Saturday 11 January - Wether Hill

I've often wondered what my reaction would have been to the creation of Lower Glendevon Reservoir had I been walking these hills in the years leading up to its completion in 1924. Would it have been one of outrage and sadness to witness the destruction of this quiet little glen? Probably. And yet, this stretch of water adds much to the scene and, with sheep grazing on the grass-covered dam wall, there is little to dislike.

Lower GD Reservoir dam (minus sheep)

    Beyond the dam we settled down to enjoy the weak sunshine.

But peaceful though the setting was, we could hear the roar of the Burnfoot Hill wind turbines some four kilometers distant as the crow flies so we pushed on and up the tussocky slopes to the equally tussocky summit of Wether Hill. To the west lie Craigentaggert Hill and Core Hill, the walk to them being pathless and rough. Not terrain for those who like paths, so it is very rare to meet others on these hills.

On Common Hill

There is something seductive about the simplicity of staying local during January and February. For just a short drive, long days or short days can be had among lonely hills; trips to the Highlands can be anticipated; plans laid, plots hatched.

Innerdownie summit, January 2012

 Some real winter conditions can be appreciated most years, but sadly not this year so far.

If, however, the view north tempts, then Ben Vorlich and others are only a forty-five mile drive away, the Loch Turret hills, only twenty-five or so.

Note: In an effort to keep a record of activities there may well be a lot of repetition in posts regarding the Ochils. Sorry about this, but 'keeping a record' which others could read (or not) was the original motivation for starting a blog in the first place, although unfortunately it has never quite worked that way! (Luckily Lynne has kept a diary for years). Hopefully more interesting stuff will be forthcoming when we go further afield.