A Scottish break.

We've just had a short and very enjoyable break in Scotland. We headed north to Symington on Friday after work determined not to be disheartened by a poor weather forecast. The central belt was dry as we drove through on Saturday morning but by the time we reached the foot of Meall Ghaordaidh in Glen Lochay the rain was falling and the wind was picking up. We set off in full waterproofs to see if we could reach the top. At around the 700m mark we met a group of three descending after successfully reaching the summit. They reported that conditions on the top were 'character building'. We pushed on. The visibilty was poor and the going increasingly difficult in the driving rain. Reaching the large summit shelter was a struggle and we were glad to get out of the wind for a drink and some food. The descent was by the same route and the rain continued to fall. We may have seen very little but it was a satisfying day on the hill.

From Glen Lochay we drove to the Srathfillan Wigwams our base for the next three nights.  http://www.wigwamholidays.com/Strathfillan_Wigwam_Village Our Wigwam went by the name of Rainmaker.

Ready to head off - the only picture of the day.

Susan has a number of Munro's to complete within striking distance of Strathfillan and we had hoped for  good weather to tackle some of the more difficult ones. We also knew that there were easier ones to do should the weather be bad. The weather forecast for Sunday was for a dry, windy morning followed by more heavy rain. Our choice of hill was Sgiath Chuil. This is usually climbed with neighbouring Meal Glas but Susan had already climbed this in winter on an An Teallach Mountaineering Club meet.

The summits were cloud covered as we set off but the views were better than Saturday's. The ground was very wet but we made good time and reached the summit in about 2 hours. The rain held off until we reached the car. Perfect timing!!!

'Rainmaker' on a better morning.

Climbing Sgiath Chuil.

On the summit - 98 Munros to go.

The summit almost clears as we descend.

The weather forecast for Monday promised a dry and bright day so we made plans to tackle the Carn Gorm round of four Munros above Glen Lyon. The day, however, dawned wet and windy so we opted for Meall Buidhe at the western end of Glen Lyon. Again Susan had already climbed the neighbouring Stuchd an Lochain on an An Teallach winter meet. The rain fell all the way up and the wind made the going difficult on the summit ridge. However, on the descent the weather improved and we were rewarded with some views. By the time we'd driven to Killin the sun was out and back at the Wigwams the Crianlarich hills came into view for the first time.

Another wet start.

Trying to shelter behind the Cairn on a wet and windy summit.

Clearing views as we reach the valley.

The River Dochart in Killin.

The Crianlarich hills from the 'Wiggies'.

Susan getting ready for the last night in 'Rainmaker'.

Leaving to head down the road.

Tuesday was to be our last day in the highlands but with more wind and rain and no more 'easy' routes to do we slowly headed down the road to Symington. As is often the case the sun was out by the time we reached the central belt.

Wednesday was Susan's last day off work and as the sky was clear above the village we decided to climb her favourite Culter Fell before heading back to Cumbria. Culter Glen looked superb in it's autumn colours and the climb was a joy after the wind and rain up north. I've come to love these Border Hills over the last seven years and it's a crime that they are now being attacked by the spread of wind turbines many of which are clearly visible from Culter's summit.

Tinto from the top of Shin Fell.

Culter Fell summit and the new Wind Turbines.

Looking NE from Culter Fell.

Cardon Hill from Culter.

The descent path and the fantastic hills of Culter Glen.

The weather may not have been 'good' but we arrived home relaxed and with more great memories of time spent together in the amazing Scottish Hills.