Day 18(12) : Gleann Fearnach to Glencally

Tuesday 22nd May 24km 1190m ascent 1 Corbett

Overnight rain showers had gone leaving a cold wind with glimpses of the sun as I crossed the hill to reach the Cateran Trail (It seems that the Caterans were cattle rustlers not sports car manufacturers or is that Caterhams).

I stopped at the Upper Lunch hut, a fine shelter, and saw in the visitor’s book other Challengers had passed this way but two days earlier. The 'way' is certainly well marked with posts, rather pointless on a straight track but it leads to the splendid cafe at the Spiddal of Glenshee, ideal for hungry walkers at any time of day, where they provided me with an excellent second breakfast.

A good track took me up to Gleann Carnach accompanied by flocks of Lapwings and then mountain hares and deer as I climbed the easy grassy slopes of Monamenach to the meeting of old fences at the top.

I had a long discussion with myself here about the possibility of going on 'ova to Clova' today. For: only 3.30pm, good visibility, 4 hours to Acharn. Against: Too windy to camp high if necessary, At least 4 hours, would it be possible to camp at Acharn now camp site is closed. Decision reached, tent pitched, washing done (at least it wasn't raining when I was standing in the river but the wind was cold!). A relaxing evening listening to the peewits and curlews.