WEDNESDAY 20TH JAN 2009
LOCATION: Ben Cleuch via Mill Glen 2365ft
CONDITIONS: Overcast at base, high winds and -2 at summit.
COMMENTS:
Today with around an hour on my hands, I intended to walk up the Mill Glen in Alva, however, ultimately, the walk became one of the best experiences of my life.
Starting in the Alva Glen car park, I followed the sign posts up the glen with the sound of rushing water at the fringe of my hearing. The sound increased as I trekked up through the Glen, using the well maintained tourist path. Following the line of the Mill Water which cascades down through the glen on its ultimate journey to the Firth of Forth, the scenery was resplendent in a crisp white coating of frost. Reaching the end of the path, I then headed west following a worn path towards the summit of Wood hill, which I had previously thought was roughly the same height of my last climb in the area, Dumyat.
Gaining the summit of Woodhill after around 40mins of climbing, I was treated to uninterrupted stunning views of the surrounding Ochils and the Stirling flatlands below. Also, the distinct difference in temperature resulted in the immediate landscape having a very wintry aspect compare to the base of the hill. The snowline, which was only now feet above where I stood, was so defined you could be mistaken for believing it had been painted there.
As I stood absorbing the atmosphere, I was drawn to explore the rest of the Daiglen Burn valley which forms the main tributary feeding the Mill glen burn. From a glance it would appear to be quite straight forward to circumnavigate the area and take in some terrific climbs in doing so. With only a brief glance at the time to consider the viability of continuing on directly, I set off.
The plan was to head north to Ben Ever, swing east to Ben Cleuch and back down into the Valley via the Law. Little did I know then what a great decision this was?
Trekking north, I decided to keep the obvious picket fence as my line of accent towards Ben Ever. This was mainly because it was the only manmade feature visible through the 2 foot of snow covering the entire vista, but also I felt it could provide some restraint from the growing south westerly wind buffeting me continuously. This provided to be a wise decision; as the snow deepened and the wind increased, I elected to stick to the fence which didn’t go to the summit of the hill, but skirted around the lee of the hill, giving some respite from the strong wind and chill factor.
The going was tough. The snow deepened to around 4ft as the fence caught and dropped it. For the first time that day I contemplated my survival never mind completing the walk, however by pushing on and sheltering in the shadow of the hill, I calmed my nerves, paused and breathed deeply. Using the fence as a guideline, I struggled on through the thigh deep snow and reached the head of the valley at the bealach between Ben Ever and Ben Cluech. Turning East, I headed up the steep climb of Ben Cleuchs western slope towards its summit somewhere ahead in the gloom.
After around 90 mins of climbing, with the wind favourably behind me, I gained the shoulder of Ben Cleuch. With a rueful backward glance I realised that although difficult, the last half an hour had been exhilarating. Turning southwest I headed up a far gentler climbed towards the summit cairn vaguely outlined in the distance.
Although well established, the summit doesn’t give much in the way of shelter as the gradual slopes leading up to it allow the wind to reach full speed. The ice and snow around the area reflected this with some dramatic horizontal icicles attached both to the cairn structure and the neighbouring fence line. These had been driven so horizontally by the elements that if you didn’t know better you would swear some artist had crafted them.
The views were terrific. To the north, west and east the sky was a clear fresh blue contrasted perfectly against the white shrouded majesty of Ben Cluechs towering siblings. Facing south, the flat expanse of the Stirling plains, reflected the same colour contrast, but completely opposes the grandeur and reach of the highlands behind to the north. The shear, sudden step up from the flat lands below emphasises the geological fault which literally gave rise to the Ochils, but it also made me consider this place as a demographical transition. A look back at the valley suggests comfort, routine, work, industry, housing, technology and many other man made features, yet turning to the north suggests nothing but barren wildness, screaming with solitude, just waiting to be explored.
The 5 minutes I took absorbing and articulating these images was a turning point in my life. I decided there and then that I wouldn’t simply go for the odd walk anymore. I needed to submerge myself in this beautiful country. From this point forward I would become a serious walking enthusiast, taking in as much of our home grown scenery as possible.
With a twinge of regret, I turned my back to the highlands and began my decent, however, there was still an encouraging climb to consider en route; the Law. Having to slow my pace as the exposed hillsides ice and snow underfoot were now a tricky feature, I approached the north face of the Law. At this point the wind was swirling with a chill factor way below freezing. The climb to the summit of the hill is aided by the placement of the fence line which takes a direct route to the summit, and what a summit!
Standing at the top, with 360 degrees of interrupted views, this is well worth the effort, however I considered the fence line as a life line as I was buffeted almost off the hill. Not for the faint hearted in these conditions. Looking south there is a clear steep path leading down following the same fence line. This needed to be negotiated with care but it wasn’t long before I was able to enjoy the scenery without the threat of being blown over. The ridge lent great views eastward to the Gannel Burn in full flow and westward to Eliouston Hill. In fact my path of accent earlier in the day was now obvious across the valley, as I had climbed up towards Wood hill.
Reaching the foot of the long steep decent of the Law, I headed back into the Mill Glen and back onto the tourist path. Reaching the car park after 3+ hours of climbing in tough conditions, I was exhausted, but boy was I thrilled. Today had been fantastic and my time in these wonderful hills would not be short lived.
CONCLUSIONS:
The topography of the landscape and the drastic change in temperature between top and bottom made this walk unforgettable. The wintry views from the summit of Ben Cleuch and the Law were breathtaking, taking in Wood hill, Ben Ever and the distant Highlands. Some may say these would be better in the summer months, as they become rich in colour, but I don’t agree. I think the clean crisp white contrast to a clear winter sky just can’t be beaten.
In hindsight, the trek was ill prepared, as I only intended a short hours walk in the lower foothills and next time I would do things with more care, such a taking some food and water!, but I think the enjoyment was enhanced by the challenge of getting back down after setting out, ‘off the cuff’ as I did.
Superb day can’t wait to return again.
RATING: 9/10
EFFORT: HIGH – V.HIGH (wind and cold)
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