Scarpa ZG65

So i finally broke and purchased a new pair of boots. I had been using a pair of Meindl Nepal Pro’s in the past and i was starting to find them a bit heavy for summer use.

It had been a bit of a toss up between the Scarpa’s and the Salomon Gtx’s. I opted for the Scarpa’s as they felt a lot better fitting on my feet and the reviews online for them had been more favourable.

I had worn them once taking my eldest to her nursery. So this outing on Cairnwell was the first real test for them and boy did they perform well. They felt absolutely wonderful on the feet. Especially since i had also treated myself to a pair of Bridgedale socks.

They felt great on rock especially wet rock. I felt really confident that they were gripping to the wet surface. They also preformed really well coming off Carn Aosda. I took the quick route down which i believe is one of the steeper ski runs and the boots felt brilliant my feet stayed firmly in place and my toes never felt like they were being crushed against the front of the boot.

I have always liked my Meindls and i never thought that i would move over to Scarpa. But after trying these on i think my mind is now a truly made up. I know there is a couple of conditions that i am still to use them. So i will do a follow up post on how they perform in really wet conditions.

Trio Of Munro’s 3rd Of May 2009

Cairnwell
Carn Aosda
Carn a’ Gheoidh

Well its been work work work lately so i thought a good day out in the hills was well over due. It had been about a month since i was last out and i was starting to get withdrawals.

I had got on really well on Ben Vrackie so i thought i would up the stakes a bit and try a Munro. I opted for the Cairnwell Hills which are situated in Glenshee. I have passed through this part of Scotland a couple of times now but have never really stopped and explored it.

Cairnwell From Carn Aosda

The Cairnwell hills are supposed to be the easier of the Munro’s due to the height that the car park is (Hey i have never been against the use of high car parks in the past). Both the Cairnwell and Carn Aosda also have good paths leading up them as well, this is due to the fact that this is the Glenshee ski range and i expect that machinery has to get to the top. I thought that Carn a’ Gheoidh felt a bit more like its Cairngorm cousins due to the large Plateau area’s that it has.

I started my day at the car park at the Glenshee ski range. It had been a cracking drive up, the weather was superb and the Perthshire countryside was in full bloom. Plus the roads were empty as i had got another early start. It was a bit blustery at the Ski Centre but the sun was still out. I had a quick squint at the map and finished of my cup of tea. I was going to do Cairnwell first and then see how i felt.

The path to get on the hills is to the right hand side of the centre. You follow the path up past the Cafe and then on up towards the Carn Aosda Hut. I know that it looks like an absolute minefield with all the ski tows and the wooden fences but it is really easy to find your way up to the hut. From here you have two options. Cairnwell to the left and Carn Aosda to the right. The way i had planned it in my head was to do Cairnwell first then Carn a’ Gheoidh second then a quick burst up Carn Aosda at the end. So it was the left hand path that leads up onto the ridge that leads up Cairnwell.

The walk up Cairnwell was really pleasant but just before i got to the summit i was hit by my first hail/snow shower so it was on with the jacket and the hat. I think it had taken just under an hour from the car park to the summit of Cairnwell. I decided that this was a good place to have my breakfast. I joined another walker from Newcastle who was sheltering from the wind behind one of the buildings. After a good chin wag we went our separate ways, he was heading towards Carn Aosda and i was heading towards Carn a’ Gheoidh.

Rather Moody Looking Cairnwell Summit

When you follow the path back down Cairnwell, you can make out a small path the forks to the left, this leads you around to Creag a’ Choire Dhirich towards Carn nan Sac then it is over a large plateau area that leads towards Carn a’ Gheoidh. I really liked this part of the walk as i reminded me a lot of the big walks i have had in the past in the Cairngorms.

I think i was sitting at the cairn of Carn a’ Gheoidh about 11.30 so it was time for Lunch. I couldnt believe that i had done two Munro’s and it wasn’t even midday. The views from Carn a’ Gheoidh are wonderful. The Cairngorms looked really moody with the passing snow showers that kept hiding them. I could even make out the Lomonds and the Bishop as well as the Pentlands to the south.

Summit Of Carn a’ Gheoidh

At this point i didn’t know if i was going to do Carn Aosda. as there was a bit ground between here and the path that leads up it. I was going to see how i felt at the foot of the path and decide then if i was going to go up. I thought that i would go back via Carn nan Sac and get a few pics. I was glad that i did as i seen a lot Ptarmigan and a Mountain Hare that was shedding its winter coat.

I managed to get a few shots then it was back towards Carn Aosda. At this point i noticed that my thigh on my left leg was feeling really tight and i knew that this was a tell tale sign of a cramp. I stopped for 5 mins took on some water and then continued it felt a little bit better but it was still feeling tight. I was starting to panic a bit because i didn’t want to get a leg cramp when i was driving back down the road. I made it back across to the foot of the path that leads up Carn Aosda with no more problems with my legs but as soon as i got onto the steep section of the path it started to flare up again. Unfortunately i was passing two other walkers who must have thought that i looked like Egor walking up this hill. Anyway this must have been just what the doctor ordered as i didn’t get anymore trouble from my legs. I got to the Summit of Carn Aosda in really quick time due to the great path that leads up it. That is one hill that is absolutely crawling with Ptarmigan and Red Grouse, i also spied a dipper that i thought was a bit out of place.

Summit Cairn Of Carn Aosda

I got a good bit of sunshine on the Summit of Carn Aosda and the views up and down Glenshee were fantastic. It was also great to finish on this hill as it only took 15 mins to get back to the Car.

Overall it was a superb day out on the hills. These hills get slated a bit because of the Ski complex but don’t let that put you off because the views at the top of them all are well worth the journey up Glenshee.

Ben Vrackie 11th April 2009

With changing jobs i found that i had some free time over the easter weekend. As i didn’t want to stray to far from home because we had a lot on that weekend, i decided on Ben Vrackie.

I had been reading about this hill for a couple of weeks and thought that this would be a great hill to get an early start on as well as some fantastic views.

Beinn A Ghlo From Ben Vrackie

I got up about 6am and was on the road for 6.30am. I don’t believe that i managed to pack my rucksack the night before. I arrived at the car park at Moulin just before 8am, i knew it was going to be a busy day here as it was the Easter Weekend and this was a really popular hill. When i arrived there was one other car and a Red Squirrel hoping about the car park (if you find the car park is full, there is an overflow car park further down the road).

The walk is well signed and well pathed. The walk through the woods is a really pleasant one and was quite stunning at this time of year.

Once you get through the woods the path leads onto the moorland that leads up to the hill yet again it is well signed and you really cant go wrong with it. There is a well positioned bench about halfway to the hill that gives a welcome break and some great views over Pitlochry.

After a breakfast of some water and a couple of banana’s it was onwards and upwards and not before long i was at Loch a’ Choire. The path takes a lot steeper route up Ben Vrackie from here.

I think i was about halfway up Ben Vrackie when i noticed the first of the Easter crowds making there way up towards Loch a’ Choire. I felt i struggled a bit on the actual hill, but it didn’t feel half as bad as it did on Ardnamurchan. Probably the lack of bog had a lot to do with it. After a few water stops and a good look at the great views over Perthshire. The trig point and the cairn came into view a lot quicker than expected.

The views over to Beinn a Ghlo and the Cairngorms are fantastic, there are also stunning views to be had over towards Ben Lawers, Loch Tummel, The Schiehallion and the A9 corridor.

The Shiehallion From Ben Vrackie

I think i was on top of Ben Vrackie for about 30 mins. I got a few pictures as well as having a bite to eat. On the way back down i passed at least a good 30 – 50 people on the way up. I don’t know but it felt really good coming off the hill and it was still morning. I did notice one person that had stopped and was smoking. I am so glad that i am not that person anymore. Another thing that i noticed was the amount of people that were walking up with young family’s. This may be an ideal hill to introduce the eldest one to.

Overall this was a great hill, with some magnificent views and a superb path, the only downside is that it can get a bit busy.

Kinross Heritage Trail 30th March 2009

Spring had finally sprung in Kinross.

I thought I would have a quick jaunt around part of the Kinross Heritage Trail to keep the legs moving after my Ardnamurchan walk. Ardnamurchan had been the first walk that my legs had really ached afterwards so I thought that a nice easy low level walk would help ease the stiffness in them.

I had heard a lot about the Kinross Heritage Trail from friends and family who had walked it in the past. It would also give me another low level walk to help me get some distance under my belt.

The weather we have been getting lately is fantastic and it wasn’t any different on this walk. The sun was out and there was definitely a feeling of warmth in the air. Spring had well and truly sprung. The hundreds of Daffodils outside Kinross house was proof that the seasons were changing.

Loch Leven is internationally famous for its migrating birds and has everything from Pink Footed Geese, Osprey’s and on occasion a Common Scoter (that should be more at home on salt water) have all visited it shores. I really must bring my binoculars with me the next time I am up here. As there is two hides between Kirkgate Point and Burleigh Sands.

One Of The Loch Leven Hides

The path around the loch which stretches from Kirkgate Point to Vane Farm is in great condition and is really popular with dog walkers, cyclists and family’s with small children and push chairs. The path itself is really well signed and is also measured out for you. This made it really easy for me to work out a 5k walk for my wife. Who is doing the Race For Life later on in the year.

I am definitely starting to feel a lot fitter and I know that I now have the stamina to get either a Corbett or a Munro under my belt really soon. I am totally blown away with how far I have come in such a short time, I know this has be down to one thing and that was quitting the cigarettes. I am hoping to invest in a new pair of boots really soon. As I think my Meindls are far to heavy for summer walking.

Ardnamurchan Agony 28th March 2009

Well we never made it up to Killin at the end of March but we did manage to make it up to Ardnamurchan (nice).

I didn’t expect to make it up that far this early on in the year as we have a two week holiday planned for up there later on in the year. But due to an unfortunate illness we had to rearrange our Killin trip.

Anyway we were greeted with lashing rain and sleet on Rannoch Moor on the way up on the Friday night. At least the traffic kept moving quick enough for us to make the last ferry at Corran. I think it was about 10.00pm when we arrived at our home for the next two nights. I must say that the mug of tea at the end of that journey was a welcome sight.

This was also the first outing for the new roof box. I have to say that i am suitably impressed with this piece of kit for the car. Since the arrival of the little one we need that bit extra space for carting all that baby gear around. Saying that it was a bit of a battle going across Rannoch Moor in the wind and sleet.

The next morning we were greeted with a beautiful spring morning. This turned out to be one of the best days weather that i have ever had up here and we also had the added bonus of no midges.

I had originally planned to take a walk up Garbh Bheinn just off Glen Tarbert. But i had changed my mind and decided on the Corbett of Creach Bheinn.

Kilmalieu And Abernethy Trust Outdoor Centre

I had started my walk just across the single track road from the Abernethy Trust Outdoor Centre. I had thought about doing the Glen Galmadale round but i considered this to be a little bit ambitious at this time. I had decided on a walk up Coire Sgreamhach as i had noticed that there was a lot of waterfalls on the river that runs down it (i thought this would give me a good chance to take some shots).

One Of The Many Waterfalls On The Way Up Coire Sgreamhach

It is quite bizarre that this single river that cuts through Coire Sgreamhach has more waterfalls on it than there is in the whole of Fife. I really cant wait until the summer, so i can spend a lot more time taking pictures around this area.

The walk was brilliant due to the weather being absolutely wonderful. But i think i may have bitten off a bit more than i could chew as i really struggled when i got to the steep ground that took you onto the ridge. It felt like i didn’t have the legs for it. I had totally forgotten at how tough going it was walking over a bog and from a sea level start as well.

I think that i must have made it to the 1500 – 1700ft mark as it seemed to be about the same height as it was when i was on the Bishop. I hope to get up and over the back off these hills when i come back in the summer.

One Of The Many Views on The Way Up Coire Sgreamhach

The only downside of this trip up to Ardnamurchan was the lack of time. But as it was totally unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was great to catch up with a lot of people that we haven’t seen in a long time. Overall it was a great weekend with an enjoyable walk thrown in to boot. But boy was i going to hurt in the morning.

Bishop Hill 19th March 2009

I had been looking forward to this walk for a couple of days now, as the weather forecast was supposed to be excellent and also that it was another midweek walk (A great benefit of working in retail.). I had even dug out my trusty flask for this one as i was planning on spending some time at the cairn. I parked the car at the Portmoak church car park at Scotlandwell. This seems to be a popular car park for dog walkers and hill walkers alike. It will also get busy on a Sunday or when there is any other Church functions going on. I started my walk at the steps across the road from the church. This is about 50m back down the road towards Scotlandwell. There is a sign post for Kilmagad Wood at the start of the walk. I think that this is part of the Tetley Trail (Another walk for another day.).

Benarty Hill Over Loch Leven

I made my way up the stairs and started up the hill towards the first stile, i crossed this and then made my way up the path to the second stile (Watch this one, as this stile is a bit shaky). At this point i was given two options, straight up or walk along the path to the left to join onto the zig zag path up the side of the hill. Well i am always one for the straight up route. Boy did it hurt, the Lomonds were nothing compared to this. But hey i got a lot of height really quickly. I had to go over another shaky stile and then made my way through some gorse bushes, this lead me onto the proper path and to a bench with great views over Loch Leven and Benarty Hill. After having a drink of water i headed on up the hill, the path is a lot more gentle at this point so i made good time up to the next stile. From this point i followed the path across a plateau of moorland to the next section of the hill. Yet again there are a lot of Skylarks hiding in the grass and heather here. I also managed to startle a couple of Partridges into flight. I followed the path up the next section of the hill and noticed that the path kind off looses its way at this point, there is a very thin outline of a sheep track which leads along the edge of the rocky outcrops. I think this probably went on for about 1/4 of a mile. then it heads up the hill again and joins on with another main path again.

The Lomonds From The Bishop

I followed the path from here up to the cairn. The views of the two Lomond Hills from the cairn are fantastic, unfortunately the views over loch leven were a bit restricted with all the mist that was lingering over it. I could just make out the Ochills and the Cleish Hills. I sat for a good 45 mins taking pictures and enjoying a flask of tea. Before heading back to the car using the same path as i came up.

Bishop Cairn

The Bishop Hill was a walk that i thoroughly enjoyed, i felt that i had to put a lot more effort into this walk and i also feel i got a lot more out of it. I am now looking at combining the Bishop with West Lomond and eventually East Lomond. I know that i will be back up here real soon.

East Lomond 11th March 2009

One of the great things of working in retail is that you usually have a day off during the week.Which makes it great to get a hill all to yourself. Yet again when i drove into Craigmead car park i noticed that there were only a couple of cars parked. So it looked like there was going to be a great chance that i would have East Lomond to myself.

I had been on West Lomond a couple of weeks earlier and i thought that i would give East Lomond a go. I had been having a pretty lousy week at work so i thought a good walk was on the cards. The one thing i really like about walking is the fact that it is a great stress relief and it helps blow away the cob webs.

Talking about blowing the cob webs away the weather didn’t look that favourable today. The forecast was for rain and when i arrived at the car park the wind was whistling through the trees. It looked like it was going to be a wet one today.

I hurriedly made my way up the path towards East Lomond as i wanted a chance to get some views from the top of the hill. I knew that views wouldn’t be as good as they were when i was on top of West Lomond but if i was quick enough i would hopefully get something.

The walk in towards East Lomond isn’t as long as the walk into West Lomond but it is a lot steeper to start with. The burning sensation in my thighs was proof to that. After a brisk walk up the hill i was able to get my breath back on the flat moorland that leads to the base of the hill.

The Path Leading Towards East Lomond

The one thing i now know about the Lomond hills is that flat moorland usually means Grouse and we ain’t talking about the type that comes out of a bottle. Were talking about the scatty ones that flap wildly away from you just when you are going to stand on them.

The hill itself is quite steep from this side but yet again the fact that i had stopped smoking really helped in the accent of it. I am now starting to really feel the benefit of quitting which is a great boost to my moral.

When i got to the trig point the rain had started to get heavier and the views were disappearing rapidly. I managed to get a couple of shots before the cloud descended on West Lomond. Unfortunately i wasn’t going to get any views of the Perthshire hills today.

East Lomond Trig Point

Yet again i was on top for about 20 mins getting some shots and taking on some water and a bit fruit. The rain was starting to get about heavier so i thought it was time to put on the waterproof jacket and head back to the car. On the way back i bumped into the only other person on the hill on there way up.

On the way back i took a slight diversion to check out the limekiln that is at the base of the hill. I think i would have hung about longer if it wasn’t pouring by now. I will definitely be back to check this out a later date

Fife Coastal Path Section 7th March 2009

As i am luckily enough to live in Fife, it makes it really easy to get access to the Fife Coastal Path. This will give me a great opportunity to get some distance walking under my belt.

I had down a couple of sections before around the Kinghorn, Burntisland and Kirkcaldy sections. I had also been on the section between Aberdour and Burntisland. This is the section that i am going to do today.

I don’t know why but i really like this section of the Fife Coastal Path (FCP). I think it is the fact that it has a great path and it offers some great views over towards Edinburgh and the Pentland hills.

I kind of thought that it was going to be busy along here today as the car parks had a few cars in them and this was before 9am. The weather wasn’t looking that great either. There was a light breeze and a very fine drizzle. The temperature had also dropped and it was starting to feel a lot like winter again.

I wasn’t carrying much today. I had my camera bag tripod and a bottle of water as i couldn’t for see any problems on this walk. Plus i wanted to get a couple of shots along at Starley Waterfall.

Starley Waterfall

I had a great walk out to Starley Waterfall. Its amazing at how much wildlife there is just in this small section of the FCP. I had spotted Grey Herons, Grey Seals, A host of wading birds and Eider in abundance. I also got off a few shots of the Starley Waterfall. Which happens to be one of the very few waterfalls in Fife.

I continued my walk along towards Burntisland which follows the main railway line between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Once i got to the new houses that are built on the grounds of the old Alcan works i about turned and headed back towards Aberdour.

Heading Back Towards Aberdour

This was a great walk which i reckon was about 5 miles. I am really getting back into my walking and i am really starting to regret stopping it in the first place. I would really like to get a few Munro’s under my belt this year.

West Lomond 25th February 2009

There was only two other cars in the Craigmead car park when i drove in. A good sign that i was going to have West Lomond all to myself. The weather was great for the time of year and there was a definite sign that spring was on its way.

As this was going to be my first serious walk in a while i thought it would be wise to carry a lighter and smaller backpack. I had opted for my very compact 20l Vango. I barely had enough room in it to carry my water, dslr and little bit off food. I knew that the light rucksack would soon become a thing of the past when i start getting out on the hills more seriously.

Craigmead Carpark

There was only two other cars in the Craigmead car park when i drove in. A good sign that i was going to have West Lomond all to myself. The weather was great for the time of year and there was a definite sign that spring was on its way.

As this was going to be my first serious walk in a while i thought it would be wise to carry a lighter and smaller backpack. I had opted for my very compact 20l Vango. I barely had enough room in it to carry my water, dslr and little bit off food. I knew that the light rucksack would soon become a thing of the past when i start getting out on the hills more seriously.

I felt a bit nervous at how my body was going to react to a bit serious walking and a bit of accent. Well i suppose there was only one way i was going to find out. So it was onwards and upwards. I was soon out of breath as soon as i left the car park. Maybe i was a bit over zealous with my pace on the first bit hill as soon as you leave the car park.

Once i stopped took on a bit water and caught my breath i was good to go, just at a slower pace .

I was soon on my way towards West Lomond. I soon passed two walkers coming back off the hill so i knew that there was now a really good chance that i had this hill to myself. I had also noticed that i was starting to get a little bit colder. The first signs of spring may have decided to leave already. Saying that the views over The Howe Of Fife were quite spectacular.

Red Bloody Grouse, when did these birds move into Fife and why do the leave it until the last bloody minute to take off as noisily as possible. Cmon guys i am overweight just quit smoking and i am partaking in my first serious bit of exercise in years and you want to scare the bejesus out of me. I don’t want to die of heart failure on West Lomond. I could just see the headlines on the front cover of the Fife Free Press already.

I cant remember how long it took me to get to the foot of the hill but i turned out to be a really good walk. I was also starting to feel it in my legs but i knew that was a good sign.

At the foot of the hill i was given the choice of two paths. The normal path and the not so up the front of the hill, steeper path. Well i have never been one for following the normal path so it was up the front of the hill. I was quite surprised at how quick i got to the cairn from the foot of the hill and i was even more surprised at that i had only stopped a couple of times on the way up the hill.

West Lomond Trig Point

When climbing up the front i was given a break from the wind but boy did that change when i got to the top. It certainly took my breath away. Also the wind chill was amazing. I had also forgotten at how quickly the wind chill can effect exposed extremities. Within seconds on being on the top i lost all feeling of my fingers, which really helped when i was trying to get my gloves out of my rucksack. Well you live and learn.

The views on this day were absolutely wonderful, I could easily make out the larger ranges in Perthshire and beyond as well as the Pentlands and the Ochills. There was also great views over East Lomond and Largo Ward.

East Lomond With Largo Ward In The Background

I spent about 20-30 mins on top of the hill before descending via the usual path that leads done the back of the hill, this gave superb views over Loch Leven and Kinross. The walk back to the car was a lot easier as the wind was now behind me. I also got some great views over the Howe Of Fife on my way back down.

I don’t know why i ever gave up walking in the first place, i surely could have made time to continue this. I had forgotten at how much of a stress release walking is as well as a great way to get fit. I felt absolutely superb coming of the hill.

The walk back to the car was very nondescript as my mind was starting to wander to the larger ranges. The thoughts of the Cairngorms, Ardnamurchan, Wester Ross, Skye and Glencoe were starting to fill my mind. In my opinion these were the most spectacular places in the country and i was really looking forward to start walking in them. This was just the motivation i needed.