Heather Bashing on Càrn na Drochaide

Decided to go somewhere different today and this saw us head for the Linn of Quoich. The forecast changed this morning and as we headed west from the city there was a cloudy haze ahead. I wondered if it was a heat haze (eternal optimist) while Bruce rightly predicted rain. As we drove there were a few light showers, and on arrival we opted for waterproofs just in case. A few minutes along the path, we crossed the bridge and the rain became heavier. Refuge was provided by a kindly tree and we allowed this shower to pass, the skies appearing clearer. Shortly afterwards the waterproofs came off and were stowed in the rucksack where they remained for the day.

Rough Tracks and Heather Bashing

Having followed a good track we had to turn up the hill onto a faint path. This was initially easy to find, but quickly petered out; this became a frustrating theme for the day, any semblance of decent path often quick to disappear again. I tucked my trousers into my socks in the hope that this may prevent any ticks from making my acquaintance. Sadly it didn’t do anything to deter the midges!

Looking back, the views were lovely and this went some way to easing the upward slog.

We continued up, at times finding a wee bit of path and feeling gleeful, then rapidly losing this (both path and joy) as the slog continued. It was pretty hot so we were glad of the breeze as we reached the rockier section higher up.

Summit Plateau

The summit plateau is large and relatively flat. We made our way across towards the highest of the cairns where we enjoyed a seat, lunch and a shelter from the warm breeze.

Views of neighbouring hills in the Cairngorms were good, although there was a slight haze with the heat. It also felt pretty humid.

Alternate Route Down

Rather than heading back the way we’d come, we opted for a circular route. Again the path appeared easy to find, but as with the route up it did come and go as we went lower. Views were good though and this eased any frustration.

Linn of Quoich: Punchbowl

We finished our walk by taking a wee detour to the Linn of Quoich and the Punchbowl. The water was low, the pools incredibly clear and it looked so inviting!

Quite a few others also thought so and had come equipped with suitable bathing attire! So that left us with no alternative but to look on enviously before heading for coffee at The Bothy.

Overall, not a bad hill but possibly not one I’d rush back to.