Change of plan.. but hikers still on track
Our Lady of Lourdes hikers were forced to change their plans at the last minute after the train which was supposed to drop them at Corrour near Loch Ossian in the remote wilderness of the Corrour Estate failed to show.
Undeterred and determined to get walking, the hikers reboarded the bus at Bridge of Orchy and headed for Callander.
Their new plan of action was for the high walkers to climb Ben Ledi and the low walkers to hike from Strathyre to Callander, via the track by Loch Lubnaig.
The weather at the start of both walks was warm and dry but heavy overcast skies indicated the threat of rain was not far off.
The low walkers were dropped off in the village of Strathyre and headed south along the well used track leading to Callander, a distance of some 14km.
In general this route is quite flat with impressive views out over Loch Lubnaig and then by the Falls of Leny before entering into the civilised confines of Callander.
At the half-way point the expected rain started and by the time the group reached the bus in Callander they were thoroughly drenched.
Meanwhile the high walkers started their hike near the Falls of Leny where there is a bridge over the river and access on to a popular route up the southern slopes of Ben Ledi, which at 879m high is classified as a Corbett.
The early part of this route was steep and quite muddy in places but easy to follow as it is much used and well worn. At this stage visibility was reasonable with views down on to Loch Venachar and the town of Callander.
The summit was reached without too much difficulty but somewhere along the ridge the rain started, thus interrupting visibility and slowing the pace down a little.
The descent down into Stank Glen is normally easy in dry conditions but on this occasion the rain and mud called for care and concentration.
The shelter provided by the forest eased things a little and it was then on to the Loch side track, followed by the bridge leading to the A 84 and the waiting bus.
Considering this was an impromptu hike forced upon the group the members were satisfied with their efforts for the day and, in any case, Corrour will always be there for another outing, trains permitting of course.
Both groups joined forces in Callander for the social hour and discussions on “what might have been” had they been able to stick to “Plan A”.
The club’s next outing is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, and will be to the Arrochar area. The sign-on for this is tomorrow (Thursday, August 11).
For more information about the club and its activities visit the website at www. ololhikinclub.co.uk or e-mail ololhikingclub@yahoo.co.uk or call Charles on 01355 222464.