27/06/21 Day Walk: Beinn na Gainimh, a castle, Coire of the Clegg and an ancient monument!

Thanks to our FVMC member ARob for arranging this walk in Glen Almond. Blessed with good weather a group of 8 x folk, including a potential new member JB, plus Harry the dog, started west from Newton Bridge at 09:00hr. We walked along Glen Almond for just under 4km, then headed north up the track. At a high point we left it to ascend the ridge then Conichan Castle (NN 844 329). From there it was easy walk over dry ground to Sron Bealaidh and then onto our objective Beinn na Gainimh (NN 837 345). After this a steepish descent into Corry Henzie (named on the 1:25,000 map) but our Day Walk organiser, ARob, suitably renamed this location Coire creithleag-nan-each…Coire of the Clegg! Then up onto the ridge to Geal Charn, where Harry the dog got a much needed bath, followed by a descent of the eastern flank of Dalmore Craig, through the tall bracken, involving a clockwise turn to the west avoiding thickly packed trees before accessing the road. The journey was completed with a short visit to an ancient monument whilst returning along the track:

https://ancientmonuments.uk/123616-craignavar-deserted-township-strathearn-ward#.YNjie2TTWyU

An overall journey of 17km over 6:50hrs, 645m of ascent, great photos and loads o’ craic...and we hope our Prospective Member will decide to join us again!

The FVMC oot and aboot! The start of the walk at the eastern end of Glen Almond.

It is a beautiful glen with much to divert the eye.

The first objective was Conichan Castle…Harry the dog has eaten the other two.

Having moved onto Sron Bealaidh this panoramic pic was taken by our guest JB: foreground far left is Dalmore Craig, around which we descended at the end of the day; on opposite side of river and 1/4 along from left is Meall Dubh; the dark crag 2/3 along from left is Eagle’s Rock; far right is Glen Almond stretching into the distance.

After a short walk NNE over featureless terrain for just under 1km, we reached Beinn na Gainimh. After a second lunch we descended into Corry Henzie, as named on the OS 1:25,000 map, but our Day Walk organiser, ARob, suitably renamed this location Coire creithleag-nan-each…Coire of the Clegg!

On route to Geal Charn, we decided that Harry needed a bath before he gets into MMcE’s car.

We are all very happy to be free at last from the tall bracken that we had to wade through, chest deep, descending Dalmore Craig. Shortly after this break we were back to the track for the return 30 x minute walk, with a short diversion to the ancient monument at Craignavar.