Area: Perthshire, Scotland
This area seems to my outsiders eyes to be a classic transition zone, the edge of the Highlands. It wasn't much more than a five hour drive to Crieff, which I last visited 15 years ago when the OMM took place in the more obscure corners of this range. Myself and Huw had a great weekend then, and a top 20 finish if memory serves (2nd vet team) but our route choices avoided the summit of Chonzie. Today, this was just an easy aperitif for my second Highlands trip of the year, anticipating being forced 'east' due to fronts hitting the north-west (and a heatwave elsewhere in the UK). I drove up Glen Turret to the loch, where I parked before setting off on the gravel bike along its banks. This track needs a mountain bike really, so it was hard work in places, not helped by glowering skies and drizzle. I left the bike above Lochan Uaine, which is fringed by steeper slopes giving this cwm more of a Highland character. It is an easy plod west to a breach in the headwall, wet and slimy in places. It is all very easy, and led to a misty col before the route kinks southwest and leads quite smoothly to the summit. A little drizzle and no views, so I trotted down intent on saving as much energy as possible. Above the col, the mist cleared a bit and I did get some views to Glen Almond and points west, which was definitely where the action took place on that 2011 OMM (in fact the overnight camp was in Glen Almond). The ride back along the track was a little easier and the weather did begin the clear a little. After gourmet pasta at the van, I strolled around birdwatching which - incredibly - yielded a white-tailed eagle. No point moving on at this stage, so I spent the night at Loch Turret, sleeping for nearly 10 peaceful hours!
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