so much at the other!

Just an interesting wee snippet from a traditional scottish song called...A woman's work is never done! Anyhoo...These are photo's from our first day out that i forgot to post. 2 great days walking (and breaking in those fabulous new walking boots from a fabulously generous bro and family at xmas!)

Walk 1: Ben A'an 454m (1488ft) at the edge of Loch Achray.
Beautiful weather for walking despite the mad cloud that descended at the summit.
Thankfully, it disappeared as quickly as it arrived and the views were spectacular.

Walk 2: Meikle Bin 570m (1100ft), Campsie Fells.
A stairmaster climb for me since my legs are not used to the climbing. Again a
a beautiful day and very enjoyable ascent up. It was lovely and clear I could the see
Forth Road bridge amongst other spectacular views. The wind on the summit was full
force which I found incredibly amusing whilst posing for photo's!
Here are some of our pic's.....

More photos from Bennachie...




That's me above, searching for a good spot for some hot Assam tea and a ploughmans...
Uncle Jack navigating through the mist on the bottom there...
Have you got us bloody lost again!

Thursday, 10 April 2008

Roaming Bennachie..Oxen Craigs, Mither Tap and Craigshannoch.

A few photo's from our walk today.
As you can see, a low visibility day but a very enjoyable walk none-the-less.
Tea (and a little respite from the elements) was had in the 'wee' shelter at the top of Little Oxen Craigs. Following our quick stop and mini scout of the planned route, the decision was made to cut an alternative path up to 'Mither Tap' to keep us oot of the elements. Though well wrapped up, Uncle Jack advised the lack of gaitors would be problematic as the snow was reaching shin height on the planned path!
Thank the lord (as I said) Uncle J. was navigating, as my sense of direction was pretty appalling. He was doing his best to tutor me on reading the compass but to no avail...hopefully this will come in time!
More later.....