Braedownie weekend, 29-31 August 2025.
In late August four club members headed for the Angus glens and a weekend meet in Carn Dearg mountaineering club’s Braedownie hut. Arthur and Robin were able to take in a couple of hills on the way down, before running the gauntlet of the pheasant and grouse populations of Glen Clova. Greg and Martin arrived just as darkness fell and missed the suicidal birds, but did spot a car with a Tentbox carefully parked at 45 degrees in a ditch. It must be assumed that the owners were new to single-track roads… and was later spotted on Facebook as the butt of a number of jokes.
Robin notes: Friday's main objective was Cat Law, a new Graham for me, but a repeat ascent for Arthur, though he missed out on the expansive view first time round so was happy to pay a second visit. Being the South Eastern Grampians the inevitable land rover track took us most of the way to the top , marked incidentally by a deceptively small cairn some 70 metres from the trig point.
Shortly after leaving the underwhelming cairn we were overwhelmed by the arrival of s sudden thunderstorm which chased us most of the way back down to the road. Then it was across to the other side of the valley to Mile Hill, a sub 2000ft Marilyn making it, naturally, a somewhat obscure collector's piece. Signs warned of a "Shooting Club" in the vicinity but all was quiet and the broad grassy top, surrounded by much new amenity tree planting, was attained without having to dodge any bullets - or even any more thunder.
Saturday’s forecast was to deteriorate later in the day, and both teams started promptly to make the most of the weather. Arthur and Robin set off for the Hill of Wirren, E of Glen Clova, a new Graham for Robin. Robin reported that Inevitably, being grouse moor country, the map did show not one but two vehicle tracks heading most of the way to the top. Just as well, as the most direct route was occupied by a driven grouse shooting party so, not wishing to push our luck after avoiding being shot at the day before, we took the longer (and safer) option. This didn't quite work, as on crossing the estate boundary on the broad ridge leading to the summit trig we almost ran into another walked-up shoot advancing up the opposite side of the hill.
It seemed the shooters had us trapped by a pincer movement, but being the wily old men of the hills we are, we jouked aboot in amongst the peat hags to sneak to our objective and beat a discrete retreat still in one piece, which is more than can be said for the grouse.
More solemnly, we paused for thought at the scattered remains of a more serious casualty, a World War Two Consolidated Liberator which crashed on the hill in 1944, claiming the lives of all but four of the eleven man crew. More, somewhat more distant history was contemplated before returning to the hut with a visit to the twin Caterthun hill forts, overlooked by the Hill of Wirren and redolent of much archaeological speculation and mystery.
Martin and Greg walked from the hut intending a circular walk, setting off in sunshine before a brief cloud inversion. Greg writes: "T’was a lovely retreat away in Glen Clova for the weekend with Martin, Arthur and Robin. Waking up with mountainous views of Glen Clova made the 3hr drive worthwhile.
The first day involved hiking the three southerly White Mounth Munros [Broad Cairn, Cairn Bannoch & Carn an t’Sagairt Mor via Bachnagairn and returning down Jock’s Road]. Martin made for great company (and motivation) throughout the hike which was needed given the 31km walk. The views throughout the day were outstanding including Lochnagar and the Glenshee range.
The evening was spent telling interesting stories of gliding, miniature railways and coast to coast cycling.”
Overnight rain did little for the water table, but made for a humid start on Sunday. A strong southerly wind lifted the overnight cloud and made for a swift round of Sunday’s hills. Greg continues “The next day legs were sore, but again we were lucky with good weather hiking over Mayar and Driesh.
Thank you to Martin, Arthur and Robin for making it a friendly and fun weekend. "
Robin and Arthur continued the historical theme on Sunday morning with a short ascent to the striking Airlie Tower, standing in a prominent hill crest overlooking the fertile lowlands of the Vale of Strathmore and the Sidlaw Hills.
It commemorates one of the Earls of Airlie, killed leading his troops in the Boer wars, whose family seat, Cortachy Castle lies below. On the way we were surprised, and interested, to come across a strikingly carved granite monument commemorating Scott of the Antarctic and Dr Edward Wilson, the expedition Doctor on Scott's doomed attempt to be first to the South Pole, Wilson having connections to Glen Prosen. Both men perished on the return trip.
Having had our fill of historical mystery and tragedy, it was time to hit the road north home, pausing on the way to sample another sub 2000ft Marilyn. It was a "Meall Mor", one of many such named in Scotland, this example being right on the Perthshire/Angus county boundary, a short distance east of Glen Shee. Starting at 380 metres to ascent to the 551 metre cairn isn't the most demanding of Scottish hill days, but the view makes it well worthwhile for all that.
Despite the small numbers a very good weekend was had by all.
Words and Photos: Robin, Greg & Martin;
Taking part: Arthur, Robin, Martin and Greg