Ben Cleuch

Mike Baron

14 April 2022

Eight keen marauders set off from Tillicoultry. As usual it was not the exact eight who signed up. Graham had to go to Newark but Alex was a late replacement.

The start is up Mill Glen. There is an engineered path of carved out rock paths, bridges, and wooden stairs up this impressive gorge. There was a note saying the path was closed but the gate opened as normal. As all regular walkers know “closed” can mean anything. The gate opened as normal and an assumption was made that it was not a serious problem. This turned out to not be a 100% accurate assessment. The problem arose about 10 minutes in. The path had collapsed into the burn and the way forward required a big step down onto an irregular shelf and a scramble up the other side with a raging torrent below. No problem to the marauders who strolled across nonchalantly (or so the record will say). The walk continued up the gorge and then onto the grassy slopes on Ben Ever.

The weather forecast had been studied carefully. The only negative feature (cloud on the horizon?) was the chance of low cloud. However the forecasts suggested that this would lift during the morning. As the top of Ben Clough was clearly visible while driving up from Edinburgh, this was felt by the group leader not to be a problem. However, as height was gained on Ben Ever, it was clear that not only was the cloud not lifting, it was in fact descending towards us. There was a stop for refreshment sometime between second elevenses and first lunch and the impressive view over the Forth valley was admired and the lack of view looking towards the tops was noted. As we climbed into the cloud, it because increasingly wet. The summit on Ben Ever was achieved and we gathered round the (less than) impressive cairn and decided that there was no point in walking on to Ben Cleugh with no visibility in the rain.

The descent was made down Silver Glen. This is a pleasant walk with two features of minor interest: a visit to a hole in the ground that was apparently an old silver mine and a walk through the tautologically named “Wood Hill Wood”.

Local knowledge directed us to an excellent place for the traditional sticky buns, Muircot Farm Shop. This not only offered an excellent selection of buns but they came with an extra treat: a choice of custard, cream or ice cream.

It was a day with a moral – you don’t need to achieve your objectives to have a good day in the hills.

May Walk

Now that the Leuchers ice cream shop has re-opened in Direlton, it was suggested we try for the Direlton – Gullane -Direlton walk again. Wille will be sending out suggested dates shortly.

July Walk – A date for your Diaries

David’s last hill was Ben Lawers on the Friday 23rd July 2021. It has been suggested that we go to Ben Lawers on the anniversary as a tribute and remembrance. In accordance with Marauder traditions of weekday walks, we should do on Friday 22nd July 2022. For those who haven’t done it Ben Lawers is the highest peak in the southern highlands but an easy walk. There are two good well graded paths which enable an excellent round walk. More details nearer the time.

Best wishes
Mike