Balquhidder

As hillwalkers we have to be prepared to adapt our plans to suit all conditions and this was certainly the case for the trip to the Balquhidder area. Low cloud and constant drizzle spoiled what should have been some of the finest scenery Scotland has to offer. However the group adapted well and completed three walks to three very different hills. The first group climbed to the summit of Beinn Stacath, a rather indistinct Corbett to the South of Balquhidder. Apart from flocks of Upland birds and frogs there was little else of note. The group approached from Glen Buckie following a right of way beside the Calair Burn and climbed steadily to the summit. A circular route was completed by descending around some rocky outcrops and back to the starting point at Ballimore Farm.

The second and third groups continued west of Balquhidder traveling along the single track road on the north shores of Loch Voil and Doine to Inverlochlaraig, which is said to be the site of Rob Roys House. The first of these groups climbed sharply to the summit of Beinn Tulaichean twisting and turning through outcrops of rock to reach the summit also shrouded in mist. Their rout of descent was via Inverlochlaraig Glen back to their starting point. The third and final group also started at Inverlochlaraig and walked further west along a right of way following the River Laraig before climbing to the summit of another Munro, Beinn a' Chroin. This groups descent retraced their earlier ascent route back to Inverlochlarig. Although views had been less than hoped for, at least it was a day to test waterproofs and build friendships. At the conclusion of the walks members reunited in a Balquhidder Hotel for light refreshment before the journey home.