Pleasant walk to a windy summit with plenty of activation space
There are walks documented to this summit from Cromdale but I chose the slightly shorter route from the road off the A939 near Ballantruan, approaching the summit from the East. I parked on the verge near the access gate (opposite the converted barn) and walked up a stony track.
The track divides shortly after and then crosses a stream, then progresses uphill for a mile or so.
The route is then less easy to follow, walking over thick heather cover and small peaty pools towards the summit. There are occasional markers but a GPS and map are useful to keep on track. Worth remembering to check for ticks when you return!
The summit has a trig point and an interesting super-cairn, apparently built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee (1887). The cairn provided welcome relief from the wind so I set up on the lee side. My Sotapole could not be protected from the wind, but managed to stay up for the 45 minutes required for 12x 20m and 9x40m QSOs. There is plenty of space on the summit and the trig point could be used to support a pole.
I did try spotting and calling CQ on 15m, but noone replied. There was good (Vodafone) 4G coverage but I self spotted using the SMS service.
Overall a nice walk and activation spot and of course fantastic views.
Next SOTA activation: a trip to Corsica, TK/TK-048 Punta Muro
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