General July 2023 Activity: railways, via ferrata and remote Corbetts.

Other activity in July included; the discovery of revived railway heritage in Lochearnhead, amidst some fine mountains, ascents of Canadian via ferrata and two remote Corbetts in Rannoch Forest.

First up BR & IH take a cycle tour on 21/07/23, along the repurposed track of the Callander to Oban Railway Line, to investigate the ‘Scout Station’ formerly known as Lochearnhead station, NN 588 238. The refurbished station is now run by Hertfordshire Scouts, www.lochearnhead.org.uk, and is a wonderful asset for youth groups who wish to explore the outdoors.

IH seen here pulling back his smile at the Scout Station. An advance party of Scouts had been setting up tents on the old track bed and platform in preparation for another company of Scouts.

Taken from the track bed just south of Strathyre looking SE along Loch Lubnaig, NN 573 140. There are many hills along this route that can be accessed by bike and make for an interesting day out.

Next up, 22/07/23, AMc explores the Via Ferrata in Mount Norquay with his daughter and Canadian cousin.

AMc near the top with some spectacular views, however with unpredicted thunderstorms coming in they had to race off the mountain. Apparently being strapped to a stainless-steel rope 7000ft up with lightening kicking about isn’t the best idea.

…safe and satisfied – a grand day out.

Last up on 29/07/23 MMcE, CS & Harry the Dog visited Beinn Pharlagain, NN 446 628 and its close Corbett neighbour Meall na Meoig. NN 448 642, having started from near Rannoch Station, NN 447 579. They were lucky with the weather, providing high cloud and amazing views from such a remote hill.

View looking NEN to the shoulder of Beinn Pharlagain. The summit is a bit further along the ridge.

Bog Asphodel.

View to the west and the hills of Glencoe and the Blackwater reservoir.

…and SW to the Black Mount.

Bear Berry.

The view SW to Loch Laidon, NN 386 548.

Looking ESE to Schiehallion, NN 715 549.

MMcE, CS and Harry’s rear end at the summit of Beinn Pharlagain. From there a traverse over the subsiduary top of Meall Garbh Mor, and the short hop over to Meall na Meoig. They dropped to the west of Beinn Pharlagain to gain the track down the glen and the long walk back to the car.