I had long admired the North face of this hill while driving down the A83. So, with prospect of fine weather I motored along to Ardgartan car park and began my trek - sans beets. I had left the boots at home and all I had on me were my North Face loafers. I couldn't believe it - never done that in all my puff. I made the decision to carry on and accept that I'd most likely get wet feet and soil a good pair of comfy sheen - fortunately, I had bought the exact same pair a week before in the halfprice sale. I would just need to be weary of steep slopes. As a good part of this walk would be on land rover tracks, I thought it was a justified decision. The magnificent N face came into view about 1.5km along the land rover track and before long, I had passed the sign for The Brack and disappeared up into the narrow, steep path beside the stream. Feet wet but heart happy. Views across to the Cobbler were good and I hit the bivi boulder in good time - had a wee look around - plenty of space to park in bad weather or even overnight but a terrible amount of litter - so damned irresponsible. Cretins, the lot of them. I cracked on and of course walked into clag about 50m below the trig point. So much for views. I waited for 30mins and had some grub before heading off the back of the Brack and made for the Coilessan glen. It was quite slippery but I largely made it down upright. Once past the knoll at 586m, I crossed the burn and joined the Cowal way. I had considered also adding Cnoc Choinnich but it remained hidden in cloud. No matter, the walk back around The Brack was fab and of course, the sun was out by the time I got back to Ardgartan car park. Feet sodden but my soul had had its life energy restored once again. I'll definitely be back to The Brack.
