The Merrick has merit

Whilst staying en famille in Lochinvar, a lovely isolated mansion in Dumfries-shire, I took time to bugger off and grab this solitary Corbett, which was outstanding from my Southern Upland count. The drive from Lochinvar winds its way through the Galloway forest in some exquisite countryside and the drive along Glentrool was equally as fine. The weather was beautiful and conscious of my time, I fair rattled up the excellent path to Culsharg. There were steamy windows but I didn't stop to see if there was movement in the back seat and so progressed through the forest, while swatting away persistent invertebrates. Once up on to Benyellary, I was free from fly-life and I took time to rehydrate and admire the sweeping slopes of the Merrick. Unfortunately, the cloud was sitting at about 750m so I was not privy to any amazing views. Loch Enoch flitted in and out of the cloud, as did Mullwharchar and while I could easily have combined that and Craignaw, I didn't want to be away for too long as I was on curry duty. A wild camp plan was hatched or perhaps a wee bothy stay from the East and Tunskeen. My return trip over Buchan Hill was fine and I was round the circuit in just under 4 hours, which was pretty good going. Once home, I found out that my sister in law was in hospital and not too well, so glad to have been out of the way of the likely consternation. Pretty sure, other things will hatch over the next few days. Fingers crossed.

The Auch 3 of 5

It was hot. As hot a day as i can remember in recent times. At 25C, at 0900, I was perhaps a little optimistic that I could do the Auch 5 but I'd see how the day panned out. The climb up Beinn Odhar was more or less straight up and within the hour, I was at the cairn. Great visibility and a welcome breeze. Not so great were the two cans of Carlsberg tucked away in the cairn. I hope if someone Googles Carlsberg and Beinn Odhar, it comes up with arseholes. You'll know who you are. It was a fair descent and re-ascent over to Chaorach and en route, I came across a freshly decomposing sheep. It looked rather malevolent with its blackened face and empty orbital sockets. How morbid. I would later find a dead lamb but chose not to photograph it. The walk over to Cam Chreag was quick and I had bagged the 3 Corbetts in a little over 3 hours. However, I had only taken a couple of litres of water on this trip and was drinking a lot. I decided to leave the last 2 Corbetts for Winter and head down whereupon I happened across a hirpling gentleman. I asked if he was okay and he wasn't. I offered to drive him back to Tyndrum but as he was ultimately heading to Glasgow, I offered to drive him back there. Enjoyed meeting Ann's Bob and good to make your acquaintance - hope you enjoyed your pint in the Admiral! Glad to be the adjuvant.