General July 2024 Activity: Fiona and Donald Find Horseshoes

With so many folk in the club having done their Munros we increasingly now venture into less visited places but with just as much enjoyment. The general activity this month saw ascents in Glen Artney and the Moorfoot Hills, featuring Fionas and Donalds.

First up, the walk on the north side of Glen Artney, where there is a horseshoe that contains the Fiona Stuc na Cabaig, NN 68523 19029 and it's top Beinn Dearg. For the route see https://consumerplatform.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/23431497/240717--beinn-dearg-horseshoe-glenartney?lat=56.337759&lon=-4.109280&zoom=12.7249&style=Leisure&type=2d.  Note that the height of the Fiona is actually at 708m, on the OS 1:25,000 map, compared to 705m shown on the OS 1:50,00 map. Pic shows the view WNW after ascending Sron na Maoile, featuring Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich looking menacing on the horizon.

First sight of the objectives; the highest bump on the ridge at 708m, Stuc na Cabaig, centre pic second bump from the left and Beinn Dearg at 707m centre pic first bump from the right.

The view from Stuc na Cabaig, the highest point at 708m, looking SE down into Glen Artney.

JW takes a relaxed view looking NE to their last top Beinn Dearg.

...Team Veteran, JW, JI & BR.

Heading ENE along the enjoyable ridge, towards Beinn Dearg.

At Beinn Dearg looking back WSW to Stuc na Cabaig and the varied connecting ridge with Stuc a Chroin and Ben Vorlich on the horizon looking less menacing than earlier!

Before their descent south from Bein Dearg they Look ENE to the Fiona Mor Bheinn on the left and Ben Halton right. A fine day out with nobody on the ridge to be seen.

Last up, BR & IH went to do a Fiona Blackhope Scar, NT 31533 48338, and two Donalds Bowbeat Hill, NT 29208 46923, and Dundreich, NT 27472 49099, at the SW end of the Moorfoot Hills. They generally followed the route set out in; https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/maps/map2_15el.shtml. Pic shows the start of the clockwise ascent, starting with The Kipps.

The lonely remains of Hirendean Castle.

A very up-market sheepfold with Gladhouse Cottage and the Pentlands to the NW.

IH ascends the northern slope of The Kipps with Hirendean Castle in the foreground, Gladhouse Reservoir, in the background and the Pentland Hills on the horizon.

At the top of Blackhope Scar, with the wind turbines of Emly Bank and Bowbeat Hill to the SW on the horizon.

…although it was 21/07/24 BR considered that winter provisions were necessary - along with fleeces and softshell jackets worn along the route!

Approaching the ascent to Emly Bank and the drama provided by the path between the wind turbines.

Dundreich summit looking northwards towards Edinburgh.

Looking ESE from Dundreich to Blackhope Scar, their first objective.

IH descending the NE shoulder of Jeffries Corse towards Gladhouse Cottage. Another grand day out for just under six hours.