Saturday, February 19, 2011

North Barrule, Isle of Man

This weekend I have made a flying visit to the Isle of Man to visit my folks. My Dad, as always was super keen to tackle a walk of some description but the weather has been far from ideal. I had hoped to attempt something a little bit challenging as part of my ongoing injury rehabilitation, but the conditions really weren't up to much.
I decided that we should at least try to get up a hill of some description, despite the heavy mist and lashing rain. I had never been up North Barrule and neither had Herbie so it was settled. We were dropped off by the mother at the picnic area at the top of Dhoon Glen and made our way up the hill through Rhennie Farm. We couldn't see more than 25 metres in any direction and we were soaked in the first couple of minutes.
After a bit of a close call with a couple of over-excited horses, we headed up The Dreem and out onto the open moorland. I chose not to follow the path that contours around the valley; instead I lead us over the pleasant heather and up to the top of Slieau Ouyr. Despite the weather, it was nice to be out in the fresh air and was a great way to catch up with the old man.
We followed the flat ridge over the summit of Slieau Lhean and then joined the path leading up to the top of Clagh Ouyr before we gained the main ridge leading to the summit trig of North Barrule. We could hear cars driving close by along the mountain road only a short distance away, but we could not see anything. However, the path was good and it was a pleasant dander to the top.
Herbie on the summit trig of North Barrule, Isle of Man
Herbie on the summit trig of North Barrule, Isle of Man
After a quick bite and another soaking from yet another shower, I led us down the steep grassy slopes Northeast to Ballure Plantation. Once we had reached the minor road, we followed it Northwest to the Gooseneck where my Mum was waiting... with a dry set of clothes for us.
A very wet day but a very enjoyable one.
Me at the summit trig on North Barrule, Isle of Man
Me at the summit trig on North Barrule, Isle of Man

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Creag Dhubh and Inshriach Forest

We are staying at Nakiska for the long weekend and Emiy's birthday. My ankle is feeling better and is almost back to full range of motion - but I am still reluctant to put it to a full test in stiff winter boots. In theory my ankle would be better off and well protected in my Scarpa Mantas but I am just a little weary and nervous about further injury after being out of action for so long. Also, it seems that winter is hanging around quite well so hopefully there will be a chance to do a couple of things in early March when my ankle is even stronger.
Looking North towards Loch Insh from Torbreck, Inshriach Forest
Looking North towards Loch Insh from Torbreck, Inshriach Forest
Emily's boots in the snow, Inshriach Forest
Emily's boots in the snow, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
So, the purpose of this weekend is to chill out and relax for Emily's birthday but the weather was looking like it would be rather splendid today so we both felt we should get outdoors and make the most of it. There was a lot of snow on the ground, as we fully experienced on the A9 on the drive up last night(!), and I didn't want to push things too much so a relatively low-level walk seemed like the sensible option. I glanced over the map and quickly decided that we should head into Glen Feshie. I had spotted a forest walk in one of the guidebooks that began at Balnacraig farm and wound it's way through the Inshriach Forest to the small summit of Creag Dhubh.
Heading around Uath Lochan in the snow, Inshriach Forest
Heading around Uath Lochan in the snow, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
A partly-frozen Uath Lochan, Inshriach Forest
Emily and I at the summit of Creag Dhubh, Inshriach Forest
Emily and I at the summit of Creag Dhubh, Inshriach Forest
It was a lovely day out in the fine weather and was a harder slog through the snow than I had imagined. There was a magnificent spot on the shore of the partly-frozen Uath Lochan and there are surprisingly good views in all directions from the summit of Creag Dhubh. In the absence of the snow, the circuit would be a great burn for the mountain bike along the forest trails.
Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest
Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest
Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest
Badger footprints in the snow, Inshriach Forest
An unexpected bonus to a great day out was stumbling upon a trail of badger tracks in the snow through the forest - amazing!