(March/April) Radio Days….

Wowser…

Two for the price of one! you are getting spoiled aren’t you ?

GOGOF….but sadly no Clubcard or Nectar points, sorry.

Sitting here looking out on a not so nice May afternoon staring at heavy rain, high wind and what isn’t too low a temperature. Thinking of better days to come…warm, light breezes and days to just sit and play portable radio. Three days later after writing this, snow lying on the hills and the levels at 6.00 am was approx 1800ft asl. It’s a true Scottish saying  ’Never cast a cloot ’till May’s oot’, eh ?

Let’s march on (groan)..

Activations…

March..

Two to report this month and both return visits..

Earlier in the month, a misty ascent and activation of Beinn Chaorach in the Luss Hills area which brought seven STS ( summit to summit) although three lads were on one hill, Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales. The other ‘chases’ were Colwyn YCJ on White Coomb to the south of me. Andy FMF on Dumglow, Robin PKT on Cruach Mhor just to the NW of Inveraray, Liz EPW with whom I made the contact on her handie on the summit of Dent in the Lake District and finally Terry VWP, Phil OBK and Nick OOE on the aforementioned Whernside. A good haul on a miserable day which suddenly broke into sunshine as I descended Beinn Tharsuinn heading towards Glen Fruin.

On the last day of the month, it was the quick journey to the other side of the Erskine Bridge being dropped off at the bottom of the Kilpatrick Braes. This is one of my favourite starts to any hill as the views as you head up the Braes are fantastic. As you pass the old quarry it is almost time to head out into open countryside. I made 4 STS on this trip, Robin PKT on Beinn na Cille, Robert GUF and Paul PJD on Tinto and finally Gerald GDA on Glas Bheinn to the NE of Kinlochleven on the edge of the Mamore Forest. I was almost three hours playing radio which longer than normal. A hill worth visiting.

Tinto summit cairn

April.

Only one..

I waited until the last Saturday of the month before doing my 50th SOTA activation on the well kent much-loved iconic hill the Cobbler. I’d bagged Ime and Narnain, the Arrochar Alp Munros the previous year and never got round to this hill although I spent a couple of mins going ‘Ime? Cobbler ? Ime ? Cobbler ?’ and Ime won.

On what was a perfect day for hill walking, I made 22 contacts of which nine were STS (summit to summit). This time I’ll mention then in the Chasing part of this blog post. Over two hours playing radio in such a wonderful place. A good one for my 50th.

Chasing…

March.

I started with the contacts I made on Beinn Chaorach (see above), the following Saturday found Bob AWV on the summit of Luss hill Beinn Eich, the next day I caught Robin PKT on Sidhean na Raplaich in the Morvern area. The next weekend was another trip to Morvern for Robin and this time I caught him on Beinn Chlaonleud.

The final weekend was the holiday weekend and on Good Friday, I spoke with Iain WJZ on his trip to both summits of Beinn a’Bheithir and Robin PKT on Beinn Mheadhoin. The weekend was a busy one with both Ian and Robin active on the Sunday, Iain was on the summit of Binnean Mor and Robin this time was on both Beinn a’Chaisil and later An Sleaghach this was the first activation of this hill.

The month finished off by my chases whilst on the summit of Duncolm, see Activations.

A good but busy month.

April.

On April Fool’s Day, I caught firstly Robin PKT far to the N on Beinn Teallach, I had just heard him with some QSB on 2m FM but I waited to catch him on 2m SSB to bag the points. Bob AWV popped up on Conic Hill above Loch Lomond later that afternoon, a good start to the month.

One week later, Robin was first in the log as this time he was on the summit of Beinn Ghlas N of Inveraray (not the more famous Lawers range Munro), Neil 2MØNCM made a welcome return to the log by first activating Doune Hill then nipping over Beinn Lochain to activate Cruach an-t-Sidhein, both hills are in the Luss area,. It was good to see Neil shake off the cobwebs although I knew he was doing some long distance walking work at weekends. Iain WJZ, another regular popped up on Conic Hill, a quick activation as Iain was out on DoE expedition business and took the opportunity to nip up off the WHW path which passes just below the various summits of this hill.

Loch Lomond from Conic Hill path

A week later and another visitor to Conic, Jack COX had appeared late afternoon and I first worked him on 2m FM but I had told Jack I’d came up from 20m so it was off for a quick check on 20m SSB. Yes folks, I can actually use voice on HF not often or more really never.

Two days later, Iain WJZ appeared on the Luss Beinn Chaorach which is line of sight from here and a hill I’d activated earlier this year ( see March activations or HERE), the last time I spoke with Iain when he was on Chaorach was our 2010 Expedition to Mull that day I was on Ben More, a hill to remember. Mull expedition posts HERE and HERE.

Ben More from near Penyghael

The following day, three hardy members of the Paisley Amateur radio club activated Ben Bowie just across the river from me, the day had started with high winds interspersed with rain but conditions had improved to let the lads complete the activation, I had spoken with first Craig PHT on both 2 m and 70 cm FM and finally with Graeme 2MØGIL on 2m FM, Brian HMZ was busy down on 40m. Well done to the lads on what was a day I’d have stayed at home.

Kenny ZUN appeared later in the week on the Hill of Stake which is my nearest Marilyn, a hill I now pay an annual visit. The following day a new activator appeared on Corse Hill, Alan NLA. I caught him and was his second contact and he qualified the hill with no problem, Alan’s blog post is HERE. Alan is the son of blog pal Neil 2MØNCM.

Craig PHT appeared the following day on the Loch Earn Ben Vorlich on what was not a great day weather wise but Craig got the hill activated.

The month ended with my chases whilst on the summit of the Cobbler, first in the log were BWA and JLA who were on Torlum SW of Crieff. Robin PKT was next from the summit of Beinn Udlaidh near Tyndrum, I later caught Robin on Beinn Bhreac-liath just before I broke the station down. I next caught Jack COX on White Coomb, the highest of the Moffat hills, the excellent weather had brought out much activity on the hilltops. On my ascent I’d listened for Iain WJZ on his first hill but the bulk of Narnain had taken care of that but I worked him on his second summit of Sron a’Choire Chnapanich or  “Sron a Corie Nae Panic” as he later posted in a comment to my Cobbler blog post…The STS’s kept on coming and next was Ron on High Stile in the Lake District, an excellent contact and I had briefly heard one of his STS contacts with a 2W0 Welsh station but I did scan the bands but nothing else was heard from Wales. Robert GUF was on his regular hill Tinto before I got Robin PKT see the earlier mention.

The Cobbler

Finally I was to catch Andy FMF on Penvalla deep in the Peebleshire hills. The second STS with him in ’13.

Another good month with a spectacular end to the month.

Other Radio….

March..

Still plodding away on what was a patchy month for me, I seemed to be away from the radio when any exotic DX was around. Contacts into NA, Euro land and Asia on both JT65 and JT9-1 with an occasional visit to try PSK 31..

I did a lot of listening around mostly 17 and 15m plus monitoring 6m. Like I said earlier I was wrong time at the wrong place but intend to try more WSPR on selected bands…whilst I do any computer work..

April..

As above for March, I followed the same pattern Data wise with maybe more time spent on the JT9 part of the bands. Laurie VK3AMA has built a version of his excellent JT Alert programme to be used with Joe Taylor’s WJST-X set of data modes and this is an excellent addition for JT9 regulars. Joe’s call is K1JT.

I was listening around various parts of bands one Sunday morning and had noticed some activity on 17m JT65 so I tuned in and gave a call and first shout, I was called by a ZL3 and soon New Zealand was in the log. It has taken a few years but finally I have it in the log. a few contacts state-side and the regular Euros to report.

Thought..

You may remember my mentioning my first observations of JT9 working and the QRP being worked in this mode and how little signal lower took place when power was reduced.

I came across this calculator for JT65 the other day again and looked at how I could reduce my outgoing power even lower and still remain in the ballpark so to speak. I used one of my most recent JT65 QSO with a EA7 station in which I was given the report of -10, this was the signal received when I first called and it will vary over the length of the QSO. I used the calculator HERE where I inputted my output power of 10w and my RX signal of 10db and received the results you see on the image shown.  The 30m band was quiet at the time of this QSO logged at 6.18 UTC and according to JTAlert only 5 stations were being reported worldwide. You can see I could drop my power as low as .25w and still be readable depending on the noise levels at the EA7 location. JT9 also has many low power users and I have seen contacts being made between Euro and US stations of milliwatts !

JT65 signal calculator

Lance’s Bit….

Nothing except the odd jaunt along the cycle track, I had a ‘wobble’ on my back wheel but soon found out the cause. A spoke ( is this the name today?) was not set up correctly and threw everything out of tilt and having a wobble makes you feel let’s say a bit unsure on what’s happening when travelling at speed, well at the speeds I move at.

The road surfaces I have been on are pretty random with more than enough pot holes to avoid but this is expected on the single track back roads I normally walk. Traffic is rare on some but some are used like ‘rat runs’ at certain times of the day.

Trips to near Howwood which if you told me 12 month ago I’d be cycling 26 mile in a day I would have laughed at you.

I’ll be out more when the rain stops (if ever).

Once again my thanks for linking to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and others.

A Day Oot

Lance here, folks !

It’s time for another rambling article of my oot’n'aboot adventures, this blog post is a bit of this a bit of that so here we go.

Having had a jaunt to Paisley on the Saturday then a wander around the back roads to the SW of Kilmacolm the next day.

I pondered early Monday on what to do…

A walk to Corlic ?, a walk over the Syde hills ? or just go bag some geocaches ? Nope, a trip to Corlic on the bike *shock*..

Lances Voodoo on top of Corlic

The morning started with a text ask for a weather forecast from a pal who was somewhere on the East bank of Loch Lomond as two of them head northwards towards Fort William on the West Highland Way. The forecast was optimistic if not promising so I packed my rukkie with the cycle accoutrements plus a handie as a station had alerted for Ben Bowie above Cardross.

I set off down the avenue turning left then 200m later I was pedalling furiously up the start of the Dougliehill Rd and as the day before, I got off and pushed the bike up the steep bit. Someday this will get cracked.

Heading upwards along a single track road avoiding the lumps, bumps and potholes I exited on to the B788  and headed south soon reaching the highest point of this road on my journey. I whizzed downhill until where I would head west along another lumpy bumpy holey single track road and at Mansfield Bridge I started to slowly climb towards Garshangan where I slowly made my way downhill to the area at the dam wall of the top reservoir. Note the word ‘slowly’, road condition demands this.

Reaching the Higher Gryffe reservoir,I lifted the bike over the gate and climbed the stile and pedaled along a muddy dam wall track carrying on until another stile then I peddled until I then walked the bike up to the ruins of Glenbrae farm. I pottered about having a closer look at the area than I normally do as I pass this ruin on a regular occasion. It is sad to see the ruins and old rusting machinery of a disused farmstead, a large tree had blown down during the storms of 2012 and is lying over the ruined main building.

Glenbrae – ruins

I nodded to a walker who was heading down the hill as I cycled along the track which took me to my next stop, the ruins of Burnhead cottage. I remember walking this area in the ’80s and speaking on occasion with the person who stayed here. It was a popular stop in the mid 20th century as a tea room was open here at weekends. Another building in ruins as a few are in the locale.

I had another prowl round the ruins before heading up the now green track to the Corlic hill track where I proceeded to walk the bike up to the summit of Corlic. It was very windy and after a short scran break, I headed back down the wet and slippy track, lifted the bike over the fence and started to cycle out towards the Old Largs Road. The rough track gives way to a cracking tarmac path when I stopped and took a walk up to the WW2 decoy station on top of Whitelees Moor, a building still in reasonable condition for being at least 70-year-old mind you it did smell like its age inside. Back to the bike and I enjoyed a downhill run until the junction where I turned left and headed towards the Dowries road end of the Higher Gryffe track.

Burnhead – side window

Leaving the road and on to a ‘pock’ marked track, I cycled back to where I had left the track to head to Corlic, a stop for a water break before pedalling up towards Garshangan and dropping down toward the Gryfe Nursery road end. Drainage work is being undertaken at some points on the forest track and spoils being dumped to one side… roughly…

Whitelees Moor WW2 decoy station

It was a short cycle to then turn right taking me down a better surfaced single track towards Kilmacolm plus apart from a couple of short rises it was downhill all the way until the junction at Penny’s Arch (Pennytersal- nearby farm) railway bridge where I joined the cycle track and I knew I was only two-mile from home. The track is an excellent surface and with the windy, damp conditions there were still many folk out walking. I stopped at the mile marker and had a quick chat with someone I knew.

10 mins later I was home with a muddy bike. 20 mins after arriving, the Voodoo was much cleaner, the gleam and oiling will take place another day.

Oh and saw my first swallow of ’13 today at Higher Gryffe.

—————————————————————

The Image in the Gallery with the ‘Torbelle’ cover..

I found reference to a catalogue parts list for a Torbelle Cooker and Water Heater which was I presumed manufactured in Larbert by Jones & Campbell, Torwood Foundry, Larbert. The link to the document HERE . The work these community trusts and others do in archiving old information is invaluable.

Further Reading …

More on the Decoy station HERE and HERE.

An interesting article by Steve Jennings on the Lurg Moor and Corlic area HERE

Interesting snippet about the 1865 proposed Gryffe Dams and other local water related info HERE

My thanks to Canmore, Secret Scotland, Endomondo and Google Maps.

A Day Oot

Burnhead – 50s dishwasher

Burnhead – dunny or shed

Burnhead – main door

Burnhead – outdoor game larder

Decoy station side view

Glenbrae – cover

Glenbrae – 50s main frame

Glenbrae – old engine block

Stairway to heaven

High Gryffe reservoir west end

Burnhead from ascent of Corlic

Glenbrae from ascent of Corlic

50 Not Out…At Last

Once again I better explain the blog post title..

50 not out ?

my 50th activated SOTA summit.

At last ?

The word ‘Last’ is the clue, a reference to a cobbler’s work tool HERE.

SOTA Activation of The Cobbler GM/SS 020 27th April 2013

The hill is the iconic Cobbler also known as Ben Arthur..which I thought would be a good choice to celebrate the half-century.

As I do, I kept an eye on the approaching weekend weather as the week progressed and Saturday was looking good.

There was only one snag which was maybe putting a spanner in the works…a bath.

This was being delivered so on Friday afternoon, I received a text saying ‘between 12.00 and 16.00′ it was to be delivered. Brilliant as I then worked out drop off times but the phone rang early on Sat morning and the man says between 9.00 and 10.00…oh boy! not what I wanted to hear. It duly arrived and off we headed the usual route to Arrochar with the now obligatory police radar trap in Tarbet. I had noticed a  motorway sign on Friday which had said the road was closed but a check on Traffic Scotland late Fri evening showed the road was open again.

Arriving at the drop off at the car park on the shores of Loch Long opposite the path, I quickly got ready then waved goodbye to the expedition driver, the long-suffering Katie. I headed up past the carved Fox at the entrance and headed slowly up the zig zaggy path chatting with others heading up to the Coire. After a mile I exited the forestry area on to the open Coire and at the wee dam I hunted and bagged a geocache HERE.

I found out that I hadn’t loaded the three caches I was intending to bag on to my GPS, my fault for faffing about late Fri evening with files on the GPS. I had referred to my hint on my notebook and the cache was soon found.

The Cobbler

I headed up the Coire with a steady cool breeze in my face but the sky was blue with the occasional scuttling white cloud. I soon reached the Narnain Boulders where I fruitlessly searched for a cache, I did try the phone but it would not connect to the net at all, more on this later.

A quick scran and water break before heading to the top of the Coire, the path was busy with others heading on to one of the four main hills accessible from the path. I stopped for a short break before heading up the path to my objective hill. I saw steps and lots of them and those who know me well know how much I hate steps. I must say that those who did the back-breaking work on this and other paths deserve much thanks as they certainly stop the paths from suffering further erosion but they do tell on me.

Off at the usual steep pace I headed stopping to take in the views and watch other walkers heading up both Ime and Narnain. Luibhean had one hardy soul heading out across what looks like a boggy bealach.

I reached the break in the path and headed across some small snow fields before heading up the last stretch and summiting next to the ‘Needle’ which no I didn’t attempt. Next visit maybe ?

I was running late and was almost one hour late. I did feel achy legs on the last haul up for the bealach but I’ll blame the steps for that. I did rather sillily wear a pair of lined breeks in which I was very hot but the forecast had said not shorts weather.

A cold steady breeze blew down from the N as I set up the station, the beam assembled, mast erected and with the radio hooked up, a quick check of the SWR and I was off to first bag a couple who were on Torlum near Crieff, I first worked Vicky BWA then it was Rod JLA in the log. I next found and worked blog regular Robin PKT on Beinn Udlaidh just to N of me near Tyndrum. Three STS (summits to summits) to start the day off.

The Cobbler North peak

Off around the band and next logged Bob AWV in Gourock before snagging regular Steve UAU in Greenock, thanks for the spot, Steve ! I had intended to use Joerg’s App Backpack Radio Tool (Android) to ‘spot’ myself but again either the network was down or just a case of no signal..

Next in the log was Jack COX who was to the S of me on White Coomb and no problem signal wise, another STS. Next station to call me was Billy OBX/p not a SOTA summit but out wandering the Campsie Fells. I had missed my next contact on his first hill as the lump that is Beinn Narnain would have taken care of that but I got another blog regular Iain WJZ on the tongue twister summit of Sron a’Choire Chnapanich to the NE of Loch Lyon, I’m sure I would be just giving out the reference no. It was good to give the regular activators a STS as I normally just chase them.

It was almost mid afternoon and there were still stations about, Andy USU from Falkirk came in at full signal drowning out a Paisley station Stuart PAZ with whom I had a quick chat about Paisley Amateur Radio Club, the Club Blog HERE.

I left Stuart and was called by Brian HMZ who must have been under control of the ‘soupdragon’ as his contact was short and sweet and next was fellow activator Roddy 2MØIOB who was sitting with his feet up whilst yer man was out, a chat then it was off to Ayr to speak with Tom MOF followed by Duncan AHL who called in from Dumbarton. Andy GDE gave me a quick shout from the same area before I worked YUP in Clydebank.

A quick water break and to chat with a group from Greenock who had spotted my fluorescent yellow Morton FC tammy although I know it can be spotted from miles away, it is that bright ! I had more than a few queries about what I was doing plus more than a few strange looks flung my way but I was having fun and lots of contacts.This was the life ! Why did I stop doing this in the 80s ? I promise I am going to make up for it !!!!!!!

The Needle and Loch Long

I spent more than a few mins trying attract the attention of Ron RWB who was on the summit of High Stile in the Lake District so not only a SOTA summit but also a WOTA chase to log. I spoke with Ron then I left to find Robert GUF whom I had earlier heard on Tinto, a quick word with Robert and I thought I’ll wait until Robin PKT appears as he was heading to another hill but meanwhile I spoke with two stations in Northern Ireland, Victor ONL in Bushmills, a SOTA HF regular and Bernie POC in Bangor. I was speaking to Victor when a sudden gust blew the antenna to the ground so a quick repair to the reflector and it was back in operation. I’ll run another check mid-week.

Finally in the log were two STS, Robin PKT had arrived on the summit of Beinn Bhreac-liath and Andy FMF who was to the SE of me on Penvalla near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Two STS to finish off the day. I did try another couple of calls but no one returned so it was time to break down and head home.

Over two hours radio, 22 contacts logged, a bright breezy day on top of one of Scotland’s iconic hills and one cache bagged.

Beinn Ime

One blight on the day, I opened my box and my A4 maps flew away, a bad mistake on my part as I had intended returning the alternative route via An T-Sron to the dam earlier mentioned. It was to be back the reverse route with a couple whom I had met on one of my Hill of Stake activations, Alastair and Susie from Inverkip. I had tried to get a call home to arrange for Katie to pick me up but no joy and they very kindly offered me a lift home which was much appreciated. We sauntered down the Coire before I had to borrow Alastair’s phone to call home but Euan had said that his mum was on her way as he had noticed I had left the summit by tracking me on Endomondo. We headed back down to the forestry area where I said goodbye and jumped into the car and headed home on what was a most enjoyable day. It is worth the effort just to stand on the summits of these Scottish hills and enjoy the views which today included the summits of the Paps of Jura, Ben More on Mull, Cruachan, Starav, Lui, Oss, Ime, Narnain, Lomond, Ben More, Stobinnean amongst many others.

My previous blog posts in this area – Beinn Narnain HERE Beinn Ime HERE

To embiggen all images, click on them.

I remember now why the radio stuff in the ’80s was a bit less fun, we carried car batteries up to the summits..

One last thing to add, I must give thanks to my long-suffering wife, Katie who without her help and driving my hill totals would be much less also my kids Euan, Lora and Ailsa who continually rip the ‘wee’ out of their Dad. Thanks also go to Roddy, Graeme, Patsy who have also suffered the Mhor on more than a few joint activations. (calm down Bob, its only 50).

I may add to this as I remember more so check back.

The Cobbler Fact Sheet..

also known as Beinn Arthur

in Gaelic – Beinn Artair

Height – 884m (2,900 ft)..

Hill categories - Corbett, Marilyn.

Further reading -

Climbing History and Geology HERE

Old Climbing article – HERE

Ben Lomond

Looking across to Beinn Narnain

Looking to Loch Long

Looking towards Ardgarten

One last bit to climb

The Brack and the Firth of Clyde

The Needle

The Spearhead on Beinn Narnain

The station

The Cobbler

Beinn Ime

The Needle and Loch Long

The Cobbler North peak

The Firth of Clyde

An Afternoon Spent Hunting Treasure…..

Treasure hunting or using its ‘posh’ name…. Geocaching..

The regular reader may have noticed that Roddy had mentioned something in his comment in an earlier blog post…see HERE about the latest hobby (or fad).

I recently picked up an Etrex GPS unit and as the Geocaching kit add-on was the same price, why not?

I started with the nearest one which is just to the back of the house. I headed up the Green Road and as I had noted the rough coördinations on the map, I climbed a gate, switched on the GPS and headed into the field following what was on the screen, I reduced the distance until the lowest setting, 20ft.

I rooted around and found it.

I signed the log and re hid the cache.

Back to today’s hunt….

I’d been knocking off the odd cache near the cycle track and within a 4 ml radius of the house.

I’d caught a couple the previous Saturday between Bridge of Weir and Brookfield but as the weather was looking good, a trip further afield was planned. I prepared and printed off a map with all the locations of five caches all to the East and SE of Linwood.

XVII Legion

The sun was shining brightly as I set off heading for the cycle track (Route 75) and soon I was heading through Kilmacolm, I saluted the Lost XVII Legion as I passed making good time as the path was empty despite the warm weather. I headed into a slight head on breeze and powered past Bridge of Weir with a tempting waft of the Italian restaurant at the side of the path.

Soon I was heading along the fields passing a cache I had done the previous week (and the road up to the other at Lochar Bridge) until Brookfield appeared on my right, the path now started to be busier as I approached Linwood.

I cycled over the busy A737 and chose the right turn down Route 7 which would lead me to my next target via the offshot path to Milliken Park and  its ‘Ring of Stones’. I’ve linked to another blogger who gives more details of the ‘Ring’ HERE. Cache bagged and off SW as I headed back to join the cycle path at Kilbarchan.

Ring of Stones

As I joined the track via what was obviously the walkway to the old station I passed the next cache area but I had decided just to head along the track until I reached my destination, a sculpture of a bike, a big bike with concrete wheels ! The Bedrock Bike..

I stopped and parked the Marasa and sat down nearby and had some scran ( a healthy bar !) and a cool drink of water.

I searched and found the cache, logged my visit and off I headed back from where I had come from. I did think of a text to Brian HMZ who lives nearby bumming a coffee but I thought better keep moving.

I soon reached the old station platform at KIlbarchan and had a quick look at my wee notebook for the ‘hint’, I saw more than one and switched on the GPS but I was soon logging my visit.

After a women with psychotic dogs had left the area, it was on the trusty steed and off the track and I soon headed up Kilbarchan main street until I found the side road which would take me to just outside Brookfield.

The Bedrock Bike

I soon reached the A761 and headed East passing Brookfield and looking for the entrance of the area where the next cache was located. I headed up the blocked off approach road to the abandoned but yet to be demolished buildings. I arrived at the spot I remembered noting where the cache was to be found. I had a quick look around and found a dump hammer under a rock, this was weird ! I soon found and signed the cache. I headed down the refuse strewn road and turned left and took the Barochan Rd at the roundabout, I soon reached the entrance of the cycle track and this time no caches just a gentle paced cycle home.

Aye right, the breeze I had earlier cycled in to was now the opposite way but I still made steady progress but knew that the slow uphill trek to Port Glasgow was ahead of me. I reached Bridge of Weir and mentally decided to stop on the bridge over the Gryfe and have a water break. It was busy so I carried on until the turn off which takes you to Quarriers Village. The history of Quarriers is HERE.

Quarriers village

I parked the bike and sat down and had a quick swig and rested for a couple of minutes but soon I was back on the track saluting the Lost XVII Legion as I passed. The quietness was now gone as a myriad of cyclists and walkers seemed to be at every turn on this section of the track. I soon reached Kilmacolm and knew I had just under four miles to home although the next two and a half were the uphill section. I soon passed Netherwood Rd and headed over Penny’s Arch and my usual stopping place just before Cunston bridge where the bench was occupied..damn ! I soon reached the high point and took leave from the cycle path passing some local worthies enjoying what looked like more than a beer or two. I headed down and then it was not long and my legs would get a rest.

I turned up the avenue and as I arrived home, I stopped Endomondo and saw I had done over 28 mls. I was more than pleased but my legs weren’t. A welcome coffee and a hot Radox bath then it was feet up for the evening….

Cache off Green Rd HERE

Cache at Ring of Stones HERE

Cache at Bedrock Bike HERE

Cache at Platform (Kilbarchan) HERE

Cache at Disused Buildings HERE

Geocaching website HERE

Wikipedia article on Geocaching HERE

Lance .

To embiggen any image, just click it.

I’ve added a couple of images from an earlier cache hunt…

Oh, can anyone spot the deliberate mistake ?

and did I mention the 28 and a half miles covered ?

Todays Route

If I had a hammer

The Bedrock Bike

Offishul plaque

Quarriers village

Ring of stones

Pool on Rotten Burn

Lochar Bridge Falls

Falls on Rotten Burn

Rotten Burn bridge

Beats me what it is

I’ll just head home

Long way for Mhor to cycle home

Pool on Rotten Burn

(Feb) Radio Days

Late again, I need to get my act together.

The shortest month of the year, so how much did I manage to cram in to it ?

Lets see !

SOTA…

Activations ? Two, what I would call my now annual visits to first, Beinn a’Mhanaich and secondly the Hill of Stake.

a’Mhanaich I did on a cold windy day but I was kept busy with 24 contacts from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Later in midweek I headed to the Hill of Stake in ideal conditions for walking in and out but I must add not for sitting about on the summit, this hill is best done in ‘cold’ conditions as some of you know fine well it can a boggy pathless ascent. ‘Crisp’ is what I would describe as the best attack plan. I made 19 contacts all in Scotland but nonetheless a good midweek total. I gave a call out on my 70mhz FM handie and snagged one contact to Steve UAU in Greenock but at the HoS, I decided to try 70 cm FM and made three contacts which for midweek was good. I’ll try 70 cm as 70 mhz seems to be quiet in the Central Belt but if S of the HoS, I will consider 70 mhz FM as I know a few stations in NI and some in the NW England area are normally about.

Looking down the Firth from a’Mhanaich

Chasing…

The month started with working Iain WJZ who activated Beinn Dorain, another of those iconic Scottish mountains. I had been out walking and waited to catch him from the local golf course car park about 400m W from my house. One done by handie.

On what seemed a slow start to the month, I caught Iain seven days later Schiehallion SE of Loch Rannoch this time I was at home. Iain had just activated two hills I have looked at very closely lately. The following weekend I ‘chased’ from Beinn a’Mhanaich and logged Iain this time from Creag Meagaidh well to the N of me near Glen Spean , Robin PKT who was Beinn Chaorach nr Tyndrum, Jack COX to the E on Cairnpapple Hill, John BLV who was on Moel Famau in North Wales and finally Alister BKQ whom I caught on Skiddaw in the Lake District, a good haul of contacts. I was down on HF when I get tipped the wink by Steve UAU that Colwyn YCJ was on Ben Clach to the NW of Braco, an unexpected one in the log.

On the last weekend of the month, I caught Robin PKT on Sgurr Mhic Eacharna then the following day on Beinn Leamhain both hills in the Morvern area and the last contact for the month was Bob AWV directly across the river on Ben Bowie. A reasonable month considering the poor weather at times.

Quiet but still a worthwhile time considering hill conditions.

Brr

HF…

Another month in which JT65 and to a lesser degree JT9-1 were my go to modes. I must return to PSK at some point as some interesting propagation has been showing lately. Nothing new DXCC wise although I’m trying hard trying to work grey line or monitoring bands as they open or start to close which seems to be my best chance. Right place right time I hope will pay off for me.

Odds..

I’m still playing about with the SDR dongle stuff but still not devoting the time that I should, I must try to source a box to fit the upconverter in as more a shield than anything else. It is remarkable how sensitive the dongles are for the price that you pay for them and with some excellent free software to run them with. I think the winter months will be spent trying some of the Softrock projects.

That’s been short and sweet for Feb, a month in which I crammed in so much but found I’d very little to write in this piece. If it seems a dry post, I may put that down to short memory hihi.

My post on Beinn a’Mhanaich HERE

Ditto …Hill of Stake HERE

73

Thanks again to all those I have linked to, Wikipedia, Peakbagger and others…

Do I Do Dubh ? Nope….

I never.

I’d been keeping an eye on snow levels all week and had decided to head out somewhere at the weekend.

The hills across the river had snow down to 1,500 ft at one point but had been slowly creeping up daily. Beinn Dubh is just over 2,000 ft so after a bit of thought early on Sunday morning, Duncolm was my intended.

Duncolm is just to the E of me tucked in behind Doughnot Hill as I look from the house.

I’ve activated the hill in both ’09 and ’12 and as I assumed it would have no snow, it was off a little later than normal but still expecting to activate the hill at 12.00 local. Sunday was the first day of  BST which always throws me out.

It didn’t take long for Katie to drop me off and this was to my advantage as I can get dropped off a little further up the road nearer the start of the steep rise upwards. The only parking area is at NS 470731.

An impressive vista

I checked everything before waving Katie off and on what was a pleasant but slightly breezy morning, I started up the excellent resurfaced track towards Loch Humphrey which would then lead me on to what is initially a damp grassy path. I walked up the Braes taking in the view which extends from Glasgow to Greenock and south to the Ayrshire hills. If you haven’t been here, take a trip up on a clear day.

The old quarry is soon passed and I next looked for the path which would later take me across the Slacks as I wanted to ‘bag’ the trig point plus on my ascent I wanted to bag a ‘cache’ which is to the west of the track beside Loch Humphrey. The path which heads to The Slacks was noted and now off upwards towards where I would head west. I stopped and got the GPS out and off along the banks of the loch.  Roughly 300m from the main track I walked on to the cache with no problem. I duly signed the log and now back to my goal. The path soon turns NW at the end of the stony track and with the ground frozen it meant no diversions to avoid the usual damp muddy parts. I rose to find some snow but it had well tramped so a little care until I met the main track up the hill itself which was just a sharp short snowy rise. I reached the trig and found a chilly breeze coming from the east. I found a spot just yards from the trig and proceeded to set up the station whilst listening on the handie. I had switched it on as I headed out the grass track and found not much activity on the bands.

I spoke with a party of walkers who showed some interest in what I was doing, I explained the SOTA concept to them.

Time to get going, I had set the beam to NW as I knew of two activators being out in that area. I called and immediately worked Paul PJD who was on his way to the foot of Tinto with Robert GUF so after a quick chat I then spoke with Andy GDE from East Kilbride. A quick break to scan around 70cms but back to 2m and Ken KCD in Falkirk was next in the log, today was good as I had more of a chat with everyone and not the occasional short pile ups you get.

A haunt of 2MØGIL

Robin PKT had called me as he was ascending Beinn na Cille in the Morvern area so I left him to continue up the hillside.

Bob AWV called me next from near the Cloch Lighthouse in Gourock and next in the log was Steve UAU in Greenock, I noticed later Steve had spotted me, thanks ! Jack COX in Lanarkshire was next contact and we rattled on for a while, I’d missed Jack the previous day but I’d explained that Ben Starav area is like the Bermuda Triangle radiowise for me.

Barrie KZX from Dumbarton called in as normal then across the river to Port Glasgow to have a word or two with Derek RTD visiting the local supermarket. I took the chance to once again scan 70cm but it was back to 2m where Colin UOU in Dunlop called me and could I manage the last three letters of his call ? It took a couple of attempts but I got there.

Next contact was in the west Lothian area, Geoff AHO who had given a talk last year at the Paisley club so we had a chinwag about the subject which had led me to buy the book he had recommended.

Robin PKT was next, the first STS (summit to summit) of the day, a good signal considering the beam had been swung south, we knew Gerald GDA was activating Glas Bheinn, a Corbett just E of Kinlochleven so hopefully it was one for later.

I next spoke with Ken AXY in Edinburgh and the directivity of the beam showed here, I was pointing SW in the hope of catching Neil NCM in his trek in the hills the back of the Girvan area, Ken was 51 then a swing of the beam E and almost full scale. A quick word with Ken then oor Roddy 2MØIOB called in from Gourock regaling me with talk of fine food and probably wine whilst yer man lies prone keeping out the now freshening breeze. I noticed this the last time on this hill, the wind got up just after lunchtime, coincidence ?  I mentally wished indigestion on him…

Ben Lomond

I had a scran break plus a quick chat with Neil 2MØNCM who was out walking in the South Ayrshire area but I had pointed the beam in that direction but nothing before calling again and next speaking with Jason HQC in Paisley before I got a surprise Vinny MVM called me from Port Glasgow. Vinny used to do the hilltop 11m stuff with me in the ’80 and had left a comment on one of my earlier ‘Radio Days’ post, it was good to catch up so I’ll no doubt speak more often now he is on the bands.

Paul PJD called me from Tinto so another STS for the day and passed the handie to Robert GUF so with a quick word then I switched to 70cm FM where I was called by Steve UAU. I thought as I now use the FT817 on activations then a call or two on 70cm won’t hurt. I left Steve then Niall SXV returned to me and after a quick natter I decided to swing the beam to horizontal and give 2m ssb a go, I heard Robin PKT calling a G6 station and after my first call, Charlie CFH in Glasgow offered to ‘spot’ me on SOTA, thanks !. Bob AWV called me from Gourock, Bob was getting his equipment ready for an activation the next day so a longer QSO with him than earlier then I tried some more calls with no takers.

I had just switched back to vertical polarisation and heard Gerald DGA calling CQ, we moved down frequency and had given him his report and the battery pepped out but a quick switch on and I had enough power to finish the report exchange. It was time to close down. I was on air for over three hours which is much longer than I am usually so an enjoyable day with longer QSO’s.

I broke down the station and had one last look around, the wind had got up some strength and was biting. I set the GPS and off the summit towards the return path to the lochside.

The Slacks trig point

I headed downwards after the loch and took the path which led me E across The Slacks, possibly the plural of the Gaelic ‘Sloc’ which means a pit or Scots ‘Slack’ meaning ‘ a hollow’ © HERE. I was taken aback at the fantastic view over a million folk to the E and NE and a visit on a starry night would be worth it. I continued to the Slacks trig point, a quick swig of now chilled water and did the reverse until I reached the track down to the Kilpatrick Braes. I soon passed the 5 mile mark and was soon accosted by a lady in a silver car who wanted to take me home.

I’ve got to say more about the views from the walk up the Kilpatrick Braes, the views from the summit of Duncolm from W to E taking in Loch Lomond’s South basin and to the walk along the Slacks are pretty worthwhile a trip.

9 mile of walking , 20 odd contacts, a geocache and two trig points bagged, what more can a man ask for ?

My previous activation posts 2009  2012

These have other information on the hill.

Geocache HERE

Trig Point Details Duncolm  The Slacks

Munro country

Looking NE

Looking S

Almost there

Loch Humphrey water tower

SDR On The Cheap….Pt 3

Just for your information…..the SDR programs used and mentioned on this blog post are run on Windows. For SDRSharp on Linux see link below. SDR Radio Pro V2 is Windows only !!

I’ve not been as busy in this dept as I should have been due to other radio-based activities. I recently came across a thread in Reddit subreddit RTLSDR where someone had mentioned that Simon Brown’s excellent project SDR-Radio Pro V2 is being used as another program in which the cheap tuner dongles is used. The SDR-Radio Pro V2 is in an ongoing  development state and with the additions of three files is used with the Rafael Micro 820T dongle tuner chip I have played about with whilst using the other excellent program SDRSharp which itself continues to improve with each nightly build. there are ‘plugins’ a plenty for SDRSharp, I have made a list at the end of this post of all relevant links to this blog post. I noticed that the SDR Radio Pro V2 console seen in the image near the bottom of this blog post shows in the bottom left hand corner has my R820T dongle as an EzCap USB DVB dongle with the number 00000013, strange.

Dongle with R820T tuner chip

SDR-Radio V2

I have used the Nooelec upconverter in conjunction with the R820T tuner chip and have had encouraging results down on HF and I will in time integrate this with use in SDR-Radio Pro V2. I must make mention it is V2 of this program that is made to work with addition of the files. I did try v1.5 but nothing until I downloaded and ran V2. I have only been testing on the 2m ham band and on the 88-108 mhz broadcast band and the results are encouraging. SDR Radio Pro has so many ‘bells and whistles’ it will take me sometime to see how they all affect things. I think this may have had more of my time if Cycle 24 had passed but whilst there is still a slight rise in conditions, HF data is taking up most of any radio time.

Upconvertor for SDR dongle

There are other SDR programs available but these are the two I have concentrated on.

Tuner chips..

The tuner chip R820T I’ve used is available from EBay and other sources. The original 4000 chip is still available as well as the variants 00012 00013.It is worthwhile checking if there are diodes in line to stop ESD etc ( see R820T image above)

Thanks go to

SDR-Radio Pro v2 created by Simon Brown

SDRSharp created by Youssef Touil.

Both programs are © of their respective creators.

Links….

Programs..

SDR-Radio Pro v2 is HERE (Latest preview at time of writing is 10)

Simon’s blog on the program is HERE ( info on installation and any problems)

Yahoo SDR-RADIO group is HERE

The files required to run the R820T with SDR Radio Pro v2(and other relevant tuner chips) are HERE HERE HERE

Thanks for the above file links go to Michael AA5SH, WCES Inc and Henk PD5DP.

SDRSharp  is HERE

I find the program is best downloaded from HERE

How to run SDRSharp in Linux HERE

SDRSharp Yahoo support group is HERE

SDRSharp IRC support chat is HERE

An excellent guide to install SDRSharp by is HERE

Classic FM (UK) using SDR Radio Pro v2

Further SDR links

Alberto I2PHD HERE

All the info on tuner chips info HERE

All above links are provided in good faith and are © of their respective creators.

My previous posts on this subject are

SDR On The Cheap HERE

SDR On The Cheap…Pt 2 HERE

These are a bit dated now but may help….

I’ve posted this info and links in good faith and as usual use at your own risk.

Note that the screen capture image of SDR Radio Pro V2 used showing Classic FM is of a previous build !!

Oh and feel free to contribute.

Baa Baa Bawb Sheep

I really must try to improve the quality of these blog post titles…

I must apologise as I had worked on other posts and had predated them and you guessed it, I boo-boo’ed…..and one appeared live whilst I worked on this.

I had arranged to head out at some point last weekend and activate Beinn Chaorach, the Luss hill. The weather for the weekend was encouraging with only cloud forecast but so why did the five weekdays earlier have sunny clear skies ?

I woke early Saturday morning to see the cloud level at 1,500 ft so after a bit of thought, I said to Katie we will try again tomorrow but to be honest I didn’t need much encouragement to call off as I been out late Friday night.

I didn’t totally waste Saturday as I saw both Robin PKT and Jack COX had alerted so the 7 element 2m yagi…Blog post HERE which has lain in its cardboard box was got out, it was time to tune and test this baby out. I headed to Lurg Moor and set up everything and oops! I forgot my phone so no camera therefore no photos of this ‘Heath Robinson’ session, black tape is sooo handy. In what was a strong breeze, the beam had a mind of its own so after working Jack on Meall nan Caorach, east of Glen Almond then Robin on Druim na Sgriodain in the Morvern area it was time to head back home. It worked although I think I may have to use the heavier SOTA pole plus make a strong support for to attach the boom to the pole / mast. I had used a pair of scissors in the top of the pole and used parachute cord to steady the boom, a first success. I will only use this for chasing as I’m more than pleased with the performance of the 5 element yagi (see image below -Beinn Chaorach N view) on activations. I headed home with thoughts of how to bodge up a support.

The start at NS 286890

Sunday morning duly arrived and as the previous morning at the same time I looked N and saw the same cloud level but this time decided to head across the water.

I had everything packed ready for a quick off so off along the same roads I had travelled two weeks earlier. Chaorach and a’Mhanaich are sister hills on the S edge of the Luss hills and access is best from Lomondside via the Haul Road(or new Glen Fruin road). I arrived at the starting place but although I have now been on this summit four times, I have used three routes to the summit. The start of the ascent is not too far from where the Battle of Glen Fruin took place (see HERE)

I said goodbye to Katie and climbed over the gate to slog straight up a field which always seems chock full of sheep, Chaorach in Gaelic means ‘the hill of sheep’. I kept well to the right of them as at this time of year it is not wise to worry or panic the ewes. I soon headed along the quad track at the top of the field towards another gate next to the wood where you head into open country. I could see the top of Auchengaich Hill occasionally but the cloud hadn’t moved any higher. This was to be an ascent with no views.

I steadily worked my way up the first hill and as you top this a steady ridge walk upwards on a faint quad track into the first boggy area where the track disappears at times but if you keep an eye to it on Beinn Tharsuinn you can soon pick the track up again. I quickly reached the summit of Tharsuinn and at this time visibility was 50m at the best but just nearby to your right is the start of the fence line which takes you down to the bealach then to the summit of Chaorach. Take the east side of the fence and follow the grassy path all the way up to Chaorach. Once you see a small cairn on the west side of the fence you are almost at the top, at this cairn you will find the best views S and SW on a clear day.

Chaorach from summit of Tharsuinn – 2011

The trig point soon appears and I had made good time to the top. Views ? nothing. Visibility ranged between 40m and 30m the entire time I was there.

There is a fence which splits the summit from S to N so handy fence-posts to tie the mast on to. I moved 40m away from the trig point, linear not height! I quickly erected the beam and raised the mast and the 817 was ready to go.

A quick flick through and my first contacts were Colin and Heather UXH,  both have the same last three letters but different class of call. They were doing a WOTA summit, Hindscarth which I passed on my route from Dale Head to Robinson on my Lakes trip last Sept. A WOTA chase to start.

Next I found Colwyn YCJ who was on White Coomb to the S of me so a STS (summit to summit) was a good start and after I worked YCJ, Andy FMF called in from Dumglow, the highest of the Cleish Hills and another STS. I also spoke with Jack COX then it was off for another quick check then off to .500 and after a single call, I worked Steve UAU in Greenock, Bob AWV in Gourock followed by Roddy 2MØIOB also in Gourock and after a quick chat with Roddy I worked Stevie SUB just to NW of me in Garelochead.

Regular contact Ken AXY called me from Edinburgh, contacts were coming thick and fast now, Geoff WHA called me from his home town of Annan before fellow blogee Neil 2MØNCM called me from South Ayrshire from the summit of Auchensoul Hill which I later found was a HuMP. It was good to work Neil as we have a running joke that he keeps trying to play ‘Dodgebob’. Today he chased me !

I got called next by Vic VTB from nearby Milngavie and Colin XSD from Frizington on the western Lake District called in and told me that Liz EPW was heading to Dent in the Lakes as we spoke, I was later to catch Liz on the summit of her hill and she worked me using just her handie, nice one.

Beinn Chaorach trig – 2013

I heard Billy ETB in Coleraine and gave him a call, Billy had been in QSO with a station in Dublin, I could hear the Dublin station but I only spoke with Billy.

I had a quick break and next one in the log was Robin PKT who was NW of me on Cruach Mhor to the NW of Inverary, as expected a very strong signal. A quick chat with Robin before I headed to work Andy USU in the Falkirk area. It was getting busy today.

I always head down to the lower frequencies as WOTA and some southern activators use lower than .400 which is the freq used most in Scotland. I heard Terry VWP on a NP (North Pennines) hill and I worked Terry with no problem on his summit of Whernside in the Yorkshire Dales area and quickly followed this by chatting with Phil OBK and finally Nick OOE who were with Terry. A good contact which led me to believe a slight lift was on as I heard a station operating on one of the Mell Fells just SW of Blencathra but I returned later and he had moved frequency. I should have persevered.

The earlier mentioned STS contact with Liz EPW on Dent was quickly followed by Stan SXT who was mobile and had just joined the M90 at J5 in Fife, Craig HJV in Gourock then Dennis DNX in Glasgow marked in the log.

Jim GLM called me from Dunfermilne, Jim has worked me on my last three activations, hopefully Jim will make it back out on to the hills by mid summer. Tommy OJE in Darvel, Stu BSM near Stirling, Ray MTO in Glasgow then John YDC then answered my call, I was surprised when John told me he 5ml south of Middlesboro, a good next to the last contact app 280 kms away before my last contact for the day, Christine YMM from Edinburgh.

Beinn Chaorach N view – 2009

30 contacts brightened up what was a cloudy, damp day.

I was on air for over two hours and after some fruitless calls on 70cm it was time to break the station and head off the hill. I headed to the trig to set up the GPS for the descent and much as I tried I could not get a phone signal where normally it is no problem. I’d call home on the way down. I had got a text earlier from Roddy saying it looked like the cloud may clear. The one text that had got through.

Packed up so off I headed down in 50m visibility and crossed the bealach and ascended the short rise to Tharsuinn where I was greeted by clear views down the ridge, I looked back and a wall of cloud showed. the phone showed full signal so I called home. I can only guess that on Chaorach the signal possibly affected by the cloud and damp conditions. My text tone kicked in and about a dozen texts rattled in from those who had tried to message me on the hill. I looked back and briefly saw the summit appearing then it disappeared again.

Route

The first sighting all day – 2013

I turned on the handie and spoke with Roddy for almost the entire descent from Tharsuinn and as I dropped down the steep final descent Steve UAU called in from above Greenock but I lost both of then as I dropped down the field to the road. I’d made good time on the descent and as Katie arrived I was 200 m from the start point.

A good day marred only by lack of any views. Another shorts day !!!

A hill which was my first 4 point SOTA hill and my fourth visit, as with all the Luss hills a steep start but a hill with good VHF take off. Where am I off to next ? No doubt my head will be stuck in maps all week.

I’m going through my regular hills leaving the later months for new hills ( I hope).

Previous Chaorach blogs are

2009 HERE

2010 HERE

2011 HERE

My thanks go to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and any other sites I have linked to.

As my a’Mhanaich post I have used earlier post images which if clicked on will embiggen.

(Jan) Radio Days and…

Time again for Bawb’s monthly warblings on his radio and other related activities plus a wee update from Lance on his saddle-sore activities.

January was a tough month weather wise but there were some keen souls out activating but I have one activation to report on.

Tinto…

A visit to Tinto Hill in Lanarkshire was taken on the second Saturday of the month, the original targets of Glen Douglas hills Tullich and Beinn Bhreac were in doubt as the forecasted weather would not have suited. It was meant to be low cloud and frosty conditions, Roddy IOB had mentioned Tinto during the holiday period and we decided to head there on the Saturday, Tinto has a well-defined path nay ‘road’ at most points which means easy access in cloudy or misty conditions.

Tinto summit cairn

STS (summit to summit) contacts were aplenty, six in all, NW to Robin PKT on Beinn nam Beathrach in the Morvern area also Iain WJZ on both summits of Buachaille Etive Beag in Glencoe. I also worked Jack COX on Uamh Bheag and Colwyn YCJ just to the N of him on Stuc a’Chroin and finally just to NE, Adrain DHY on Meikle Say Law. Excellent day plus a WOTA contact in Richard JTD on Lank Rigg. Interesting contact on 70cm was Derek MIX out walking in the Loweswater Fell area, a surprising but good contact.

My blog report is HERE

Roddy 2MØIOB’s report is HERE

Chasing…

I have covered in the short Tinto report the ‘chases’ from that day but first name in the chasing log for 2013 was Bob AWV who turned up on Meikle Bin ironically at the same time as Iain WJZ so a double call that day. Later that day I worked Robin PKT on the summit of Meall Bhuide to the NE of Loch Earn. A good day to start the years activity. Next in the log was Craig PHT from Duncolm in the Old Kilpatrick Hills.

That was all the activity for me in Jan as I missed time at weekends to chase due to the uncertain weather as I had worked the last two weekends of the month. Two good overtime shifts not to miss. Got to keep the roads and pavements ’open’. Hopefully back to normal now…….

Waiting at home

HF…

Busy month almost entirely on JT65 with once again, a sortie on to the JT9 band area. No new DXCC to report but contacts across the pond and to the E as well as the regular Euro contacts. Time to head back to PSK I think….

I did however set myself to try another ‘older’ I suppose data mode but more on that once I give it a serious try. I did think of trying FreeDV, a new SSB to data mode but I will have to ‘install’ another sound-card or perhaps, one of those sound-card ‘dongle’ thingies….

Lance’s Bit…

Hi all ! the wizard of the saddle’s first wee report.

Yes, the rear area still is hurting after putting a few miles in and as Bawb has now fitted the gel seat, life is slightly just slightly easier. I’m still getting the hang of this cycling lark and I hope to go further afield as the sunny summer evenings start.

Luckily there is a cycle track (NCR 75) not too far from home, it heads westwards towards Greenock and eastwards to the Johnstone area and beyond. I have found that in exposed sections that if it’s breezy yer reporter is not very aerodynamic.

It’ll be used well by myself as the surface is more safe than the main and local back roads which happen to be in terrible condition in places. I’would have to carry a rope to pull myself out of some of the pot holes I have spotted lately.

Others…

I mentioned Beinn Bhreac (Gaelic – the speckled hill or mountain) the Marilyn in Glen Douglas earlier and was surprised to find another ten Marilyns of the same name plus countless others….a contender for most common hill name in Scotland? 60 in all ?

No precipitation forecast

Just as an aside, I have done some ‘research’ into Scottish hill names and came across an interesting story about Lochnagar. Its original name was Beinn Ciochan which literally translates as ‘mountain of breasts (or nipples)’ and allegedly Queen Victoria took a liking to the said hill and the hill got renamed……Victorian prudery ? allegedly..and as I looked further into Gaelic equivalents, I would have to label the blog ‘mature’…they had quite a vivid imagination in the past.

If you look at the image of a screen dump from my phone this last week, you will see that 0% of precipitation is forecast for SEVEN days, four or five weeks ago you would thought we would be ‘drowning’ with the constant deluge of rain…then this.

I’m threatening myself to get more done on the SDR dongle front and as I have all the parts to hand so maybe now more can be done on this front although eventually I will have to fit it in an aluminium box but the box it was built around is US based and the usual $ to £ plus if ordered here. I’m still searching for an equivalent.

Once again, thanks go to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and IWeather for the WX screen dump.

Chilly Chilly Bawb Bawb…..

Shocking eh ? Bawb activating two GM hills in five days..

It’s another five time activation hill and possibly a hill that most folk try to avoid after a visit.

I tend to visit when conditions are cold with frost on the ground, the colder the better as you then can walk over the normally boggy bits of which there are many plus this visit was inside the SOTA Winter Bonus point dates.

I had hoped to catch the hill a few weeks ago but overtime was offered and taken instead but I had hoped the same conditions would soon appear again. I had mentioned to my oldest daughter, Lora if she could drive and drop me off and return for me later on Thursday. All agreed it was down to planning.

The day arrived but a detour via the doctor plus a hospital visit as a precaution, about 10.30 I decided just to go ahead and posted an alert as we headed through Greenock then I got home and grabbed my packed rukkie and we headed the short drive to Muirsheil Ranger Centre near Lochwinnoch. It takes only 40 mins from the house but care had to be taken as patches of ice dotted the single track road which takes you out from the B786.

Hill of Stake trig point

We arrived and as I expected not many cars in the car park, I got out and set the phone GPS, threw the rukkie on my back and waved Lora goodbye.

I set through the main gate and headed at a good steady pace more to heat me up as it was bitterly cold, the ENE wind came blowing briskly across the open moor but on a good track, I made good time and soon I arrived at the ‘Muirsheil Inn’, a metal container with table and chairs and a welcome stop for some water and an orange. I spoke to two walkers who were also heading to the Stake so I headed up the east side of the mine fenced area and as I reached the top I headed west to find the burn in which I headed up along on what is possibly sheep trails and surprisingly I found an old quad track which then headed east and west in places but it wasn’t long until I reached the high point at NS after ploughing through the usual heathery bits where I saw the destination for the first time.

Brr

This open area after you leave the mines is barren and featureless and would entail compass work if caught in mist or low cloud, I have experience of early morning mist in this watershed area and was more than glad when the mist cleared. It’s amazing what a cup of tea can do. I could have done with some later.

I headed for the fence slightly to the west of the summit and crunched my way over the boggy bits and soon I was heading up the fence line. I reached the summit and it fully hit me, a cold piercing wind. A quick visit to the trig point then it was to build the 5 ele Yagi before my fingers froze. The fence here proves a boon as I bungeed the mast to a fencepost, I sat down and connected everything and straight on to 2m FM.

I had left my 4m FM gear at home as I felt after two activations this year and a struggle for a single contact on each it was time to give 4m a rest. I had alerted for 70cm FM so I would try it later.

First call back was Christine YMM followed by Ken AXY in Edinburgh who are earlier activators of the hill. A quick chat as I wasn’t for hanging around today. I was on air for just over an hour.

A welcome call again from Jim GLM from his home town of Dunfermline then EBT from Clydebank called in wondering where I was. In the middle of nowhere I replied. Next was Tommy OJE in Darvel whom I spoke with on my previous activation. I never held any contact for long as the wind was cutting through me even though I had put on warmer clothing than normal, I even broke out the lined winter trousers, a fleece lined tartan hoodie but I’d chosen the toasty boots again and no problems there.

Fellow blogger and activator Roddy 2MØIOB called in from his home QTH with a strong signal, this hill has excellent VHF and UHF take off and very few signals were weak today. A mobile station about 10 ml to the NE Craig HGV called in next and was no problem and my nemesis Neil 2MØNCM called me from the shore front at Girvan, not having an ice-cream but he did regale me with his description of the hot filled rolls he was taking home to share not with me but with oor Cat CNC. I hope you enjoyed the indigestion I wished on you !

Misty Law that way

Neil was gone to eat his rolls whilst I got colder and colder but I was kept busy with contacts. Next in the log was John OIN from just to the south of me in Ayr, a quick chat with John about 23cm and how quiet the VHF band is especially midweek. I called out and could hear another fellow blogger Graeme 2MØGIL calling me from the Whiteinch area of Glasgow, once again a quick chat before I headed to work Graham GON from Helensburgh.

Next in the log was Steve UAU whom I knew was about as he had ‘spotted’ me on the SOTA spots page and we agreed a later sked on 70cm. I got called next by another Graham IVG who was mobile in the Kilsyth area. Final contact before I headed up to 433mhz was Mark who called in from Cairniehill in Fife just N of the Forth Road Bridge, it was a busy day so far and to be honest busier than I expected.

First call on 70cm FM brought Neill SXV from Muirhead whom I had worked from Duncolm last year, next was Stevie SUB from Garelochead and finally on 70cm was Steve UAU from Greenock. Three contacts on 70cm I was more than pleased with that.

By this time I was glad the 817′s mike had the ‘up’ and ‘down’ control and a last call on 2m FM brought Russell RSP who lives just around the corner from Burns birthplace in Alloway near Ayr. Time to pack up and go…

I had a quick look round and took a couple of photos and packed my phone away whilst grabbing the rukkie and making sure I never left anything. On my first SOTA trip to this hill I had left my two bungee cords on a clump of reeds and luckily when Roddy 2MØIOB was there 13 months later, he retrieved them and returned them to me.

mmm—this is new

I climbed over the fence and headed down the west side of the hill to the point where I now headed over the frozen bog to the high spot and I had a look for signs of the quad track I had seen faintly in places but only an odd bit could be seen, the track looked as if it hadn’t been used in a long time. It would be handy as the track comes down the hillside and heads east when NE would be handy.

A hill with an excellent 4km track out to the old mines area but then a featureless, pathless yomp to its summit but rewarding with good VHF radio take off, I have worked into Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Lake District on both 4m and 2m on earlier activations. A hill worth the visit if only the once. I reckon between SOTA and other trips I am now in double figures.

I soon reached the mines area and stopped at the ‘Muirsheil Inn’ for more water and had a quick sip or two and suffered from ‘brain freeze’ as the water was sooooo cold. Did I say it was a cold day ? I noticed an addition just to the N of the mines area and took a wee detour to ‘nosey’ and the images will let you know what it is. Interesting.

I rejoined the track and I made good time into a steady breeze and found both my daughters waiting on their dad so a good bit of fun on the way home.

A cold but worthwhile day out! a hot bath to take the chill out and celebrated later with a chilled cider. It had to be.

My thanks go to Neil 2MØNCM for his unknowingly supplying with the post title and for those who took the effort to work me.

My earlier blog posts on the hill

2009 HERE

2010 HERE

a related ‘spooky’ post HERE

2011 HERE

2012 HERE

Looking for rain ?

HoS route in

This Hill Is Becoming A ‘Habit’…..

The Red Danger Flag – 2013

Or more to the point, if I return to this hill I shall feel obliged to dress for the occasion.

Let me explain..

Beinn a’Mhanaich translates from the Gaelic as ‘Hill of the Monk’ . This was my fifth visit in as many years and I guess now the hill is mine to keep.

Can I just say at this point that I have used some images from earlier activations plus I have included some from this trip but will show the year in the image.

I must admit this hill although pretty featureless is one of my favourites although I am not too keen on the steepish uphill start but it has a broad ridge with a couple of quick rises to the summit cairn. There is a quad track which shows almost the length of the ascent. It is very deceiving looking from the S or SW as the summit is a largish plateau but falls off rapidly at the N end which leads you to the bealach between it and Cruach an t-Sidhein, another ‘Marilyn‘. I looked at the descent for the first time yesterday and was surprised how quickly the ground falls away although the higher of the hills in this area, Doune Hill falls away dramatically towards Glen Douglas MOD area. One notable feature is when visibility is excellent is that Ben Nevis is seen from this hill but in five visits I have only seen it once.

Looking SW towards the Firth Of Clyde – 2009

I keep more than an eye on weather forecasts as my job entails working outside so being prepared beforehand allows me to plan work to suit conditions. I had asked Katie (my expedition driver and nutritionist) if the weekend was free, it was and I was good to go. I do prefer getting any hill done on a Saturday as leaving it to a Sunday leaves more chance of weather not being suitable, remember now I’m a fair weather activator. Saturday proved a miserable day, Sunday it was to be. The forecast said sun, more on this later.

I had gone through the usual pre-activation ritual of getting things charged, double checking all necessities, connections and mapping  but I had decided that the FT 817 was going this trip but I only had a 7ah SLAb which is a bit heavy, I ‘picked’ up a 2.1 ah battery to try. The rukkie packed and only scran and water to be packed in the morning.

I had a quick glance out of my bedroom window at dawn and I could see a’Mhanaich, Chaorach were clear but Lomond had some cloud around 3,000 ft. Time to put the wheels in motion..

Doune Hill from aMhanaich – 2013

The roads were quiet as we sped towards Glen Fruin but Katie has thought it was the single track road to Eich and we flew past the turn off, two activations this year and two ‘fly past’ the turn off’s. I had a quick thoughts of Eich and Doune Hill but I quickly remembered that Glen(or Loch as I refer to it as) Mollachan would be literally afloat so it was back to the original plan.

We reached the base of the hill and I got all the equipment out from the car and as I waved Katie goodbye I headed up the  mile long first sharpish ascent. I made good time on the first mile noting I was 5 mins quicker than the last time and I passed the ‘pitstop’ and decided to take on some water and scran before I headed over the first snowfield and up the second steep rise.

Watered and fed I was glad to find the snow was hard underfoot so no problems on the three patches I had to cross and as I topped the second rise I could see two figures running up the ridge behind me in the distance, I had heard continual gunfire from the military range on the W side of the hill on my way up and wondered ‘ Fugitives?’ but I carried on and as I topped the hill at its cairn, the two runners appeared at the gate at the bottom of the last rise. I spoke briefly with them as they headed to drop down to the bealach then ‘up’ to Cruach an t-Sidhein. Keen ! Another lone runner appeared 10 mins later and panted a quick ‘Hello’ before heading back down the hill.

Heading Home -2010

It was time to get going radio wise, I had taken just under 1 hr 40 mins (98) to get there and was pleasantly surprised, an hour improvement from my first ascent of this hill. Nice one !

I first caught Roddy 2MØIOB on my 2m handie before I set up the 4m JPole, a quick word then it was down to business. I called and called on 4m FM but eventually only Steve UAU replied to my call. I’m getting delusioned  with 4m FM as it is getting a struggle up here in Scotland, I may just start trying the 70cm band instead…..pity. Time to to throw up the 5 element yagi…

I kept threatening to sit and have some scran which in Bawb’s new healthy eating kick is home-made wholemeal bread, toasted of course. The contacts came thick and fast initially but after the first contacts I scanned the band checking for any distant SOTAists, I heard a station in North Wales on Moel Famau but all attempts to break in were being lost in the strong signals of his locals. I was to catch him much later, a good contact.

I mentioned Roddy IOB  earlier and Steve UAU on 4m, the next call in the log was Geoff AHO whom I later realised had given a talk at the Paisley AR club. I knew the callsign but didn’t realise until after he had gone. I got called by Ken AXY through in Edinburgh plus I was able to work his XYL Christine YMM later in the day.

I got called by fellow blogger Graeme 2MØGIL who was ascending Dumgoyne to the east of me, Graeme called in later from its summit. The next contact was a surprise, Jim GLM who I usually chase was turning the tables and was calling me from home in Dunfermilne, good to work Jim for the first time in ’13. The first STS (summit to summit) was Jack COX who was 76 km away on Cairnpapple Hill, the chat was short as Jack was having ‘breakthrough’ from the transmitters on a nearby hill.  Steve UAU called in from Greenock and then a contact with Tom FGI from Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute, ah memories of weekends spent there fishing in the ’70s.

Looking down the Firth from BaM – 2013

‘Mr Tinto’ Robert GUF called in from his home town of Biggar  and then a strong contact to John BOU based in Larne, NI. Tommy JOE in Darvel was next and Robin PKT called in for the second STS of the day from Beinn Chaorach 39 km to the N of me, I had spoken to Robin on his ascent.

Regular chaser Brian HMZ had driven to the Gleniffer Braes to catch the GM stations who were out, a quick word to Brian then it was off to Troon to have a quick word with Alex OAW who was mobile. My next contact decided to harangue me, it was regular activator Neil 2MØNCM with Cat CNC who was on the S side of Girvan, we had a chat before he started descending and possibly losing me, this was another role reversal as I usually chase Neil.

I had a short break for some water before working Duncan AHL for Dumbarton then it was off to Ayr to speak with John OIN. I had another go for the MW(Welsh) station I had heard, Steve UAU had called in occasionally to pass on any contact I might have a chance to catch. I eventually at the second attempt worked John BLV on the summit of Moel Famau in North Wales, another STS at a distance of approx 344kms. I worked Barrie KZX in Dumbarton before catching Iain WJZ who had headed N to activate Creag Meaghaidh on the N side of Glen Spean. Iain related the conditions which certainly were much different from mine and I was only ‘suffering’ from a high wind chill as the wind was whipping up from both Glen Luss and from Auchengaich Reservoir. I left Iain and worked Chris GPL from just SW of me in nearby Shandon.

I had headed down the band to check if any WOTA stations were about and I could hear an activation from High Rigg just outside Keswick but I couldn’t break through at all and as I called, Alastair BKQ who was on the summit of Skiddaw called me in and tried to patch me through but no joy, unfortunately. Another STS though.

It was time to call it a day and finally had some scran before calling home to arrange my lift home and as I got packed the sun appeared, typical eh ? I descended and just as i was about 200m from the road, Katie arrived so it was perfect timing.

Beinn Chaorach from a’Mhanaich – 2013

A good day except for the wind chill and it was good to get out in my 3/4 shorts again.

All relevant information is in my earlier blog posts on this hill, links below.

2009 <a title=”Beinn a’Mhanaich SOTA Trip 25/7/09″ href=”http://gm7something.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/beinn-amhanaich-sota-trip

(Dec) Radio Days……

The end of another years radio work, a hobby ? it could be if I slowed things down.

The year was covered in my two-part 2012 Retrothingy posts (see bottom of this post for links).

Let’s get going…

SOTA..

No activations more due to the weather which for most part was rain, rain and more rain. There were a few hardy souls venturing out on to the summits and as you will read, it turned out into the ‘Iain WJZ show’, all those months ‘Down Under’ yearning for the rain-soaked hills of Scotland ?. Mad I say.

Ben Donich trig point

Without further adieu, here is the ‘chasing’ bit..

On the first day of the month, three stations took to the summits. I headed to my usual Lurg Moor area trig and as I arrived I worked the aforementioned Iain to the north of me on Ben Challum. I knew fellow blogger Graeme 2MØGIL was heading to Ben Donich and although I could have worked Iain and Graeme from home with no problems, I thought time to get out and have the cobwebs blown away.

Whilst waiting on Graeme, Bob AWV turned up on Beinn Ruadh which was to the WNW of me on the Cowal peninsula, I could see the summits of both Donich and Ruadh from my location. Donich had a fair covering of snow as I found out when finally making contact with Graeme plus I knew the dangers of this hill in the snow. Fissures abound on the upper slopes adjacent to the path. The day was over as I finished working Graeme so it was the long way home.

The following day I caught Iain on Glas Maol, the highest point of the Mounth Hills and a part of the Glenshee Ski Centre plus the county top of Angus. I had used the beam from the home QTH to catch Iain and nab a good contact at 130km plus.

The following weekend, Iain was on Tullich Hill in the Glen Douglas area, a hill I then pencilled in for my first activation of ’13 (weather changed the venue). Two days later, Iain crossed to the east side of Loch Lomond and climbed the ‘Ben.

To finish December and ’13, I spoke with Iain on Ben Ledi and after a call from Steve UAU saying that Colwyn YCJ was on Meall an t-Seallaidh, a Corbett to the west of Loch Earn. A quick word with both and my SOTA year was finished as I missed those who headed out on Boxing Day. I had taken my packed rukkie to on my Xmas NE visit but King’s Seat will have to wait until another day, it was the hill that started off the discussion about ‘white’ trig points HERE.

Tullich Hill from Glen Douglas © Neil 2MØNCM

HF…

I spent most time using JT65 with the odd visit to the JT9-1 frequencies. I did return to PSK on occasion. A couple of new DXCC‘s in Iraq and Lebanon and the continuing search to work States to get my WAS, I’ve still 16 to go, I’m in for a long haul I think.

JT 9-1 still has some activity but I seem to ‘miss’ it…

Other..

I did more work with the dongle SDR stuff as I had ordered a upconverter (see image) to use in with the 820 tuner chip. I set up everything one evening when the HF bands were quiet and after following this short instructional video HERE, I was listening to AM stations in the 49m band area. I’ve packed all away as other things have taken up my time but I must return and do more work in this area to follow-up the earlier posts on SDR. This being able to incorporate the HF band opens up all sorts of possibilities. Looking forward to it..

SDR dongle earlier posts –  HERE and HERE

Upconverter available from HERE plus all documentation is HERE.

2012…Retrothingy posts – Pt 1 and the last bit

Upconvertor for SDR dongle

New contributor..

As you will have seen in the earlier blog post, Lance Mhor has joined us to regale us with stories of the saddle although he informs me that the present saddle could do him some damage, the blog has since purchased him a new gel one to ease the pain.

I’m sure you will as a regular reader remember the post where Bob’s rucksack wrote a guest post but if not the post is HERE

Retro…

Found links to an old Reporting London TV report of CB in London (circa 1981)

Click Pt 1 HERE and Pt 2 HERE

Believe me, it is seriously worth a look….

A big 10.10, good buddies or ‘Root Toot am oot !!’

Once again, thanks goes to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and to Neil 2MØNCM for allowing me the use of his atmospheric image of Tullich Hill.

To embiggen images, click on image.

Our New Addition to the Blog Team….

Welcome to our new contributing blogger…

Lance Mhor.

Lance is going to add a new dimension to the blog with his witty observations as he travels the highways and byways. Look forward to the occasional post during the summer months but initially trips around the local area. I’m sure this will add more variety to the usual radio and hill stuff that I write about.

Lance has been out of the saddle for decades and will take more than a while to get up to speed but the first 7 mls are under his belt although as you know Lance isn’t very aerodynamic and it showed into the teeth of a very strong breeze earlier today. Oh and that seat is like a razor…Gel seat on order.

Todays route..

Lance Mhor’s First Route

The Mhor Chariot

On Tintock Tap, There Stands a Mhor

With apologies to this old Scots rhyme..

On Tintock Tap, there is a mist

On Tintock Tap, there is a kist

And in that kist, there is a cup

And in that cup, there is a drap

Tak’ up that cup, and drink that drap, that’s in yon kist, on Tintock Tap !

Time to tell the story of the day of  how Mhor and Roddy took to Tintock Tap…

Tinto Sign

This had been planned around the festive holiday period but initially Tinto was not the target hill(s) but was then pencilled in for the last weekend but a careful  watch on the weather made a switch to Tinto but strong winds and with the possibility of rain showers knocked it on the head.

We decided on Tinto as the next hill and with texts and calls back and forth over Thursday and Friday with a decision to go on early Saturday morning.

The morning dawned misty with cloud levels on the Luss hills about 1400 ft but we knew Tinto had a path in case of low cloud or mist.

We headed through Glasgow then south along the M74 and as we do or should I say me ! I rabbited on that much we missed the turning so a diversion back towards Thankerton and the Tinto car park. We arrived slightly later than planned  but all gear looked out and off I headed, I get sent ahead for two options, first because I’m slow and I can scout out any problem, I think the former is the correct one. There was cloud covering what we perceived was the summit area. The forecast was for sunshine at midday with a wind chill in the region of minus 9c.

I headed through some soggy bits which with a light overnight frost had made the going easier but after I passed the Iron Age fort the going got steeper but much drier. The Iron Age fort stands proud but it is better to view this from a higher height but you will recognise this as you see the ditch defences as you pass.

Looking down the hill

I headed steadily up occasionally stopping to look back and take in the views, Endomondo told me that the first mile had passed and not long after this I was joined by Roddy at the top of the first steep rise that cuts along the side of Totherin Hill, the path here is broken rock and is relatively easy-going but steadily rising and passing the rather funnily named ‘Maurice’s Cleuch’ on the right.( Cleuch means ‘narrow glen or valley’)

I could hear the occasional  ’chut!chut!chut!chuttt’ of a grouse… and the hillside towards Scaut Hill is cut in patches for grouse management, click  HERE for more info.

We could see the summit as we headed over the second steep rise and it was then on to the last climb which eventually we were to summit.

First stop was a suitable spot next to a very handy fence line, I dropped the rukkie and headed to ‘bag’ the trig point. A short walk away is the Bronze Age cairn to which I added the stone I had carried from the ascent as I hoped this would be the catalyst for a good day. Photos were taken whilst the sun shone but there was a hazy horizon of rolling hills not the usual jagged outlines of northern hills. No panorama taken this time, an excuse to return.

Time to get the radio set up, I bungeed the mast to a fence post and called and called on 4m. Nothing ! I heard Roddy working Iain WJZ who was on Buachaille Etive Beag northern peak the impressively named Stob Coire Raineach and I was to later catch Iain on its other Munro top Stob Dubh. The day’s weather had brought more than a few GM stations out so next in the log was Colwyn YCJ on Stuc a’Chroin, his second summit of the day and to the immediate south of YCJ  next was Jack COX on the summit of Uamh Bheag .

The summit cairn

I tried 4m FM again and got called by Duncan AHL who lives the other side of the river from me. I had a quick talk with Duncan before calling again but to no avail. I dismantled the JPole and up I put the beam which I had assembled between calls on 4m.

70cm FM was my next band of choice and after a few calls I got a pleasant surprise being called back by Derek MIX who was out walking nearby the shores of Loweswater in the Lake District. I had last spoken with Derek from the summit of Robinson the previous September. A good contact. This followed by a chat with Billy VYU who was in nearby Carluke. This was all I raised on 70cm but I had activated the hill for myself.

Meanwhile the wind chill was starting to take effect and much moving of hands and upper body to stay warm, my feet ? no problem as I had recently acquired a pair of mid weight boots which are designed for cold conditions. Toasty toes..

Roddy IOB at summit cairn

Further to the NE, Adrian DHY was worked on the summit of Meikle Say Law in the Lammermuir hills whilst I then swung the beam south when I heard Richard JTD on WOTA summit Lank Rigg to the south-east of Whitehaven. I did briefly hear a well kent Lancaster station talking to Richard. Another WOTA point for the log. I had said that I was going back up to S20 the calling frequency and as a result I worked two stations in the Annan area, Mark MPB and this time at his home town Geoff WHA.

Whilst scanning the 2m band I heard Jack COX talking to Robin PKT who was on the summit of Beinn nam Beathrach just the south of Loch Sunart in the Morvern area. With some fiddling about, changing this and that we finally got the summit to summit with Robin, a good contact of about 170 kms away with some bigger hills between. This was the last STS of the day, a total of  six STSs, one STS to a WOTA fell.

The last calls in the log were Liz EPW and Colin XSD based in the Cumbrian village of Frizington.

A good end to a chilly day on Tinto. It was time to descend as the ground was firming under our feet.

I packed everything back in the rukkie in its usual haphazard way and off we set down the path and after only 50 mins Roddy was brewing the hot water for a cuppa. An excellent hot ending to Tinto.

The car park is in great condition and seeing the amount of folk and dogs who trekked to the top in the time we were there it certainly paid off extending and upgrading it.

Looking south

Heading home we took the right road this time and a cracking view of the setting sun having the sky on fire to the SW of us had Roddy stopping to photograph this although rather strangely he attracted an entire field of ewes who came trotting  nay running towards him and looked whimsically at him when he returned to the Landy and drove away. Perhaps his  ’Ewe de Cologne’ ?

A first activation of 2013, a lot earlier than the previous year and hopefully more activity for me on the summits in ’13. A few pointers  taken out of this activation and will be put into practice next hill.

A big thanks to Roddy 2MØIOB for the tour and waiting on me again !

Thanks again to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and any other websites I have linked to.

To embiggen any image just right-click and they should open in a separate window.

Typical in my preparing this I managed to make 4 errors…yeah 4 but thanks to my eagle eyed ‘friends?’, Neil and Roddy.

Tinto Facts..

Tinto means ‘Fire (or Fiery) hill’ from the Gaelic, there are other meanings due to the colour of red stone present.

it is 707m or 711m, the lesser is ground level and the higher is on top of the Bronze Age burial cairn.

Hill classification : Marilyn, Graham, Donald

Geohack Info HERE

View from the summit

Tinto Trig

Tinto Sign

Tinto Bronze Age burial cairn

That looks like the way up

Tinto summit cairn

Looking down the hill

Inner area of Iron Age fort

Information board at car park

Hill Fort defences

2012…in retrothingy….the last bit

News just in…the Mayans forgot that they had banned the 2013 calendar due to a certain Bieber featuring on it so I get to follow-up with the last bit.

First I’d like to wish all those who pass by the blog a very Happy New Year and all the best wishes for 2013….

For me 2012 was an exceptional SOTA ‘chasing’ year.

I managed to pass my ‘portable’ Sloth at some point although I never kept a regular check, I’d a thought one night and a quick tally and I was there.

All contacts are appreciated whether from home, a summit or on a hillside like Lurg Moor trig which has turned into my regular haunt.

Memorable contacts ? them all although some wee exceptions rise to the top. I turned up on Lurg Moor one Sunday morning knowing fellow blogger and outing buddy Roddy IOB was heading to Larriston Fell on the Scotland/England border. I had reccied Memory Map checking from which hill or area the contact would be possible from but decided Lurg Moor could be possible.

I did make the contact with Roddy IOB on Larriston Fell and after a quick exchange of reports and some chit-chat, I left IOB to activate the hill. A surprising 149 km contact.

Lurg Moor Trig Point

There had been a memorable lift in August for regular mentioned station Robin PKT who had worked England and various continental stations during a lift on 2m SSB from almost 4,000 ft in the previous weeks and there was a lift albeit weak to the Lake District and the Pennines, the only station I worked was Mike YYY on Pen-Y-Ghent, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks in the North Yorkshire Dales. I was acknowledged by a couple other stations but I got fed up waiting as regulars in Scotland were out and about.

Other distance contacts were a 2w contact with Colwyn YCJ who was 136km away on Cat Law near Kirriemuir, the handie antenna was a Nagoya 701 which is my choice for my wee Chinese handies. I had just left the B788 to head up to Corlic at this point.

Furthest non-lift contacts were both into Ireland, Victor a GI station whom I contacted on Muckish as a STS (summit to summit) form the Hill of Stake and more surprisingly, Crocksnamug near Malin Head approx 161 kms away but this was from the wrong side of the hill, yep ! Lurg Moor. A cracking little spot at only 750 ft ASL with extensive views N and this proved the spot for a surprise contact with Iain WJZ on Creag nan Damh, one of the South Glen Shiel ridge tops although I had in previous weeks heard Iain WJZ on one of the Skye Cullins but couldn’t make the trip back but I have heard a Skye based station on more than a few occasions so maybe that wee bit higher next time I know someone is in that area, Cruech Hill would be ideal.

2012 was the busiest year so far in my short chasing time and if I had put in more effort then the magical figure of 1,000 pts in 12 months could have been achievable note I only work VHF, I wonder how many if I did HF too ?

My thanks again to those who venture out in all weathers to ‘give’ us our SOTA chaser points..

HF….

Still spending/wasting my time on data modes..

Whilst suffering from constant electrical QRM which you would expect in an urban environment, I find that low power data suits me.

The year started with most activity being on the PSK area of the bands but as the months passed I found myself hanging around the JT65 bands and as you may have read or about to, the year ended up with a dabble in JT 9-1 but after a promising start this mode seems to have quieted down which was to be expected but there is still a stream of opos trying this out, the advantages are low power, low-bandwidth usage and especially just now a lack of high power stations. I have worked around twenty DXCC on no more than 10w, a mode which I hope will soon grow in popularity.

Goat Fell and the Brisbane Glen from Creuch Hill

I did dabble in V4chat, ROS, OPERA, WSPR ( not as much as I should have) and SIM31. I’m sure the odd RTTY and Olivia attempt was in there as well. I just cannot buy that first Olivia contact.

SDR the dongle method…

This came to my attention through Reddit ( where I spend too much time) subreddit /RTLSDR.

I have bought three dongles each with different tuner chips but with the same Realtek chipset. I managed to ‘zap’ the Elonics one which was the first tuner chip all the work was done on and as Elonics left the marketplace other tuner chips were starting to be used but the bandwidth and sensitivity of these were not as good but recently a new tuner chip has appeared and first tests look positive although I have put all this on the back burner just now. I must get going I have some other equipment to test in this area.

Interesting stuff.

Odds…

I built a 7 ele 2m yagi during the summer months and I still haven’t tuned it in yet, lazy or what ? but this will be only for portable work as the present 5 ele is ideal for any activating I do. I keep also looking into having a LiPo battery set up and although discussing in detail this with Neil NCM, I have still to do something about this, can you see a pattern here ?

2013 plans…

More hills, plain and simple that is if this rain will ever stop. Global warming or should it be global wetting. The golf has been hit on the head but I hadn’t played much last year. I did over just under 680 ml walking over last 12 months so hopefully the same again this year.

Paths can get boring

I have a smaller wish list for ’13 and check the image showing a very young and fitter Mhor circa 1981 preferring a scramble to the path heading to the summit of one of my ‘go to’ hills later this year. We never made further progress as my wife of only TWO DAYS decided enough was enough, I would have of course headed on but she was the Boss even then…just as an aside, this was not the regular path used on this hill.

Can anyone guess the hills in the background ?

That seems to be it, the yearly digest is over.

Enjoy 2013 everyone.

Thanks again go to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and all those who ‘suffer’ me on the bands and my regular ‘activation buddy’ Roddy IOB for our outings and making sure his earplugs never show.

2012… in retrothingy…….part one

‘Twas the night( four sleeps actually) before Christmas !

It has come around to that time again but this year being a pessimist I thought waiting just to make sure those Mayans had it totally wrong SO at 11.12 UTC (December 21st) I sat down to write this as I still know I have an audience. You are still out there, are you or has it all past me by ?

Sitting comfortably are we ?

2012 almost started with an activation but due to the weather being extremely seasonal the trip out was abandoned. It took me until late April to make my first appearance on a hill although the local hilltops got pounded in pursuit of points. At the beginning of February I did activate Corlic in its guise as a ‘HuMP‘, the official title being GM/HSS 088. I had headed there to try and catch fellow blogger Neil 2MØNCM who was on Cruach Tairbeirt in the Arrochar area so a hybrid summit to summit to start.

The first SOTA activation took place in April with a visit to that hill which no one likes, the Hill of Stake the highest point in Renfrewshire although on the ’11 visit I got put wise to a drier route which was still boggy but not sink to the knees boggy. I did manage four STS (summit to summit) that day including one to EI land (Ireland). I think a visit in ’13 why not ?.

GAX on a’Mhanaich ® Roddy 2MØIOB

This was quickly followed at the start of May to another of my now yearly visits, I headed to Beinn ‘a’Mhanaich on the west side of the Luss hills only this time, Roddy 2MØIOB had accompanied me but we split hills, Roddy headed to the nearby Beinn Chaorach which managed to evade a visit this year, I’m sure we could have had a STS in semaphore but we did have one not only on 2m FM but also using PMR, a first for us both. We had used PMR to keep in touch during the ascents.

The next weekend on what was a boomerang visit to Duncolm in the Old Kilpatrick hills, I had done an activation there in 2009 and on what was a sunny but very breezy day, I headed up an exellent aggregate track before following an occasionally damp grassy track until a short, sharp ascent. It was a busy day out on the GM slopes as I worked another 4 STS. As I researched Duncolm I came across the inference that Duncolm was a major part of ‘Glasgow’s Secret Geometry’, interesting. I like that kinda stuff as it makes you think. Unfortunately the main links to the original site with this info has a malware warning.

I now turned to serious stuff ( for me anyway !) as mid June saw me heading to the Arrochar Alps and on what turned out to be a miserable wet, cloud day I headed to the summit of Beinn Narnain and after a pleasant ascent, the weather or more to the point, a dark cloud decided to position itself over the hill and kill visibility and later on another activation I saw that the descent from the summit was one I’d rather have done in clearer conditions. I still enjoyed my day as it cleared up literally as I left the rock field just before the summit.

Narnain summit from Beinn Ime

Four weeks later I headed the same route only this time, I had set my sights on the Cobbler but after a good walk in, I saw the path heading up Beinn Ime was kinda saying ‘ C’mon Mhor’ so off it was. Was it worth it ? I bet as the views in all directions were exceptional, a hill worth a return ( the Cobbler to do first though).

This was my last GM activation for 2012 but on my now regular yearly Lake District visit, I took the time to ascent Blencathra and although I had RX problems with a hand-held I enjoyed a day on a hill I had often looked at, I did the opposite route from the guidebook starting up Blaise Fell from near Threlkeld and although I did have a look down Sharp Edge, I thought better of it. I had read that this hill was riddled with paths and on the descent and I had to consult the map on more than a few occasions. I had finally exited down Mousethwaite Combe then a short walk to Scales. A good activation.

The following day, Katie and I headed to Latrigg which overlooks Keswick and I managed to sneak a handie and  activated the WOTA fell. A good day for a stroll plus it was fun to take my beloved with me plus Katie toddled along too. I meant my 2m handie ..what did you think I meant ?

Following on from the previous years visit to Mull and Ben More, it was off to the Lakes with both Roddy 2MØIOB and Patsy UPG. I’d planned more than a few hills but the main target was Scafell Pike, the highest point in England-shire and on what turned out to be four seasons in a day, the cloud lifted as we topped the hill and even the RAF saluted us with a 360 fly past as we arrived on the summit proper.

Mr Mhor on Scafell Pike

The following day I’d pencilled in a double activation, Robinson and Dale Head and surprisingly there was no achy legs and both hills proved no problems, Dale Head is worth the walk just to see the view northwards. It did end with Bob being slightly forgotten.

Two days later was to finish my outings for the year, Stony Cove Pike is ascended from the top of the Kirkstone Pass and I activated the hill as I had done the previous three hills on 4m FM only popping on to 2m FM to give out the odd WOTA point.

Highlights ?

Them all of course.

I enjoy heading out even it is only on to my local hillsides to work those who have taken the time to head out and on a sunny day there is nothing better than turning the beam round to bring in someone. I did manage to pass what I call my portable chasing sloth (1,000 points) at one point, it fair beats sitting at home.

Next year ?

I have already chosen 2013′s intentions and pinned it to my computer desk, I did the same last year and managed one or two of them but this year I have downsized and have only three…

The ridge walk to Hallsfell Top

We will see….

For my blog posts for the above…just go HERE

Yep you have guessed it, a pt.2 will be in production soon. Keep an eye out.

My thanks as usual to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and Roddy IOB for use of an image taken through a monocular !

I hope that the holiday period has been good for you and I look forward to either ‘chasing’ or working you from a hilltop in ’13.

Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh !

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr dhuibh uile!

To embiggen any image just click on it…

(Nov) Radio Days

The end of ’12 quickly draws near……

I’ll possibly do my usual yearly round-up at some point before the end of the month so beware !

SOTA…

No activations as circumstances seem to deny me the chance to finish the year with an intended couple of trips. I note in one of the Reflectors it was mentioned that November is that ‘quiet’ month before the ‘bonus points’ are awarded from Dec to early March for ‘two point and over’ hills so let’s be honest, why do a two pt hill when in four weeks time you get a total of five points for a two point hill up to a total of 13 for a 10 pointer.

Baofeng UV 5RE

Chasing was quiet this month but first out of the block was our fellow blogger Neil 2MØNCM who did Cnoc a’Bhaile-shois which was the first hill on his Kintyre expedition and I worked Neil from just N of Kilmacolm although I did hear Neil from lower down in Port Glasgow but I guessed the higher the better. I wished Neil well as I had known of his intentions over the next 48 hours. I knew the high points of Arran would come into play for the other hills he had planned. Whilst checking the hill name I found the trig point mentioned under another name Crevelees. As expected, I missed Neil on the rest of his itiniery.

Following Neil in the log was Graeme 2MØGIL who appeared on Carleatheran which is one of the Gargunnock ’marilyns’. Graeme’s blog post HERE. Later in the day Neil NCM appeared on Ballencleuch Law, I had listened for Neil whilst on Lurg Moor but I finally caught up with  him as I headed back home over the B788 to Kilmacolm, a quick word over the 92 km distance between us then it was off home over the Green Rd.

The following week it was a welcome back to GM land to lain WJZ who activated a snowy Ben Donich, it was good to see Iain back activating esp as he had recently came home from a warmer climate. I’d have stayed ! as an aside I did have the opportunity to head to the same country almost 50 year ago under THIS but I decided to stay, I wonder some times.

It was time for me to set up another SOTA logbook page – number 7 which is a new first as although 2011 was a busy year, 2012 has now surpassed it and considering I ‘lost’ quite a few chases due to my heading out walking at the wrong time earlier in the year. A busy year indeed.

Iain was now back with a vengeance he appeared on Beinn Chablair and to finish the month, Cruach Tairbeirt a hill surrounded by many higher hills in the Arrochar area, this time I caught Iain from the local golf course car park. The wee Baofeng handie with its dual band Nagoya 701 working fine.

The month as you can see was a very quiet one but more affected by the vagaries of weather. Rain and snow of which there was plenty of the former for the month. The average monthly rainfall in the local area is approx 3.8 inches in the month of Nov but that must have been well surpassed.

HF…

This past month was spent using the new mode I mentioned in last months Radio Days post…JT9-1.

I varied between it and the established JT65 but paid particular interest as this looked intriguing as I watched and worked into EU and NA on various bands although mostly on 30m where I seemed to find my set up slightly deaf towards NA, I checked all my settings and I guess there is some reason I cannot figure out.

I spent a bit of time in Andy K3UK’s excellent contact area…digitalradio HERE  just watching the talk of those working the mode on various bands.

JT9 trace

I took a note of one session earlier in the month…

”Sitting here watching a discussion (on K3UK page ‘digitalradio’ )between a Dutch and US station working each other using JT 9.1 on the 12m band using decreasing amounts of power the signals were roughly -16 at 30w but power reduced the next over to 10w and signals dropped -3 to -19 and further on to next was 5w signal reduced to -27 but the Dutch station went as low as 500ml and was reported at -25 !! the vagaries of propagation may have affected the signals but it shows under the right conditions that QRP works and all it needs is patience and time. I wasn’t receiving either station as 12m wasn’t opened to me.”

Another time I was on 17m with two US and the Dutch station and I sent out a couple of CQ’s and was being picked up in Alabama and Georgia (two states I need for WAS). I could see the return but it would not decode so with some help from Erwin (a PA3) I adjusted my RX but sods law I never picked up the signals again. I did work the Alabama station on 10m a couple of days later.

I’ll must spend some SWL’ing in and tweak the RX settings to best.

JT 9.1 is meant for the LF and MF frequencies and although tests are being carried out at the higher (or should it be lower) end of the HF, kudos to Joe Taylor( K1JT) once again. Joe’s bio HERE

I gave out a CQ call on 30m and worked a F1 station at -24 both ways so obviously better conditions on what was a lower band than 17 which may have been affected more by localised QRM or propagation ?

I have since worked other stations using this mode on 30, 17, 15, 12 and 10m and if I could get out or stay out my bed the lower bands of 80, 60 and 40 could be worked. There is a fair bit of activity on 160m between NA and EU stations but I have no antenna capability for 160m.

JT65 trace

Interesting ? yes especially as this is a narrowband data signal, JT65 has an approx maximum bandwidth of  175 hz whilst JT9-1 (there are variants of JT up to JT9-5) has a max bandwidth of 16 hz which mean more signals/QSO’s could be utilised in the allocated DATA section of each band. As a guide line WSPR (another K1JT creation) is 6 hz and PSK is 31.25 hz. I wonder if this may be a variant which will take off or another which promises so much but fades away but after using the mode I hope not.

Download page is HERE, look for the latest version, look for the file WSJT-X plus the ‘ User Guide’ and ‘Changelog’ are there as well.

A new PSK variant SIM31 has appeared so looks like a visit to try this now….You will need Google Translate for this page.

Retro…

Following on from last months post where I posted the image of the home-brewed 11m 2 element quad, this picture shows the original ‘head into the hills’ antenna set up a simple 1/2 wave ‘silver rod’, the location is slightly N of Corlic Hill (yes even in those far away days) the trig point can be made out..

1/2w vertical Corlic Hill circa 1985?

Thanks go to Wikipedia and Peakbagger once again.

To embiggen click any image to see in full size.

Weekend Mash

By ‘eck, lad, tha berr get ee posts gaein’ agin….

Having been out Friday afternoon on what is one of my regular strolls a total of just over five and a quarter miles plus I finished soaked due to the rain over the last couple of miles. Early Saturday morning I noticed an alert posted on SOTA for a Northern Irish station and after a quick check of the ‘point to point’ I decided the Greenock Cut and the hills to the south would be ideal. Roddy 2MØIOB must have read my mind with the invitation of  ’Fancy a traipse around the Cut?’..no contest, a big ”Yep’.

Roddy picked me up and off we headed over the road I had walked the previous day and then took the road/track over Garshangan to Loch Thom. This road is a single track but turns from tarred to rough track at the dam wall of the Higher Gryffe reservoir. It is passable in a vehicle such as Roddy’s Land Rover but it looks like no one seems to ‘fill’ in the eroded bits. A swing left on to the Old Largs Road and soon we headed alongside Loch Thom where we turned right and took the road to Cornalees or as it is now known the Greenock Cut Centre, I prefer the old name.

One man and his pooch

Roddy parked in the designated parking area at the rear of the centre and on our arrival light rain started to dapple the windscreen. ‘It’s only light rain’  he said but out and off the three of us headed. Three ? yep, Duncan one of Roddy’s dogs made up the outing.

The Cut itself was the choice and off we headed along what is a gentle flat path, Duncan soon decided to go and splash about and as he ran along the plant covered depths, he soon found that the bits with no plant life were  much deeper. Oops.

I wrote a post about two-year ago on a trip along the Cut HERE so I’ll not bore you now with the previous written history but luckily the rain was keeping away and what breeze was at our back. Greenock and the views to the north with the cloud level hiding the Luss hills  soon came into view.

There is some repair work  going on towards the Greenock end and in some areas the path is slightly churned up but no complaints if they keep in good order what is one cracking walk if you need a leg stretch. Scroggy Bank soon appeared on our right and later we would pass this communication mast and towers on the return leg of this jaunt.

We reached the junction and headed SW over the Watermans Rd, a single aggregate track which heads back to Cornalees. We stopped at Maggie’s Well before heading right on to the track which would take us past Scroggy Bank and out towards our target hill, Hillside. Maggie’s Well is named after the horse of a commander of the Argyll & Southern Highlanders which stopped for a drink on occasion.

It was off along an old track which linked a group of reservoirs which were built to supply Greenock but nowadays the dams to the SW have been breached and have now gone back to nature, quickly I may add.

Maggies Well

Hillside ? I can only assume that it means at the side of the slightly higher Dunrod Hill 400m to its W. We headed along a old rough track that I had once come off Hillside (blog post HERE) but with the wet weather the path was very muddy, Roddy suggested we strike up to the top of the hill we were on and soon we saw our intended target nearby, we looked for a route across but noticed that when we dropped height into a gully it looked pretty peaty and wet, Duncan soon proved this as he proceeded to lets just say get rather filthy from his attempt to cross but a slight detour, a quick leap and we were across heading up a slight path and as we arrived at its summit, hailstones pelted us. This reminds me of a recent ascent.

A quick listen around 2m but nothing except the Limavady 2m repeater GB3LY , Roddy had his handie on scan since we left Cornalees but nothing else was heard.

Looking down we could see Cornalees, the adjacent Ardgowan fishery with anglers sitting waiting patiently also to the south the firth was shrouded and the usual landmark of Ailsa Craig was no to be seen.The sky today showed variation from dark menacing rain filled clouds to the occasional sunny spell. Typical weather for this area. It was time to head down as the rain looked as if it was heading our way….again !

Heading down what is a rather steep hill face towards the car park whilst taking care as once again a slippy looking muddy path, we climbed the stile into the Centre car park and I looked at the time and we had spent just under 3 hours wandering, a good stretch of the legs. Duncan was still let’s just say a bit maukit so off back to one of the local reservoirs where he was persuaded to have a quick splash, a quick dry and then off to drop me off. We did have a look at the entrance to what was the old Garvock Lodge land but decided to leave a visit until sometime drier in the future.It was strange being in a vehicle as I normally tramp these areas.

A good day out for all.

For further reading about the ‘Cut’ and Loch Thom see HERE

I may have mentioned somewhere in the blog about a wind turbine of approx 200ft (tip of wing to ground) getting planning permission just about 1 mile S from my house and be situated in a field next to the Green Rd (Devol Rd on maps), further permission had been granted for a 50m anemometer to be put up for twelve months just to the E of it.

Green Rd Anaeometer

I noticed one night heading back from Kilmacolm that they had erected the said anemometer and of course, I had to go have a shuffty.

I waited until the Saturday and I headed over the Green Rd on my way on a walk to take in the Side Hills and Kilmacolm. The mast showed as soon as we topped out on the golf course, heading down the Green Rd we nipped over a gap in the fence and headed over the boggy grass to where they had erected the anemometer. Four anchor points and the mast as you see in one of the images has been very well secured, I’ll let the images speak for themselves. I see marker posts running up the slope from the Green Rd which apparently will be upgraded from the S and the wind turbine is to be positioned not too far from the track. I hope to catch the work as it is being done.

For more information on an anaeometer look HERE

My thanks to  © Roddy for the image of ‘One man and his pooch’

Thanks to Wikipedia and any site I have linked to.

Schaw Water Co Mark The above image shows the possible mark of the Schaw Water Company who worked and operated the water management of the aquaduct 

Waterfall top of Shielhill Glen

The doings and N anchor point

50m tall

Schaw Water Co

Anaeometer

Maggies Well

One man and his pooch

(Oct) Radio Days

Sitting here monitoring the 10m band whilst fuelling myself with more caffeine and trying to get the enthusiasm to head out for a few mile walk. I took a quick look at the front page of the blog earlier and realised it has been well-nigh a month since I last posted. I thought mmmm, I’ll surprise everyone by doing the Radio Days post early. I did have a part local post ready to go but I’ve not  got round to heading out to some local spot to see if I could find remnants of a rifle range long disappeared just to the SW of me, another day. I enjoy just poring over the old local area mapping available online but I’m digressing from what is the original point of this monthly post so here goes..

SOTA work….

No activations to report as only ‘chasing’ done this month and not as much in recent months. I had packed my rukkie with all the equipment on a trip up NE but due to weather and other factors I missed out.

First one in the log in October was Kenny ZUN who headed to Ben Ledi in the Trossachs area and the following day from my now regular Sunday perch at NS 303737, I chased a dual activation of Sgor Gaibhre by Adrain DHY and Colwyn YCJ and I was to catch Colwyn later on a second hill Meall na Meoig, a Corbett, both hills are to the east of Corrour station. The contacts were excellent this day as next station worked was Victor JST who had crossed the border into Eire and I worked him from his summit of Crocknasmug in NE Donegal. Crocknasmug has what could be one of the weirdest but coolest  ’cairns’ see photo HERE. You must take a look, go on go on go on go on go on (apologies to Mrs Doyle)

5 ele beam on Lurg Moor

Next in the log was Robin PKT who was on Stob Dearg, one of the two Munro summits of Buachaille Etive Mor, this hill is one of the iconic views of Scotland and if you have ever travelled to Glencoe it stands tall on your left as you approach and will hopefully play its part in something I have planned for late 2013.

Following this was Jim GLM who was on another hill known to me, Craigowl which dominates the landscape to the west of Dundee. I had plans to ‘do’ this hill but it is a hill with many military et al antennae bristling on its top. Next in the log was Brian HMZ to the east of me on Cairnpapple Hill, I had received a text from Brian advising that I could find rare DX on .525. I did find him and he forgot to log me, the rare DX is lost.

Next was a very pleasant surprise  as I spoke with oor Cat CNC on a hill both her and Neil 2MØNCM had ascended, one of the many named  Beinn Chaorach this is the one in the Tyndrum area after working both it was the previous mentioned YCJ on Meall na Meoig.

Two days later on what was an excellent sunny day, I spoke to Robin PKT on Ben Cruachan from my work base at sea level  which was a good contact on my handie but I had to go to a higher point to work Jack COX who was celebrating his 10th year of SOTA activating on Ben Lawers. Only six more years for me to do this.

Ben Lawers

The next weekend was one in which I made no contacts as I had travelled NE for the weekend but had stopped on the way home to try to catch Neil NCM just N of Peebles but nothing heard from just SW of Perth. I later found out I had passed the hill Jim GLM had been activating near Perth, ces’t la vie.

The following Sunday, perched on my usual spot at Lurg Moor trig and first in the log was Jim GLM who was on Creag na

Ciche in the Glen Shee area and after not long, I spoke with fellow blogger Graeme 2MØGIL who was just under 4,000 ft on Ben Lawers among some snow, I think Graeme was thankful of his flask of soup that day. I was enjoying a ‘crisp’ sunny day but there was a slight difference of 3,300 ft between our heights.

Robin PKT appeared on one of the Southern Scottish high points, Ben Lui whilst next in the log was Colwyn YCJ on Mam na Gualainn which is just N of the Pap of Glencoe on the very south of the Lochaber region.

Neil 2MØNCM appeared on Corradie on the Cowal penninsula this is when I discovered my ‘Homer moment’ that I had left my 4m handie on charge at home but I got Neil later on 2m, this was another virgin summit for Neil and congrats on what was a long round trip for a couple of points.

Last contact for the month was Craig HCF who was on the summit of Duncolm which is line of sight for me plus an enjoyable summit to activate although a one pointer the views and walk in and out is excellent.

Still a busy month and hopefully the snow will stay away in November although the first snow of the year in the Luss hills appeared on the 30th of this month but disappeared quickly within hours.

Duncolm from the South

HF…

Still having an odd call on both PSK and JT65 in the data sections of the HF bands. My 7-year-old computer died on me and although I had set everything up on my laptop I waited until I got a replacement tower and since then it has been primarily JT65 with contacts to Euro, Asia and NA. The bands have been very active and some good DX is out there to work, I tend to try to be around at ‘grey line‘ time if possible.

Other Stuff…

I have given a rest to the SDR dongle side of things although I now have acquired one which uses the 820 tuner chip but have yet to set this up plus I have ordered another related piece of equipment and will wait until this arrives then get stuck in to this newish part of the hobby. Plus I’m having a look at a newish data mode JT9.1, I’ve got it set up and need to find some time and contacts with it. Too much to do and too much time wasted doing other things.

11m days

This was taken in the ’80 during what was an intense high in the then sunspot cycle, a 2 ele home-brew Quad which was later improved, 100w through this baby and the world was your oyster, great and memorable days indeed.

Graeme GIL’s blog post on Ben Lawers HERE

Old Scotland maps HERE

Thanks again got to Wikipedia, Peakbagger and WalkHighlands…

Linked image of Crocknasmug summit cairn © Jim Bloomer.

The link for Corradie goes to Beinn Bhreac which is the general hill area.

(Sept) Radio Days

I thought a wee break in posts was in order after I posted the three rapid blog posts of September’s Lake District activations and visit.

September was a busy month as it was the yearly trip of myself, Roddy IØB and Patsy UPG and this year we headed for the Lake District after the 2011 visit to the Isle of Mull was deemed a roaring success. We first activated the highest point in England, Scafell Pike in what turned out to be almost weather-wise four seasons in one day. The following day it was a dual activation as Roddy and I headed on to separate hilltops and passed each other on Littledale Edge to each others first hill, the venue was Dale Head and Robinson, two ‘Marilyns‘ separated by just 3 km  . The weather was much the earlier days but thankfully this time no hailstones on this trip.

Scafell Pike Summit

Finally the five day visit was ended after an activation of Stony Cove Pike near Kirkstone Pass on the Fri, all done with handheld activations except my 4m one on Dale Head as the wind was strong on each of our visits except for Stony Cove Pike which has amazing views looking south to Morecambe Bay. Thanks obviously must go to those who took the time to work us plus I’ll be back down next year. Blog posts are here Pt 1  Pt 2  Pt4

Chasing

Another busy month started with a visit to the now usual Lurg Moor trig point and first in the log for the month was Robin PKT who was on Beinn Udlamain which is the highest hill on the west side of the Drumochter Pass. I had returned home and caught Robin on his next summit Sgairneagh Mhor on 2m SSB.

The following Saturday Robin popped up on Schiehallion and the next day I headed to Lurg Moor and although knowing Graeme 2MØGIL was activating Meall Corranaich I missed him as I was heading along the single track road with the handie scanning the 2m band, I later found out I had mistimed and missed him. I did catch him later on his other hill of the day Meall a’Choire Leith but back to my arrival and set up.

Trig point station

I switched on the 817 and lo and behold, a ‘ lift‘ was on as I made contact with Mike YYY on Pen-Y-Ghent in the North Pennines, I did try to contact stations on Great Gable, Blencathra among others but with no joy. The strong signals you receive in the Fells would dwarf mine as the incoming signals were weak. I gave up trying after a short time. Jim GLM was next in the log from Meikle Bin followed by Robin on Carn Dearg  to the east of Glen Roy and a good contact given its lower height and it being over 115 kms away . The day wasn’t finished as Craig HCF appeared on Schiehallion which I also worked the previous day.

A midweek contact with Kenny ZUN who activated Ben Lomond, this one caught from sea level from my work base.

It was off to the Lakes and on our second days on the Fells I worked two STS (summit to summit) with Roddy 2MØIOB on Dale Head and Robinson. Two days later, I had just reached the activation zone when I worked a station PLF on Snowdon ’handie to handie’ over 175 km away then a local STS with Richard JTD who was just to the north of us on Hallin Fell which overlooks Ullswater.

Beinn Bhuidhe © Roddy 2M0IOB

The next day it was back to chasing in GM (Scotland) land and Robin PKT was on Binnean Mor the highest and one of the remotest Mamores. Meanwhile Jack COX had climbed up to Beinn Bhuidhe at the top of Loch Fyne and was my final contact that day.

The following day I recorded points from Neil 2MØNCM who had travelled north from his Ayrshire base to Beinn Udlaidh which towers over Glens Lochy and Orchy. this Corbett is known for its quartz rib which is visible from the main road which runs to its east plus it was good to see Neil oot’n'aboot again and last contact for the month was with Robin PKT who also started the month, Robin was to the west of Neil on Creagh Bheinn to the west of Loch Etive.

Neils blog post on his activation of Beinn Udlaidh is HERE

A busy month with points mounting up..a possible 99 pts.

Apart from enjoying the contacts it then leads to a ‘google’ of any new summit worked and reading about the hill, its Gaelic meaning and all relevant info plus I look at possible routes even though I may never visit the area so it’s not all about the chase it is a learning process after the contact, I also apply this to any HF contact I make….the Internet is such a wonderful learning tool.

HF…

Propagation started to really pick up towards the latter part of the month but my activity was negligible although most days I had a call. 15, 12 and 10m started to show some exotic DX locations but none seemed to come my way.At the start of the month I did manage to work a station in Beijing on 17m JT65HF. I’m presently having a rest from it all.

Other…

Still playing with the ‘dongle’ on VHF and UHF. Things have slowed slightly as stocks of the superior 4000 tuner chip are now running out. Work is currently being done on the suitably of a 820 chip which has appeared on the market. Some sellers are now labelling these dongles as SDR so please check the chips first are suitable, check this at the subReddit RTLSDR

I’m still heading out to higher local spots for radio work and the trig at Lurg Moor is beginning to be my ‘go to’ place, it has excellent views in a 180 degree vista from west to east. I must organise a seat as with a wet summer, the grass areas are sodden and Bob must save his weary legs.

Thanks goes to Roddy 2M0IOB for © the image of Beinn Bhuidhe seen from the outskirts of Inveraray near the head of  Loch Fyne also my linking to Wikipedia and Peakbagger.

Mr Mhor Does A 4th Fell Then Goes Home

Thursday was a washout although all earlier days had wet spells, the rain was almost day long plus we decided that a rest day or ‘touring’ day would be had. Roddy and Patsy returned to the Honister Slate Mine and did the tour of the mine.

Me ? I stayed at base and just chilled, I wrote the first draft of the first post in this series of blog posts. I listened to a couple of ‘No Agenda’ podcasts and caught up on some emails.

SOTA Activation of Stony Cove Pike G/LD 018 on 21/09/2012

The Tithe Barn was once again the choice for evening nosh but this time I decided more cider…….just as a research to find out if it tasted as good as back home. I’m returning to finish my research next year avec Katie.

The food again was most excellent and after saying goodbye to the lads who did us proud it was back to prepare for the next day.

I fired up the laptop and had a look around the Lakes and had a close look at hills with a relatively easy ascent, Great Mell Fell and Stony Cove Pike. Roddy and I discussed the various advantages of both and we decided to go for the six pointer Stony Cove Pike just south of Ullswater plus a wander through some of the best scenery the Lake District can offer.

The hill start point is next to the Kirkstone Pass Inn which I remember having bar lunches on more than one occasion in earlier visits to the Lakes. I think a bar meal treat for Katie the next time we are down plus Red Screes is just across the road, ideal.

Friday morning arrives and we pack our assorted kit including Roddy’s big tin case then say goodbye to Cockermouth and as every other morning it was off to Asda for one of their excellent breakfasts.

Eventually we headed back towards Keswick and the A591, the journey takes you through what I would call traditional Lake District scenery. First we passed through open countryside meeting the high steep slopes of Helvellyn running along the east side of Thirlmere, there looked plenty of parked cars and walkers at another expensive car park in the woods. Temptation of Helvellyn will have to wait until another visit but not the route up Striding Edge ( this is when I wish I was 20 years younger).

Before long Thirlmere was left and we soon approached the picturesque village of Grasmere where you guessed correctly Wordsworth and his sister lived at Dove Cottage, I did that tourist bit in the ’80s. Grasmere is in my thought the prettiest village in the Lakes and is worth a visit.

Kirkstone Pass from St Ravens Edge

Heading quickly towards Ambleside as we left Grasmere we saw on our right Rydal Water which reminded me, yes Wordsworth resided locally at Rydal Mount, isn’t there anywhere he was that isn’t commemorated ? Wordworth ate chips here, Wordsworth had a pint here etc. All because he saw a field of daffodils whilst wandering lonely as a cloud, today he would have been given the best medical treatment coming out with that statement. (Wordworth fundamentalist please note that it’s meant as humour)

Arriving at Ambleside and as soon as, we were heading out on the Kirkstone  Road which had given us a warning as we headed out-of-town, the first part of this road named ‘The Struggle’, up and up and up we headed up a 1 in 5 slope at times.

Slowly along a single track until we could see the Inn in the distance, the intelligent motorists seemed to be coming down the road. A left turn and we parked in a FREE car park, I’m guessing the Inn must own this and is good business sense if they do, a mental note to visit the Inn after the activation/ walk.

Boots on, walking stick..let me tell you the story about the walking stick.

I forgot one thing, a walking pole. I feel more comfortable using a single walking pole especially if I am descending, it helps this auld git. Roddy kindly offered use of a varnished wooden ‘real’ stick with a rubber foot which I proceeded to kinda wreck on the Scafell Pike ascent. I must get round to at least replacing this piece.

Near the top

Everything checked and off we headed through a gate towards what is probably the steepest part of the ascent, this hill has only just over 1,000 ft of total ascent which after our outings earlier in the week was just right as it would stretch our legs but not be enough for to sit the 160 msl back home with achy legs.

Onwards up a few light scrambles until we stood on top of St. Ravens Edge where we headed along what I called a traditional Scottish hill path….wet and broken. Some welcome remedial work has been done by laying large flat stones as stepping-stones in the more muddy peaty boggy bits. Ascending at a good pace, we passed landmarks such as Pike How and then following a dyke eastwards after John Bell’s Banner and the climb now was much easier, it was now to find where the summit cairn was on Cauldale Moor ( its other name). We heard a station calling out on 2m from Snowdon in North Wales, I had first shot and worked him after a station had mentioned to him that I was calling him from the Lake District just over 170 kms away. No problems were had except I forgot to take a note of his name, signals and call signs exchanged, enough.

Reaching the summit cairn, it was time to take photos and just on the south side of the dyke, cracking views of the expanse of Lake Windermere spread south towards a wide Morecambe Bay in the distance. Excellent unexpected views. The nearby ‘Marilyn’ of High Street was tempting and the excellent ridge walk of Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke stretched to the south-east of us. Red Screes and its ridge south looked tempting for a visit next year.

Ill Bell from SCP summit

It was sunny but a chill wind was blowing and as before I found a hidey hole about 40yards south of the cairn and I proceeded to first work Sue OHH in Lancaster before changing over to 4m FM and as normal, Colin UXH just to the south of us was first to reply to my call, Geoff WHA called in next followed by John TDM also from Penrith. Doug KLZ called me from Lancaster and next in the log was Patsy who was at the base in the FREE car park and discussed whether to have a celebratory pint in the Inn before we headed home, I needed no persuasion.

Colin UXH had said that a WOTA activation was taking place just to the north of us on Hallin Fell which overlooks Ullswater and I found Richard JTD/p on 2m FM and he was next in the log and my final contact was with Dave CRV in Heysham. I called after this but no more takers. I had spoken at length with the stations today as the earlier activations the weather was not at it best so it was good to have extended QSOs especially as we were heading home.

Packing everything away and heading down the track, we soon reached the scrambly bits again and as we were dropping down the last part of the descent, the rain could be seen heading our way from the valley to the north and as we were putting our bags in the car, a short burst of rain passed by.

Kirkstone Pass Inn

A quick strip and fresher clothes put on, it was time to head to the Kirkstone Pass Inn. A cold pint of cider was enjoyed but sadly no scran was on offer plus the curry menu looked tempting but instead of waiting, we decided to head back home.

We headed down the pass reaching Patterdale and Glenridding before driving along the west bank of Ullswater and looking up to the summit of Hallin Fell on the opposite bank. We left Ullswater and sadly before long we reached the A66 and the short drive to the M6(North).

We got on to the M6 and headed north and apart from a quick leg stretch near Crawford, it was home.

The five days had passed too quickly and as we headed northwards, the sun shone mockingly.

My thanks to Roddy and Patsy for their company and suffering me for the five days. Roddy for his company on the hills and again to Patsy who manned the base and backup support. I would also like to say a big thank you to those ‘chasers’ who waited and worked us on each activation. I’ll renew contact in ’13.

It was back to ‘chasing’ the next day with a 10 point starter.

That is it no more Lake District ramblings from me…a wee bit in Sept Radio Days excepted..

Looking SW

Looking SW from SCP descent

Looking NE from SCP summit

Looking N from SCP summit

Next Year…….maybe

Kirkstone Pass Inn

Ill Bell from SCP summit

Near the top

Kirkstone Pass from St Ravens Edge

Mr Mhor Does A Fell Or Two Pt 2

It was time to head down from the Scafell Pike summit area as the cold wind which accompanied the rain and lastly the hailstones could return.

As we set off from the trig point, another horizontal hailstorm hit us straight on and this one was ‘stingy’ to say the least. Luckily it never lasted long and it was time to pick our way down through the rock strewn hillside, cairns are built at roughly 25m distances which are I imagine very handy in poor visibility. The path in places is broken but due to repaired sections  it makes descent easy and especially as you pass Brown Tongue where a stepped path was built. We soon exited the rough top section finding ourself on a good path which then zigzags down towards the Hollow Stone area.

It was time to make our way across this rocky area with a distinct path passing through and we decided to head down Brown Tongue and slowly we made time walking down what in places was a steepish grass ridge. Roddy had called me and pointed out a dismantled wooden hut lying piled up and one side being used as a ‘bridge’ across the nearby gill.

View N from Buttermere Moss

At our crossing point, it was time for a break and a last look back at what had been a day to remember. A Toffee Crisp and a swig or two of water then it was off back to our pick up and Patsy UPG waiting on us at the expensive car park. Looking towards Wasdale Head I saw a heavy shower quickly heading down our way, Patsy had noticed this and headed to the road end where we made the Discovery just in time.

On the drive back to Cockermouth, a reflection on the day spent ascending England’s highest top left a satisfying feeling, anything else this week would be an anti-climax but I was looking forward to our other intentions which included my favourite view in all of Lakeland, more on this later.

It was time to get the dirt and cold of the day washed out and after a preening session, it was a ‘where are we eating tonight ?’ and after a long day, we decided locally.

SOTA Activation of Dale Head G/LD 020 and Robinson G/LD 021 on 19/09/2012

After finding a parking place, we headed towards the town centre and Roddy and Patsy got talking to a couple of locals who recommended the Tithe Barn and it was off to find it. A look at the menu plus a cold pint of cider ready to be devoured, the food arrived and this did not disappoint, excellent scran and we headed back the next two evenings as well. The Steak and Ale pie was excellent, give it a try if in the area.

Dale Head valley

A pow wow was had later that night when we returned to our ‘base’ and we decided that next day, we would attempt a ‘dual’ activation but with a twist, Roddy would get dropped off at Newlands Hause and ascend Robinson and I would be dropped at the top of Honister Pass and ascend an old favourite, Dale Head. Both hills have an ascent of just over 1,400 ft and Dale Head was straight up with no relief and as I headed up, the odd shower passed over and as I had a quick drink of water, I was joined on the ascent by another lone walker, this made the ascent more enjoyable as the main topic was local walking in the immediate area.

The summit with its distinct cairn was soon in sight and I said goodbye to the woman I had made the ascent with. I made contact with Roddy who was about to walk along the last ridge to Robinson’s summit cairn, at this point I was almost caught in a  downpour.

I took shelter hiding (yes, me!) behind the tall cairn and enjoyed a scran break. A couple appeared and started talking to me and the bloke started pointing out something about me and I thought..mmmmm? It transpired my Morton tammie made him laugh as he was originally a Greenockian and still followed the teams fortune from way down south.

The rain moved away as quick as it appeared and I got busy setting up the 4m JPole but first making the STS with Roddy. I made contact with Colin UXH and Sue OHH.

I then called out on 4m FM and instantly Geoff WHA from Penrith was in the log followed by Patsy UPG who had based himself in the valley below took a break from working HF to talk to me. Next was Clive FZH from the Isle of Whithorn across the border in Scotland. Colin UXH had called in this time on 4m before my last contact for this hill, John TDM in Penrith nipped in to grab the points. The weather by this time was starting to become showery as I packed everything away and I called Roddy who was just about to do the same.

Misty and rain heading my way

I headed west along and dropped down Hindscarth Edge mulling over whether I should nip on to Hindscarth to activate the WOTA hill but I thought if the weather was going to come in that a quick activation of Robinson could be in order. Heading slowly down what was a good descent path and as I made my way past the path to Hindscarth,  clouds came scuttling up from Honister Pass.

I carried descending Littledale Edge. I met Roddy on the level section of this ridge and soon I left him to ascend and walk along the hilltop until I reached Robinson’s summit cairn. This was exposed to the weather which I could see racing this way so I huddled down behind the cairn.

I made contact with Roddy first and said I was thinking of working whoever I could then heading down to meet them at Newlands Hause.

As on Dale Head, I worked Colin UXH and Sue OHH before I headed to 4m FM. The aforementioned Colin called in and as on the earlier hill, Geoff WHA and John TDM called me from Penrith. Final contact was with Derek MIX whom I have spoken with from earlier activations, most notable was a STS from Ben Lawers to nearby Pillar which was hidden in the clouds to mejust to the SW of me. I called a few more times and had no come back.

I contacted Roddy and he was ready to head down and get picked up by Patsy and then head for me. I packed everything away but as this was a handheld only activation, it never took me long. I followed the path back off the summit and headed to find the path down towards what I was warned was a wet and boggy Buttermere Moss and even though I found the path through the moss, I found Roddy’s warning was correct…boggy !

Buttermere and Crummock Water

The soggy underfoot conditions disappeared as I crossed High Snockrig  I followed the path until I could see Knott Rigg which was my mental guide, a steep descent found me waiting at the car park for my lift, I had come off the hill in what was fast for me and later I got picked up. The lads had not reckoned on me being so fast and had wandered into the Honister Slate Mine whilst the auld bloke got battered by wind and rain (dramatic effect). I had spoken with a cyclist who had climbed non stop up from Buttermere and I think his pal was swearing under his breath as he topped the hill.

Another day on the hills and with Scafell Pike done the previous day I had managed without any comeback a double activation, a first for me.

Back to base and after a hot shower and a change of threads, a decision made to head back to last evenings venue.

It was excellent and more cold cider to celebrate.

Thursday was looking looking poor weather wise so a day off…

Useless information…

Scafell Pike…originally one of the ‘Fells of Sca Fell‘ and was erroneously named on an Ordnance Survey map as Scafell Pike and we assume Wordsworth never ‘climbed’ it as no visitor centre on top (tongue in cheek, folks) although his sister Dorothy did !

Dale Head ? obvious if you look at the map

Hindscarth…’pass used by the red deer’

Robinson…allegedly named after a Richard Robinson who bought lands in the Buttermere area centuries ago.

More to follow…..

Boy ! I’m really kicking the erse out of this, please vow you displeasure below.

My thanks to all those sites I have linked to…a full thanks on the final post.

Looking back to Dale Head

Hindscarth

High Stile, Red Pike amogst others

Grasmoor from Robinson

Skiddaw, Blencathra from Robinson

View N from Buttermere Moss

Buttermere and Crummock Water

Misty and rain heading my way

Dale Head valley

Mr Mhor Does A Fell Or Two Pt 1

We decided last October after the resounding success of the trip to ‘activate’ Mull’s Ben More that a trip was made over the border to the Lake District to aspire to stand over England‘s lowly plains.

Over the following months,dates worked out and plans laid to where to stay, what hills to do and whatever else.

Mid September we chose this time as the English holiday season would be gone and hopefully the hills would be quieter but as anyone who knows the Lakes this isn’t the case.

SOTA Activation of Scafell Pike G/LD 001 on 19/09/2012

The day arrived and finally we set off from the Mhor abode to pick up Patsy UPG and all loaded with this that and probably more than we needed.

It was time to head down south, the day was sunny but with a bit of a breeze which was to continue over much of the trip. Heading down the M74 we made for Carlisle for last-minute supplies and the first of our daily breakfasts from the supermarket chain which always gives you the opportunity to have change in your back pocket. I’m not allowed to say Asda am I?

Scranned up we left and then bypassing Carlisle we headed down through Cumbria along the A595 towards our base for five days Cockermouth but we had arrived early for our check in so we parked up and had a stroll around our ‘base’.

Cockermouth History Wall

I’ve been down here more than a few times in the last 18 months and haven’t taken the opportunity to explore what is I found to be an more than interesting area. Famous sons include Wordsworth and Fletcher Christian. If you know the Lake District this bloke Wordsworth tends to pop up everywhere. A walk through the Memorial Park then across a fast flowing River Cocker on to the main thoroughfare checking out possible eating haunts and having a nosey in general.

A stop to look at the ‘History Wall‘ which time-lines some of the history of the area plus a height chart of the floods which have hit the area in recent years.

After a good recce we headed to check in and decide the essential things we had to do e.g. eat, activate and other incidental things.

A trip that evening to walk round Keswick and arriving just as the overpriced parking costs got kicked into touch until 8am the next morning, £3 saved. I’ve visited Keswick on many occasions since the early ’80s and I was returning just six weeks after my latest visit. If you come to the area and forget any of your outdoor gear, you will find almost every third shop is an outdoor specialist shop. I remember I think there used to be about three in the ’80s.

My evening meal was a fish supper devoured hungrily in the Discovery before heading back to Cockermouth and to get planned for our activation of Scafell Pike the next day. Lets just say the pickled onions were the highlight.

The mountain weather forecast had promised wintry showers and high winds on the higher tops and this forecast proved  correct but first the Discovery was packed and off towards Workington and as the day before a hearty A**a brekkie consumed but as we left the store car park we saw our route south was stacking up with traffic and as an ambulance raced past us so we set off to find an alternative route. Not before long we were heading south along Cumbria’s west coast heading towards our intended target Wasdale Head situated at the top of Wastwater but we found our route east diverted further south but eventually after a bit of a delay we were driving along Wastwater and soon we had parked in another expensive car park whilst we suited and booted and after checking everything, Roddy and I headed up a diverted path to reach the main path ascending up towards England’s highest spot. Diversions are the big thing of this day.

Up yonder we go

Off we headed passing the remedial work that the National Trust are doing to the path along the lower part of Lingmell Gill, we followed the north side of the Gill for roughly the first third of our slow but steady ascent over rough and well maintained and reconstructed parts of the path and as we crossed the free-flowing gill and heading up on the south side of Brown Tongue along a reconstructed path taking us up to the area known as Hollow Stones, this has a broken path through literally as the name suggests but soon you end up on a good path which zig zags towards the north side of the hill, looking to your right from Hollow Stones the dramatic crags show a route up to Mickledore on what looks a rough scree covered steep gap in the crags, the tourist route will do for me today.

We were treated to a sight of a RAF jet skimming over the adjacent tops but soon we saw worsening weather heading up the valley we had just come from.

It rained steadily for the next 20 to 25 minutes and just as we headed to negotiate the rock strewn fields which populate the final push to the summit area it turned wintry and I soon realised that wearing shorts may have been a daft idea but as we headed up we noticed that if we left the path area, the mossy areas were slippy with the hail still lying there.

Mr Mhor on summit © Roddy

Onwards we pushed and just as I was expecting a false summit, the trig point was showing in front of us, I was there !! on top lording over Englandshire below.

It was horizontal wind and rain but suddenly the weather improved and the sun came out and we got treated to extensive views in all directions and just as if arranged, the RAF jet circled and flew past and I noticed that people who had hidden out of the wind in the shelters stood up to watch this, they reminded me of meerkats.

It was time to take photos, a panorama video and take in the views and try to guess what was what. Excellent views were had whilst the occasional wispy cloud scuttled past.

It was time to activate and only 15 mins after I had alerted for, I called out using only my 4m FM hand-held with its helically wound duck antenna and first in the log was Roy RDZ in Burnley but not wanting to hang about for when the weather deteriorated, I proceeded to work Colin UXH to the NW in Milnthorpe, Colin proved to be very helpful during the next days in spotting Roddy and myself on both the SOTA and WOTA sites. Thanks Colin !!

Next in the log was John FCQ based in North East Wales but as I previously said contacts were unfortunately kept short due to thinking the weather may deteriorate. Patsy 2E0UPG called us from our operations base in Wasdale Head and next I worked John TDM from Penrith, another station I have worked most times I have been in the Lake District as also my next contact, Geoff WHA who was also in Penrith. My last contact was Sue OHH in Lancaster whom I worked on 2m FM.

Impressive vista

I would like to have stayed longer and been able to get a beam or Jpole in use but with the cold, wet and very windy conditions it was impossible it was time for a quick last look and a quick tap on the trig point, it was off down in another hail storm this time into our faces…

The main intention of the trip was achieved and now to descend safely.

More to follow……

My thanks to all the sites I have linked to and to Roddy 2MØIOB for use of images and apologies for the poor panorama shot but lets just say I provide a big target for the wind.

Wastwater from Hollow Stones

The route to Mickledore

Scafell Pike summit cairn

Scafell Crag

On top of England

Must keep going

Looking to Wasdale

Looking from Lingmell Gill to Wastwater

Looking East from ascent

Looking along Cockermouth main street

Keswick Information Board

It gets serious now

Roddy IOB on summit

Derwent Water from Scafell Pike

Bowfell and a glimpse of Lake Windermere

Wastwater from start of ascent

Impressive vista

Mr Mhor on Scafell Pike

Up yonder we go

Cockermouth History Wall

(Aug) Radio Days

Mr. Mhor is not a creature of habit eh?

All those recent ‘Radio Day’ posts being up to six weeks late and now I post within two weeks of the end of the post’s month in question.

Let’s get going…

Activation….

One SOTA and two WOTA this month.

There is a twist on that last sentence as my SOTA activation of Blencathra is also a WOTA hill to those who are unfamiliar with SOTA and WOTA, follow these links below and the explanation is there for you

SOTA HERE

WOTA HERE

Back to business…

On what now seems an annual trip to the Lake District, I had planned hills to activate but due to circumstances only Blencathra (Hallsfell Top) was done under the SOTA banner. We had travelled down with intentions being dropped off near Threlkeld and doing a round route whilst activating on the way. My descent took in a quick look at Sharp Edge then a quick descent back to Scales via Mousthwaite Comb, a good day contact and weather wise.

Blencathra from Latrigg

I followed up Blencathra with an activation of Latrigg Fell which over looks Keswick.  Accompanied by Katie, my long-suffering XYL and the scran option was far superior to the previous day. An idea for the future although I must get a lighter car battery for her to humph up the hill.

Chasing..

This was another non stop month contact wise so take a deep breath.

First in the Aug log is Duncan CXM who activated Dumyat on the western end of the Ochil Hills whilst Colwyn YCJ was on the Isle of Arran but I only caught him on the one hill Caisteal Abhail the middle one of his triple activation that day, I had headed out to Corlic to work him on his third but was on my way back home due to the worsening weather and I missed him.

The following day I worked Craig HCF, a fellow Paisley club member on Ben Ledi whilst Robin PKT turned up later on Beinn Bhreac-liath near Glen Orchy.

Next chased points were during my activation of Blencathra, first contact( and Summit to Summit) was Terry VWP who was to the south of me on Claife Heights on the west bank of Lake Windermere whilst one of my last contacts that day was Terry CJJ who was on the Isle of Anglesey high point Mynydd Bodafon, Terry was using the Baofeng UV5R with its stock duck antenna. It works well as this was over approx 170 kms.

Returning home it was soon back to serious business as Robin PKT appeared what turned out to be a day to remember on Stob Choire Easain east of Fort William and he proceeded to work into the near continent, I think only the oncoming darkness and long trek out forced him off the hill.

The next day I made my way to the trig point on Lurg Moor where I first worked Jim GLM who appeared on Ben Chonzie and back to a ‘liftless” activation was Robin this time on Stob Ghabhar whilst waiting to talk to Robin I heard Iain WJZ calling him from Creag nan Damh part of the south Glen Sheil ridge. A fine contact of over 140 km.

Busy ? we are not even at the mid part of the month yet.

Meall Corranaich from Ben Lawers lower path

The next weekend at Lurg Moor, I first got Robin PKT who was on Carn na Caim in the Drumochter Pass area whilst I had a longer than normal contact with Neil 2MØNCM who was on Grey Hill between Girvan and Lendalfoot. The next day on a busy day from the same trig point, Iain WJZ was first in the book, Iain was on Gael-charn then next was Robin on Beinn a’Chlachair and was pleased to contact fellow blogger Roddy 2MØIOB who was almost 150km away on Larriston Fell in the Borders area. There was some QSB but the contact made with no problem plus I had checked the elevation profile between our two points and had reckoned earlier there was only a slight chance. Roddy’s activation blog post HERE. Next was Jim GLM who turned up on Meall Bhuide just north of Lochearnhead whilst Robert GUF had returned to his normal haunt Tinto before I finally worked Robin PKT on his second hill of the day Geal Charn, note this is a different hill than Iain’s before mentioned for this day. Robin’s hill that day Gael Charn is to the south-east of Loch Laggan whilst the Gael-charn Iain WJZ was on is just to the west overlooking the Drumochter Pass. That ended what was a busy Sunday.

Still with me ? I did say a busy month..

On the last weekend, on the Saturday I worked Robin PKT on Meall Corranaich and just as I was leaving for Cappielow, I caught him on Meall a’Choire Leith both in the Lawers area. The following day I waited at home and caught Robin PKT from the daddy of all Scottish hills, Ben Nevis then I left to head to Corlic with my youngest, Ailsa in tow and as we headed on to open moorland I received a text from Roddy IOB telling me Colwyn YCJ had turned up on Cat Law to the north of Kirriemuir and using only my wee 2w Baofeng and a Nagoya 701 worked him over 130 kms, a fine contact on what was almost a line of sight contact. Returning home I had just turned on the radio and heard Bob AWV out on what is a line of sight Duncolm in the Old Kilpatrick hills.

Grey Hill summit © Neil 2MØNCM

A busy month and a few miles walked to make some of these contacts.

HF..

As you read above I had not much time to ‘play’ HF but still made contacts in Europe, Asia and N America mostly on JT65. On the last Sunday of the month whilst having breakfast I worked into Anchorage, Alaska a very good start to what was a good day SOTA wise as well.

Other Stuff…

Firstly I must recommend a book I read towards to the end of the month.

The title ? “Rocket Men, a story of the first men on the moon” by Craig Nelson, a well written account of how Neil Armstrong finally made the first step on the moon. It deals with the history leading up to JFK’s declaration of sending a man to the moon to the background politics, training plus a revealing insight into each astronauts life. A book which some reviewers say fragments at times and leaps from the story but I found this added to the overall story. Worth a read.

I’m still learning about SDR and hope over the winter months to do something along building a Softrock rx but still to look at what frequencies I’m really interested but if the new work being done on another tuner chip bears fruit then I’ll stick to this line of thought.

Finally..

If you have been a long time reader of the blog, you will have read how my oldest Euan was with me on most of my first SOTA activations but fell away but all this paid off for him as he recently graduated from the University of Glasgow as a BSc with First Class Honours in Computer Science, Sergey Brin & Co watch out..

Euan on Duncolm trig

and a mention for my youngest Ailsa who also recently completed the ‘ hike’ part of her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, she only has her presentation of her days spent in the Border hills to do. The hike was done over what could be described as horrendously wet for the first two days.

Phew !! a biggie post this month, I hope you are still with me at the end…

Thanks again to all sites I have linked.

My thanks also to Neil 2MØNCM who let me use © his image of Grey Hill in South Ayrshire.

SDR On The Cheap pt.2

Update….

I’ve done Pt 3 which more a links page as well as showing SDR-Radio Pro V2 and SDRSharp click HERE

Work is currently being done on evaluating another tuner chip, the Rafael Micro R820T, see info HERE

Sitting comfortably ?

Where do I start?

If you read my initial post on this subject (Pt. 1 HERE) where I just put in words how I got first started on this subject.

Time has passed and I took it much further using the dongles to monitor FM (both narrow and wide), AM and finally SSB which surprised me at the quality of the received audio. I had used  a dual band (2m and 70cm) vertical co-linear antenna excepting on SSB where I used horizontal polarisation on a 5 element 2m yagi beam.

I tested both the EzCap 645 with its FC 0013 and the Newsky with the Elonics E4000 tuner chips. Compare the two images I have posted below of the noise levels, the FC 0013 is much higher but would still received the signal although weaker signals did tend to suffer through the noise. The noise floor level at my QTH ( home)  is typical of an urban area  in a house where noise comes from electrical appliances and worst of all here is laptop battery chargers.

ezcap 645 (FC 0013)

Broadcast FM radio was no problem plus I found that received signal strength on most other bands was just slightly down on my dedicated ham transceiver. More than impressed.

The frequency shift correction on the E4000 was approx  -18,000 but the FC 0013 was more accurate at approx -5,000 but unfortunately just the other day I hooked up the E4000 dongle and found it had been zapped more likely by ESD explanation HERE.  Fried..although it does have the protection diodes in line.

E4000

I still have the FC 0013 in operation but although the E4000 tuner chip is no later manufactured it is hoped another equivalent tuner chip of its standard will be produced at some point in the future.

It is possible still to pick up a dongle with a E4000 tuner chip but they are getting as rare as hen’s teeth, one piece of advice is to try source dongles with protection diodes in line with the antenna socket as some later dongles seems to be missing these..it is a penny pinching move on the manufacturers. You can of course solder in your own if you know what’s what but sadly I have 10 thumbs.

I hope to post on this subject in the future as now I intend going down the ‘Softrock’ type RX for HF/VHF but below I will give you links which will help you further in your quest in this excellent cheap entry into world of SDR….

Enjoy the ride !

Click on images for full size..

All links below are given in good faith, please remember it’s your call if you use them..

List of online sources HERE

List of compatible dongles HERE

RTL-SDR Project HERE

SDRSharp HERE

RTL-SDR Wiki HERE

Reddit RTL-SDR community HERE

Google Group Ultra Cheap SDR HERE

Not related to the Realtek RL 2832U dongles but worth looking at….

Yahoo SDR group ( Softrock, Funcube Dongle and others) HERE

SDR-Radio website (HRD creator Simon Brown’s latest project) HERE

(July) Radio Days

 

Lets get going…

Activations…

July had only  one activation but a good one for me. I headed to the Arrochar area with the intention to activate the Cobbler but as I stood at the bealach I looked left then straight ahead and the twin tops of Ime tempted me too much. I only wished I had taken a quick photo.  The extra effort was worthwhile. One to remember ! Blog post HERE

Chasing…

Another busy month, my thanks again to those who headed to the tops.

Looking N from Corlic

First in the log for July was Colwyn YCJ with the first of his summits for the day, Stobinnean plus later I was to work him on Ben More and Cruach Ardrain, a good workout. Robin PKT turned up on Beinn Challum, I had worked YCJ’s first and Robin from Corlic and with Jack COX’s help I managed YCJ on what probably was the lowest part of my journey home, Cruach Adrain worked later from the home.. A great start to the month !

The following Friday I worked Jack COX from his activation of Beinn Odhar which sits to the north-east of Tyndrum, unexpected but welcome points.

Two days later I worked Iain WJZ on the Green Lowther a hill which I thought would be out of my reach but with the beam up at home I managed the contact and later that day, Robin PKT turned up on a Lawers area hill, Meall Nan Tarmachan. During the midweek, Jack COX had done a wild camp and I managed to catch him on each hill, first was Beinn Achaladair followed by Beinn a’Chreachain and finally on the Friday morning on Beinn Mhanach.

The following day Iain WJZ activated both Beinn Each then later was on Stuc a’Chroin whilst Robin PKT was on Carn Mor Dearg. I had just left to head to the Lurg Moor trig when I heard Iain and I made the contact using my 2w Baofeng and its dual band Nagoya duck.

Ben More and Stobinnean

Robin PKT activated some high point hills helping raise my chaser points total, first was the two hills Jack COX had earlier done, Beinn Achaladair followed by Beinn a’Chreachain and four days later, the Crainlarich high points, Ben More and Stobinnean. The following day I worked Robin as I headed over the Green Rd on Ben Lawers and as I headed home from Corlic, I caught Iain as I walked up the B788 road leaving Greenock, I had previously heard Brian HMZ, a fellow PARC member who was on Corse Hill from what was the wrong side of the hill so after i worked Iain I headed quickly and even sometimes breaking into a run to catch Brian but I caught him from a high point just to the east of the Lurg Moor trig, chaser point bagged. The thought of me running for points just shows my commitment to this game. 19 and a half stone is a lot to shift and more to the point, STOP.

The following day was one to stay in and read books or tidy up your shack but no blog regular Neil 2MØNCM headed northwards from his South Ayrshire base in what can only be described as ‘I’m glad I’m inside’ weather but after a wet and windy ascent activated the hill in a true ‘lets get the hell outta here’ , I felt appreciation of his efforts as I scoffed another cream bun and sipped my coffee and shuffled my feet about. I later spoke with Neil on his return journey down the Balloch By Pass until he was lucky enough to lose me on the south side of the Erskine Bridge. A hard-earned eight points for him.

On my ascent of Ime, I heard Kenny ZUN activate Beinn Dubh which I could see to the SE of me so I nipped in and grabbed the points from the ascent of Ime. A good start to that day.

5 ele beam on Lurg Moor

Those points were the last points for what was another busy month…

HF..

I still gave out a call on a daily basis but I spent more time on other projects. As usual modes of choice were JT65 and PSK31. I’ll get back to more use in the winter months although I may have to revert to the onboard audio as I’m having a problem with an aging SB card I installed. I’ll fix it at some point. I have no problem from 20m upwards but 30m and below isn’t working as it should…ces’t la vie.

Other…

Spent a considerable time on this SDR dongle thing, blog post HERE.

I’m amazed at the quality of the received sound on both FM, AM and especially SSB, I did follow one activator as he worked on 2m FM and next on 2m SSB using the dual band collinear in my loft space. Signal strength wasn’t much down on my 2m radio but I have since found the lack of diodes in-line with the E4000 dongle I have has literally fried it. I still have and use the other with the FC0013 tuner chip and although it has a higher signal to noise ratio I still get results but under close examination, this dongle seems to lack the diodes as well. I’m sure someone will step and start production of the excellent 4000 tuner chip at some point or even better a superior tuner ? An interesting and cheap entry into SDR(software defined radio).

I am looking for an alternative for HRD and am presently trying OmniRig and Log4OM.

That has possibly taken up most of my time radio wise obviously apart from my SOTA work.

Just to say I used a HDR app to take the ‘Looking N from Corlic’, HDR explanation HERE

A big thanks to Wikipedia ( a project worth supporting) also Peakbagger.

Latrigg

Blencathra activated the previous day, the sun was shining the sky was blue and the day just couldn’t be wasted by driving or lazing around. Where ?

Latrigg ….

A word with Katie and a quick explanation of how she would enjoy the views over Keswick and beyond. I thought going to the high level Skiddaw car park and then what looked like a easy path to reach Latrigg’s highest spot.

Skiddaw from Latrigg

We set off from our base in Cockermouth and picked up some eatables on the way. The road to the high level parking area is a well-kept single track but starts to deteriorate as you near the parking area and no words can describe some of the parking you see and as it is where the tourist route starts for Skiddaw and at midday it is jam-packed so we made our way back down the hill and parked in as close to the roadside as we could.

Katie on Latrigg

A steep uphill start but with knowing Latrigg isn’t the haul of many WOTA/SOTA hills we walked slowly gaining height before heading on to a well made path which skirts the side of Latrigg and soon we were taking in the excellent views of Keswick below us. I had intended of activating this as it is a WOTA (Wainwrights On The Air) summit but due to an intermittent internet connection, I never managed to post an alert.

The walk of just over a mile took no time at all and with a rise of only 337 ft it was more a leisurely stroll after the previous days Blencathra effort. We sat just off the summit area and the next days target hills looked so close.  Some cloud was covering the higher hills to the south and behind us Skiddaw was clear and we could see the conga line of people snaking its way up what is a well made path on its steep start to its ascent.

We had a picnic lunch, this is the way it should be done I must try to encourage this more often instead the usual gulping water and eating another alleged healthy eating biscuit but if I mention anything higher, funny looks fly my way but today I was enjoying this one.

I sat down and using only my 2w 2m FM handie I called and called with no response so it was time to try 4m FM, same as before nothing. I had just switched on my 2m handie and I heard my call sign so I dropped down frequency with Mike BLH who was in the High Rigg area just outside the town.

Keswick and Derwent Water

Mike is the webmaster of the excellent Summitsbase website that you see the image link on the right hand side of this page. You need to register to get the full benefits of this site.

After chatting with Mike it was time to go back and call again but on both bands I could raise no other stations but as WOTA requires only one contact I had activated the hill but I would have preferred more but on a sunny day I think radio would be last choice for many..

It was time to have  a last look at the views as Latrigg is in an excellent situation but I remember my first visit to its top, it would be mid 80s and I was taken up the fell using the direct route  straight up the hillside with a rise of 880 ft in only a 800m climb, I was grateful as this area now was planted out with trees plus this time I guess I cheated.

It was a pleasant easy stroll back to the car and off we drove to get catch some cooler air.

Oh and I never made it out on the next day…..

PS.. I mentioned ‘alleged’ healthy eating bars in the post and not long after I put this ‘live’, I came across this HERE

Blencathra from Latrigg

Bassenthwaite Lake from Latrigg

Nearing the top of Latrigg

Skiddaw from Latrigg

Keswick and Derwent Water

Katie on Latrigg

Blencathra

The now annual short trip to the Lake District was nearing and my thoughts turned to ‘Where this time?’.

Pouring over maps and routes which seems to be an enjoyable part of all this activating lark, I settled on Blencathra.

This hill had been activated many times but as one of the most popular hills in the Lake District I expected to see this plus I noted that earlier this year in March regular blog reader Iain WJZ had been one of those.

SOTA Activation of Blencathra G/LD 008 on 8/08/2012

I had passed many times beneath the south face of Blencathra or Saddleback as local friends use when talking about this impressive sight as you head along the A66 towards Keswick. It was my hill of choice on this short three-day visit.

I had prepared maps for this and other alternative summits but as we left home to head the just over two-hour journey south, the sky had nary a cloud to be seen. After days and days of almost daily rain this sight was most welcome and as we headed south along the M74, the sky was now showing more cloud the nearer we came to the border.
We stopped outside Carlisle for our brekkie and soon fully fed and watered. ASDA do one heck of a breakfast.
I had seen the Northern Fells as we headed towards Carlisle and soon we left the motorway  heading west on the A66 to Threlkeld where after a short drive through the village I would get dropped off at OS ref NY 302256.

Katie said goodbye and straight from the off it was straight up steep, I had chosen to take the route up Blease Fell from the ‘car parking’ area behind the Blencathra Centre.

Derwent Water from the ascent

Slowly and relentlessly I headed upwards pausing to take in the cracking views looking back towards Keswick, Derwent Water and the nearby fells. I met a few walkers who had made it a round trip accessing the hill from the more common ascent of Scales Fell. Keeping heading up what was a dry well-worn path I stopped after an hour to have my customary scran break, I was watching a walker doing the direct route and soon he passed as I had a final swig of water and headed towards where the path zig-zags before finally starting to ease towards Knowe Crags and soon I saw my intended target Hallsfell Top the summit of Blencathra. Looking back towards Skiddaw, I could see nestled in the hillside Skiddaw House which is the highest hostel in Britain, more information HERE. Isolation at its finest.

Once I reached Knowe Crags, the ascent was more gentle rising towards another high point above Gategill Fell before the last easy ascent along the ridge towards Hallsfell Top, the views in 360 degrees were stunning, I looked NW to the Cairnsmore of Fleet, the Merrick among other  Galloway Hills and to the SE, S , SW and W the fells of the Lakes with the odd cloud covering the higher tops and just to the west Skiddaw‘s summit was clearing.

I took in the views whilst dropping just slightly below the summit to set up the mast and beam. I had been in touch with fellow blogger Neil 2MØNCM on my way south and had asked Neil to post an alert on the SOTA site for me, time of arrival had been almost left open but I was more than glad of my ascent time being a bit under 2 hours and only one person passing me on the ascent, we had a quick chat and he said that the guide books point you in either Scales Fell or for the more adventurous Sharp Edge and how they recommend you stop occasionally to look back and take in the fantastic views but this way you get the ‘alleged’ better views on the descent.

The ridge walk to Hallsfell Top

I set up the 2m beam to quips of ‘ What time are the Olympics on?’ and ‘ You don’t need a satellite up here’, yep the hill was full of wags today, the comments kept coming all the time I was there.

I had first looked for Neil as he and Cat CNC had headed out to ‘chase’ me from Pinbain Hill in South Ayrshire but no joy initially but you will find out later why.

Off it was to 145.500 and first to reply to my call was Geoff WHA in Penrith with whom I had spoken on my Lakeland visit last year. Next in the log was John TDM also from nearby Penrith. To the west Malcolm XAT from Seaton called me and next was Colin XSD in the same area. I spoke with Ed PYE who was passing beneath me on the A66, Ed was also in the area for a short break.

Coiln UXH called in from west of me and he had told me that Terry VSP was on Claife Heights a WOTA/ SOTA summit to the south of me near Windermere, the first of two summit to summit calls. Further SW was Brian ZRP who called me from the Wirral area approx 140 kms away.

I had swung the beam around in a 360 direction stopping occasionally to call out as I knew Irish or Scottish contacts could be made  from here but the band had gone quiet or so I thought.

I heard my phone ringing and it was Neil asking me to beam NW as I was loud and clear to them so off I beamed that way again, nothing….Something isn’t working here. I had just worked a station in the Wirral area with no problem and had never thought I had any problems but I removed and replaced the handie with my 2 watt Baofeng, I called and voilà !! Neil and Cat with no problem at all. Following Neil and Cat was another summit to summit to North Wales to Phil CJJ/p who was on Mynydd Bodafon on the Isle of Anglesey, this being made with Phil using the bog standard duck antenna that came with his handheld radio, excellent contact. Lastly another contact to the Isle of Anglesey with John GUX. Both of these contacts were roughly 170 km away under normal conditions. A good sea path obviously helps.

The other handie had been deaf on receive and I am wondering if it had been that way all along on the earlier part of the activation. A call to Neil later that evening had confirmed my suspicions that it had been deaf from the very outset, I will have a look at it but if nothing obvious I may just replace it. I wonder if I had missed any other contacts.

Sharp Edge

After the last contact, I started to strip down the beam and mast and noticed that I was the only person on the ridge and summit area it was an eerie silence after the constant stream of folk summitting. I sat at the summit taking a last 360 look whilst taking on more water and food for the descent. A lone fell runner came towards the summit from Anderson Pike and I decided to head that way to have a look at the ‘white cross’ which has been laid out on the grass, the origins of the ‘cross’ is split between two camps, a memorial to either a fell walker who died nearby or a late gamekeeper from nearby Skiddaw House, Wainwright himself had gone with the fact that a local Threlkeld resident had ‘built’ the cross to its present day size. I was not too far from where Sharp Edge meets the plateau but I headed back down the main path off the  summit whilst marvelling at how impressive Sharp Edge looks from the main path, I could see a couple of brightly coloured figures slowly ascending.

Looking to Scales Fell and beyond

Down a well-worn path and passing a large family group who had decided to turn back just short of reaching the summit plateau, 10 mins would have had them at the top. Strange decision.  I slowly descended taking in the views and yet another fell runner ran breathlessly upwards past me and before long off she passed descending quickly into the distance. There is a maze of paths at this side of the hill so I followed the main one down and decided to head and take the path which steeply descends Mousethwaite Comb and comes out to a track which leads back to the village of Scales where I had arranged my pick up point, I crossed the busy A66 and threw my equipment into the car and off we headed back to Cockermouth.

An excellent day spent on a more than worthy hill, I will look at this hill each time I pass ans who knows I may do the reverse route some day. It was good to find good dry paths with no boggy patches to find your way around.

My thanks to Katie, Wikipedia and Peakbagger and those I have linked to.

I did a quick activation of Latrigg Fell the following day (  short blog post to follow in a few days)

Information overload….

Blencathra means ‘ the bare hill shaped like a chair’ from the old Cumbric….

or Saddleback is self-explanatory.

Height is 868m (2,848 ft) asl..

Computer generated panorama HERE

Peakbagger info HERE

For further reading on Fell Running, just google Billy Bland or Joss Naylor and just to put all this into perspective, Billy Bland holds the record for the Bob Graham Round, a race which takes in 42 Lake District peaks over 66 miles long, his record ? 13 hours 53 mins. Joss Naylor expanded the round to 72 peaks involving over 100 miles and 37,000 feet of ascent in 23h 20m. Incredible achievements.

Skiddaw

Looking down

Helvellyn from Hallsfell Top

Hallsfell ridge

Five minutes into the ascent

Blencathra White Cross and Skiddaw

A sight of Thirlmere and Helvellyn

The descent

Sharp Edge

Looking to Scales Fell and beyond

The ridge walk to Hallsfell Top

Derwent Water from the ascent

(June) Radio Days

After a quick end of May’s summer weather (sarcasm)..

running well late with this one, folks…..

June turned out to be not too bad considering the amount of water that has fallen from the sky, the local hills I wander are at winter levels of boginess or to be more honest, boggier. A wet summer may mean a dryish winter ? The weather forecasters keep promising us an ‘Indian summer‘ most years, I hope for once they get it right if only to ‘dry’ up the hillsides.

One activation to report, an ascent of  Beinn Narnain which although most enjoyable turned out to be a wet, claggy day on a rocky summit, blog post HERE. One STS (summit to summit) to report with fellow PARC  member Craig HCF who was on nearby Ben Donich. I decided to be a fair weather activator in future as I picked my way off the rocky summit. Craig had later shown me  a photo he had taken of a cloud seemingly static over Narnain and the nearby Cobbler.

Narnain summit from Beinn Ime

Chasing…

Another exceptional month in which I made contact from varying places in the local area as well as home and I started off at the trig point on Lurg Moor (NS 303737) on the first Sunday of the month, first in the log was the aforementioned Craig HCF who was to the NW and in line of sight on the summit of Beinn Ime.  Another three contacts were made that day which was enjoyable just lazing in the sun, a double chase from Robin PKT as he did the adjacent pair of munros at the east end of Glencoe, Meall a’Bhuiridh and Creise. Finally that day was Jim GLM who appeared on Stronend. I also spoke to both Neil 2MØNCM who was on Saugh Hill in South Ayrshire and Graeme 2MØGIL on Dumgoyne to my NE, both non Marilyns.

From home the next day, Stewart STU whom I know from work turned up on both of Crainlarich’s high points, Ben More and Stobinnean whilst Robin PKT was on Bidean nam Bian,  Glen Coe‘s highest summit. Is it Glen Coe or Glencoe ?

The next day, Jack COX did a ridge walk and I bagged him on Beinn Chabhair and An Caisteal while Robin PKT popped up again on Creag Meagaidh 114 kms to the N of me.

The following weekend only one contact to report, Robin PKT on Beinn Chlaonleud in the Morvern area.

Looking NW from Lurg Moor Trig Point

Seven days later I worked Craig HCF as a STS (summit to summit) whilst I was under cloud and rain on Beinn Narnain , both these weekends had not been the best weather wise.

On the day of my Largs trip/walk Jim GLM popped up whilst I was on the summit of Dunrod Hill, Jim was on Auchnafree Hill to the N of Crieff, a good contact on the handie and 2 watts. Robin PKT popped up the next day on two of the Rannoch biggies,  Beinn an Dothaidh and the iconic Beinn Dorain, one I must pencil in for the future.

The following day, Colwyn YCJ popped up on Meall Nan Tarmachan in the Lawers range on a wet and windy evening.

Meall Nan Tarmachan summit

Finally this month ended with Robin appearing on Na Maoilean in the Benderloch area and two days later on  Beinn Chapull and the tongue twister Tom an t-Saighdeir.

A busy and varying month and a few points banked as I head for my 2,000th  chaser point.

HF…

Still the daily visit to the data modes but propagation once again was mostly in or out so time spent on the bands was limited. PSK and JT65 were modes of choice.

Other…

I had read about the use of TV dongles as SDR (Software Defined Radio) and how this was being adapted on these relatively cheap ‘dongles’. I sent for one and I have written a blog post with my first experiences with one HERE.

I just posted images of bright sunny days to brighten up the so far glaury days of Aug, click on them to see in full size…

My thanks once again to the resources of Wikipedia and Peakbagger.

Left Or Right ? Ime Going Right !

‘Left or right ?’……..

Plans had been laid soon after I ‘conquered’ Beinn Narnain roughly four weeks previous for a return trip to the hills known as the ‘Arrochar Alps‘, I had looked at the Cobbler or perhaps if I was feeling fit, Beinn Ime.

If you read my blog post on the Narnain trip, you will remember the weather was not the kindest so the next jaunt in that area had to be excellent so I could enjoy the views from whatever hill I ‘visited’, a trip two weekends previous to this was arranged and due to the expedition driver having a longish lie, it was put off which in retrospect was not good as conditions were excellent later that day so I had just headed locally to the trig point area at Lurg Moor.

It was agreed that on the next suitable day that I would head out and the Arrochar area would be visited. Family matters came into play in the following days and finally the plan was scheduled and I kept scanning the forecast and it was pencilled in for the Wednesday, a top up of the handie batteries and a last check of the equipment and the rucksack was packed. Scran and water would be decided in the morning, the only blip was the mountain forecast for strong yep, strong sunshine, a hat was shoved into the rukkie as well as a midge net for when as any lack of breeze at this time of year would bring the ‘curse’ out.

Wednesday morning arrived, I checked out the view to the North West and although Ben Lomond had some high cloud showing. It was time to get going. I placed an alert on the SOTA website for (GM/SS 020) the Cobbler.

a’Chrois ,Narnain and Lomond

First stop was to fill up the car with petrol and finally we left Port Glasgow heading for Erskine Bridge then left to Tarbet on Lomondside where we then headed for Arrochar. The road was very quiet and good time made.

I got dropped off at the car park at Succoth and started up the newish zigzag track, I find that the route signage here is pretty lacking as it seems to follow the colour band system with no signs saying this or that way. I later spoke with a couple from Devon on my descent who mentioned the same and the conflicting literature available.

I headed up the rough track and I was actually passing others heading up the path, changed days as I was always the one being overtaken. After just over a mile you emerge on to open countryside and today a cooling breeze was coming down from the coire, I headed for just over two miles when I decided to have a quick break just before the Narnain boulders, I sat down and instantly the breeze dropped and I got ‘attacked’ by both ants and the midge. I headed and ate some scran on the run so to speak. Heading up the coire I could see the tops of the Cobbler to the left and to the right Beinn Narnain and I could see clearly the ‘Spearhead’ on Narnain. I was feeling good leg wise so thoughts of Ime started in my mind.

I was getting near the bealach where the path splits, left is the north path to the Cobbler and right is the path to Narnain and Ime.

Glen Kinglas

I saw Ime’s double top and thought ‘It’s now or never’ and off I set across a boggy (in places) bealach and followed a path which tends to disappear in places but still keeping an eye on the gate where I should pass through. I reached the gate and saw the Cobbler had a few people on its summit today and I walked on slowly picking my way around wet and soggy patches, I could see the path snaking up the hillside and off I headed. I ascended at my usual speed with many breaks, I do not do very steep too well.

At this point I pondered the advice I had received from both Graeme GIL and Neil NCM as both had climbed Ime with different routes, Neil had recommended the short sharp route from Glen Croe whilst Graeme had climbed from Butterbridge, I had looked at these but decided the gradual but much longer ascent from Succoth would be my best bet with the near 1,300 ft height push from the Bealach a’Mhaim the last steep ascent. I do not do ‘steep’ very well.

Keeping a steady pace I was ascending the hill slow but sure and as I got higher the path tended to be drier. I had put my handie on scan when I left the bealach and just about a third of the way up, I heard a station activating Beinn Dubh which I could see to the south-east of me. I called in and had caught Kenny ZUN as he was just about to head back off his hill, two chaser points to start the day….I’ll take that.

I kept heading upwards and stopped to fill my water bottle with some fresh cold water. It was cold and refreshing.

Yer man himself

I saw a distant figure emerging from between the two tops and soon he was telling me that I wasn’t having far to go, I was  feeling the heat by this time but armed with this info I headed quickly to the top and walked along a level path and there it was the summit shelter. I had made it.

I left the rukkie and antenna stuff and headed to the summit, the trig point is no more and only the iron base pegs still show. I stood and took in the view which was excellent, Ime is the highest hill in the local area and the views in all directions are stunning.

No time to stand about so I looked at my watch and I had declared that I would be ‘active’ at 13.00 UTC so I wasn’t that far out. I called Roddy 2OØIOB using the handie and asked him to place a ‘spot’ for me mentioning my change of summit plus he was the first contact in the log.

Next was getting the 5 element beam ready, there was only a slight breeze which hopefully was to keep all those biting critturs away. I called and Steve UAU called back, I later worked Steve on 4m FM which I intended to try but I ended up just using the 4m handie and the duck antenna with no more success.

Another Paisley club member Stuart OXQ was next in the log, Stuart was in the Ayr area and just to the north in Troon, I next spoke with Tony BAO.  Alan VTV from Greenock was next and I would imagine from his QTH it was line of sight and we discussed various radio related stuff before I broke off to find more contacts, regular chaser Andy USU from the Falkirk area was next in the log and after a short QSO, I called on .500 and hooked up with Kenny ZUN who was heading back to the Glasgow area after his activation of Beinn Dubh, it was his first activation so hopefully he will have been bitten with the bug and we have another keen VHF activator in the Central Belt area.  Finally on 2m was another PARC member  Brian HMZ who had headed just above Paisley to work me. It is good to have so many PARC members interested in SOTA either on the chasing and activating side, at last count 5 activators and slightly more chasers.

Looking N from Ime

Contacts had been slow but steady but dried up after eight 2M FM contacts and one on 4M FM.

In between the radio work, I had stopped and spoke with the steady stream of walkers who made the summit. Mention has to be made of two Dutch lads who had hiked to the summit of Ime via Narnain, they had done the direct route over Narnain via the Spearhead dropped down into the bealach and then to Ime’s summit…with 25 kg plus packs!!! They had marked a spot just below the summit in which they were bivvying out overnight now that would have been fun. I looked across at the last rocky scramble I had done when on Narnain and noted how narrow the area I crossed to the summit was.

I had spent just over two hours on the summit playing radio and lazing when it was time to pack up and head back down the reverse route. It was a quick last look around then it was off down the occasionally slippery slopes to the bealach where I would pick up the path back to the junction at the head of the coire.

The path here is excellent and as I descended I spoke with most people I met. The before mentioned couple from Devon could not believe how beautiful this area was and I told them to wait and see what views awaited them from the top of the Cobbler their intended destination.

Luibhean and Beinn an Lochain

At the Narnain boulders I met a French couple who were looking for a camping spot on the Narnain side but everything was boggy, I told them of the other lads who were roughing it on Ime….. a walk too far for them I thought. The coire would be alive with the midge as soon as the breeze dropped.

Slowly but surely I made my way down the open hillside until I met the zigzag path again and made sure I wasn’t intending to stop for obvious reasons.

Two hours and a bit later, I spotted Katie and Lora waiting on me. The expedition backup had brought fresh orange juice but secretly I had lain dreaming of a cold pint of cider on Ime’s summit….someday eh ?

I’m glad I finally got Ime ticked off, the ‘butter mountain’ had always intrigued me. Will I return ? possibly but the Cobbler is next or maybe Luibhean which seems to be the forgotten hill in the area.

To finish what is a longer than usual post, I spoke with two obvious Munro baggers who ‘moaned’ about the boggy parts of Ime and when our conversation turned around to views from the top of the other local hills, I put forward Ben Donich as one of my favourites, ‘Is it a Munro?’ what else can I say…….

Click on post images for full size photo…

right click on Gallery images to go full size

Stats Overload…..

Beinn Ime is 1011m ASL (3.317 ft)

translates as ‘the Butter mountain’

Peakbagger info HERE

Just as a wee extra…

Beinn Ime climbing info HERE

Beinn Narnain climbing info HERE

the Cobbler North Peak info HERE South Peak HERE

Geograph images HERE

Once again , thanks goes to Wikipedia, Geograph, Peakbagger and UKClimbing

The Cobbler and the Luss hills

Looking SE

Looking NE

Looking E Vane Vorlich to Crainlarich hills

Narnain summit from Beinn Ime

Ben Lomond from Coire path

Ben Donich and beyond

The Cobbler from Coire path

Lubhean and Beinn an Lochain

Looking N from Ime

Yer man himself

Glen Kinglas

a’Chrois ,Narnain and Lomond

SDR On The Cheap

I’ve done a follow up post Pt. 2 HERE

and the latest post Pt.3 HERE

but read this post first.

Please read…

There is a bit of confusion around the web regarding this about licences and SDR#, I would keep an eye on what is happening through this subReddit thread HERE.

The latest SDR# installation info (Windows) HERE ( file link below)

An excellent guide to SDRSharp HERE

Links on main post updated 23rd Aug ’12

……………………..

SDR (Software Defined Radio) (VHF just now) on the cheap.

Update near the bottom of page….

I’d been closely following this after the ongoing discussion of this subject on Reddit and also on the ‘Hack A Day’ blog and was eventually tempted to see if I could set up it myself. I checked the usual sources of information and decided on dealextreme to buy one of these dongles. I chose the EzTV USB 2.0 DVB-T Stick with the Realtek RTL2382U chipset and the Elonics E4000 tuner as this was the recommended chip and tuner. I duly paid and waited on the dongle winging its way to me from the Land with a Great Wall. Tracking indicated it has passed through Shanghai International Airport three days after buying and 7 days later it arrived quicker than I thought as I was expecting a longer delivery time.

EzTV dongle

I unboxed and looked but in my reading Reddit the previous night I had noticed that some of these dongles sent out were not the EzTV 668 but a substitute EzTV 645 using another tuner chip the FC 0013, I checked the box and it said on a sticker that it was the 668 but I was to find when I prised apart off the plastic covers it was  a 645…. naughty ! I did think of contacting the supplier pointing this out but if taking the return postage into consideration, would it be worthwhile ? plus I thought if this becomes a more common used tuner then just keep it and see what transpires. I can always revert to using it for its original purpose.

I had already downloaded what software I would need to run this  SDRSharp, I got the SDR.dev version (the file name is sdr-nightly.zip) HERE and the Zadig driver HERE, I was intending to first use this on a laptop which runs Windoze 7. I fired up the laptop and as per instructions HERE I first ran the Zadig file and then placed the dongle in a USB port and then went through the process.

EzTV 645

Ready to go!

Choose the right one

I ran SDRSharp then chose my dongle type from the ‘Open’ options, choose WFM and pressed play, typed in a Band 2 Radio frequency and voilà, traces on the waterfall. I spent some time looking at the controls and getting to see how they worked. The antenna supplied is a small but obviously useless one but I’ve plans for an adapter and something more suitable is being worked on. I have only used it initially in the FM radio band and I look forward to exploring other modes as the antenna situation improves but its me isn’t it? I’ll be saying this in six months time.

You may see I have used SDRSharp with an Autotune patch..just to test.

SDRSharp with FM Broadcast radio traces

Thanks to all the ‘developers’ who incidentally not all hams and Richard WFR for me linking to his set up guide.

Trying ?

Sites to visit

Reddit (subreddit) HERE

RTLSDR Windoze guide HERE

RTLSDR Wiki HERE

GNU Radio HERE

SDRSharp HERE

SDRSharp with pre installed Autotune HERE

Unitrunker HERE

Unitracker ‘How To Guide’ HERE (SDRSharp )

I’m sure there are many other guides and what else is online. If you find any helpful sites , feel free to post in the ‘Comments’ section of the blog.

More to follow…..This post is ongoing and may be updated occasionally. Click on the featured images and they will open up full size…

Gallery images..right click.

Found and bought a Newsky dongle with the elusive 4000 tuner.

Newsky board close up

Update..

Finally attached a 2m colinear vertical antenna to the dongle (the Newsky with the E4000 tuner) via a home made adaptor and the results were decent compared to the slightly better signal reception on my Yaesu. I’m sure a bit of tweaking will be in order.

I received at good strength a SOTA activator on 2m SSB, strong and with remarkably good audio plus other stations on 2m FM. Overhead aircraft on the airbands are in clear audio as well. I have installed the SDRSharp with the Autotune patch HERE and have just added the Unitrunker extension but will have to spend more time exploring how to use this add-on.  I use as mentioned before.

The noise floor level using the EzTV 645 is slightly higher but I still received the same stations as the Nevsky dongle but with tweaking the noise levels lower, there seems no noticeable reduction in audio/signal received. Easiest thing is just hook onto a strong station on a known frequency and try using the ‘Shift’ option, I find around 100 – 150 mhz that the Nevsky needed a minus 18,000 but the 645 is more accurate ( I haven’t worked the exact ‘shift’ needed).

I have got the Unitrucker program linked in with the SDRSharp and have found a sound conflict which I must fix. Unfortunately too much going on elsewhere in the hobby, I must find time

Unitracker ‘How To Guide’ HERE (SDRsharp )

I have found what seems to be a lack of sensitivity in the Newsky,I can see  no obvious problem but I am just experimenting with the 645 for the present, the higher noise floor is a slight disadvantage but still pulls out the signal as good. More to follow

If you can pass any hints on, please post in the ‘Comments’ section.

Enjoy

Nevsky board close up

EzTV 645

Choose the right one

SDRSharp with RX traces

SDRSharp Rx’ing local FM radio

SDRSharp

Naughty !

Box rear

Dongle remote for TV use

Supplied Antenna

SDRSharp with FM Broadcast radio traces

EzTV dongle

(May) Radio Days

Phew ! July already and once again I’m late with this roundup.

So without further ado here we go !

SOTA….

Two activations within seven days.

Firstly my annual visit to Beinn a’Mhanaich, a favourite of mine. The weather was just ideal for activating, cool and a light breeze. The following Saturday a trip to Duncolm, a one point high point of the Kilpatrick Hills, I had previously been here very early in my SOTA career and it was a welcome trip which I may as well make another annual trek. The wind this day caused me to pack up early but all contacts made and a few STS’s made.

Looking North from Duncolm

Chasing…

A bumper month indeed.

Three STS (summit to summit) started on Beinn a’Mhanaich with contacts to 2MØIOB on Beinn Chaorach just across the glen from me. Roddy and I had travelled together and split up, his blog post HERE. The next STS was to Jack COX who was on Blackcraig Hill just over 100km away. Finally I worked Robin PKT who was 80km to the north of me on Chno Dearg.

The following day, Robin was back out on the ‘wee Buachaille’ Etive Beag activating both summits Stob Coire Raineach and Stob Dubh. Bob AWV appeared on Conic Hill near Balmaha to finish off the days chasing.

The next week saw me getting four STS from the summit of Duncolm, firstly Robin PKT on Sgiath Chuil then Neil 2MØNCM who was to the SW of me on Knockdolian in South Ayrshire, a 4m FM STS ! Iain WJZ called in from Beinn na Gainmh SW of Loch Freuchie before finally working Jack COX on Creagan nan Bienne which conventionally means I have now chased all the top 20 SS summits.

The following week I worked Jack this time on Cruach Ardrain, a hill I once toiled on. Three days later, Jack appeared on Beinn a’Choin but earlier I had worked Robin PKT on Beinn Squlaird. The good thing is that most VHFactivators in GM land try to make the STS’s and time their ascents to suit so this helps us chasers as well.

Cruach Ardrain summit from the ridge walk

I headed to the Lurg Moor trig point with the equipment and firstly to work Colwyn YCJ who was about 140km to the NE of me on Carn an Fhreiceadain (Gaelic is such a tongue-twister at times). A good start and worth going out for. Robin PKT appeared on two hills in the Ballachullish area that day, the twin peaks of Beinn a’Bheithir. I only caught him on the second one, Sgurr Dhonuill. Next in the log was Graeme 2MØGIL who had travelled to the Great Wall of Rannoch area and was on Beinn Mhanach, a fine days chasing in fine weather, his blog post HERE.

Carrying on what was a busy month, fellow Paisley club member Craig, HCF turned up on Ben Lomond the following day whilst Robin PKT turned up on Beinn Lora, a hill I must visit soon, for a night activation to tie in with a VHF contest if I remembered correctly.

The following Saturday, Robin did two of the ‘Grey Corries‘, Stob Ban and Stob Coire Claurigh whilst on the Sunday, Bob AWV turned up on Beinn Eich and Doune Hill inn the Glen Luss area. A good contact made to Robin PKT who had travelled to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to Ben Hiant, funnily enough I had worked Robin on his hill from both the hills Bob AWV was on the previous year. Finally to complete the month, Jim GLM turned up on Earls Seat.

Ben Lomond summit from the Ptarmigan Ridge

A busy month indeed….plus it was good again with the two activations and visits to sit in sunshine on the side of a hill chasing.

HF…

A quiet month spent very occasionally on either PSK or JT65 but not with the intensity of recent months. I think a break will do me some good. Still working into Asia, N.America and of course, Europe wide.

I’ll check the state of the bands each day and see what is about but no extended sessions.

A lazy HF month ahead..

Other…

Nothing much doing, I’m still out doing local walks trying to raise my fitness levels but I guess a cut down in my main hobby food is needed. Plans are being laid down for the now annual SOTA DXpedition with the Lake District the choice this year. I hope to make the trip there for a short break in July or early August. Occasionally using the 5 ele 2m beam from my front postage stamp to chase, it takes about 7 or 8 mins to throw up and even less to take down. The difference between that and my loft based collinear is obvious so any hill which may be borderline, the beam goes up.

Once again, thanks goes to the sites to which I have linked to mainly Wikipedia and Peakbagger.

Do You Fancy A Fish Supper ?

I cannot remember the weather forecasts being so changeable although granted the weather has been the same.

The Fri and most of Saturday were a constant deluge of rain but Sunday was looking more agreeable if they were correct.

The hills to the north had some cloud about the 2,000 ft level although Lomond was clear most of the early morning.

I asked if I could be dropped off in Greenock at Roddy IOB’s favourite walking area , my first plan was to walk the ‘Cut’ then head homewards via Loch Thom, Garshangan and maybe taking in Corlic.

I set up over the ‘Waterman’s Road’, a rough aggregate track that is the standard surface for access to local reservoirs although there are more than a few in this area which now are defunct or more probably too expensive to repair their dam walls. I steadily headed up to Scroggy Bank which has a collection of microwave and other antenna masts on its high point. I took the right fork here and headed past the masts and towards Dunrod Hill, I normally would have ascended this hill from the Greenock Cut Centre ( I still prefer the old name ‘Cornalees’) but this was a first for me. The track now turns into a mixture of short grassy stretches and bare rock in place but after nodding ‘Hello’ to those who were taking part in more strenuous sport than me. I reached the end of this piece of track. There was once a reservoir here but it showed where it had been breached but nature is a quick healer and in a few years no traces will be here except another piece of moorland.

Ailsa Craig in the distance

I crossed the breached area and headed over a gate and found the path which would lead me to the summit of Dunrod Hill, the going underfoot was pretty marshy at time but soon I was standing at the trig point. I had company, three donkeys ! I’m guessing these are wild as they are seen at various points on the hills.

I had contacted Neil NCM and had hoped to contact him down in South Ayrshire on 4m FM but even with the extra effort put in by Neil, no contact made. Ailsa Craig was showing in the distance but I had thought wrong. I turned to the easy way and called him by the miracle of mobile phone instead.

I heard Jim GLM working two Edinburgh regular SOTA chasers and waited my turn to call in, I was surprised to find out Jim was on Achnafree Hill to the NW of Crieff which I later checked to be approx 85 kms away, good contact on the 2w Baofeng. I had a quick qso with Roddy IOB who was just to the N of me, Dunrod Hill is nearer to Greenock but before Greenock spread westwards, the hill was considered to be above Inverkip. The nearby Cauldron Hill is named possibly for Auld Dunrod who was a local witch of repute who lived near the foot of this hill.

I left Dunrod making my way over to Hillside Hill approx 400m plus away where I stood and looked down on the fishery which looked quiet. I left and headed down the steep hillside making my way to the Greenock Cut Centre where I had a closer look at the Avro Anson engine dragged off the hill by pupils of my old school that I had just left when they achieved this apparently using an old Mini roof. The story of the aircrash is HERE. The other engine wasn’t too far off the path I had taken, I must have a look next time.

A look around and it was getting decision time, the Sheilhill Glen road has suffered a landslide and is closed but the single track round I would be travelling aside is still open and off I headed with the intentions of turning left and heading home.

Looking NW from Dunrod Hill

The ranger I had spoken to on one of my last Corlic visits stopped for a chat and soon I was heading past a couple of fisherman who didn’t appreciate my cheery greetings of  ’You need the sun to disappear’. I reached the road ‘T’ junction, the sign said Largs 8 ml….call me impulsive, I called home and asked Katie ‘Do you fancy a fish supper in Largs’, disbelief at the other end initially but ‘Why not’. I said I would call 3ml from Largs and arrange a tie up.

This wasn’t a good idea..

I had no money with me….

My phone battery was about 40 %

plus I was to find out, no phone signal for approx 4ml…

anyway impulsive as usual I headed slowly and steadily upwards passing a scarred landscape of where trees had been felled. Before long I was crossing into North Ayrshire and the single track rose slowly in height plus I was getting ‘buzzed’ by a Buzzard who must have had a nest just off the roadside and before long I reached what is the drop off point for Cruach Hill.

It was all downhill from here, the landscape is pretty featureless as you head down the road, grassy steep slopes to the East and slightly less on the West side. I soon passed the track which could take me to ‘Outerwards’ Roman Fort but that will be for another day. Outerwards is part of the (alleged) extension of the Antonine System which starts at Whitemoss near Bishopton and takes in Lurg Moor then to Outerwards. Dunrod Hill is derived with the meaning of ‘Fort Road’ so I wonder if it and Scroggy Bank would have been good lookout points.

Holy Isle in the distance

Heading quickly towards Brisbane Glen which has an Australian connection HERE. I passed the Prophet’s Grave which I remember about reading in the Largs local paper when I stayed there in the 70s…I went down for the day in July ’71 and returned home six years later,  a long story..

The ‘Prophet’s Grave’ is best left to a local site to tell you more about it HERE.

I headed down past Middleton Fishery and the Noddle Burn which runs from Outerward Reservoir to the sea, The Noddle was (maybe still is) a producer of fine grilse and I honed skills at taking the odd salmon from it, legally ! I wonder how it fishes now with all the housing development which has slowly crept up the east bank of the river. What was then country lane then is now paved access to private housing estates.

I reached the top of Douglas St where I headed down to the main road where I was to meet Katie and as soon as I headed towards the town centre, I was more than relieved to find out she was just across the street waiting on me….

and we never had that fish supper…..

Largs

but I had finally done the reverse as I had walked back to Greenock over this road during the ’70′s…another long story.

It was good to do something I had thought about for some time now but had more planned it for a day in the future. It’s been done now and thoughts return to some more local areas I would like to revisit.

A good day with some radio work, great views and a long walk….

Soon to be ubiquitous

North Ayrshire sign at Rotten Water Bridge

Looking towards the Kyles of Bute from Dunrod Hill

Looking N from Dunrod Hill

Looking E from Dunrod Hill

Info on Avro Anson engine

Greenock Cut Centre

Gate to the Prophet’s Grave

Avro Anson engine Greenock Cut Centre

Wild donkey on Dunrod

Largs

Holy Isle in the distance

Looking NW from Dunrod Hill

Ailsa Craig in the distance

Beinn Narn…….Rain ?????

The planned outing on the Saturday was cancelled on Friday evening due to the strengthening East winds.

The map printouts which I’ve previously mentioned were still to be used and it was the top one which kept catching my eye, the Arrochar Alps. Mmmmm?

SOTA Activation of Beinn Narnain GM/SS 016 17th June 2012

A check on Sunday’s weather forecast on the Met Office site, it said cloudy then the sun was to appear mid afternoon, I had to ask Katie first as she would have to ‘taxi’ me. Some of the old Bawb charm and it was on….

I’d everything packed ready so it was an empty of my rukkie and a recheck to make sure everything was there, I did pack another layer as the forecasted temperature was to be in single figures for 900m and over.

I had a quick keek out of the window about 5.30am and the sky was clear, Lomond’s summit was showing and no cloud was seen looking towards Donich and Cnoc Coinnish. Excellent. I started to prepare everything very quietly as everyone else were still in dreamland.

I stacked everything at the front door and then had a leisurely breakfast whilst waiting to head away. I posted an alert and packed the car, okay I flung everything on the back seat.

I remarked whilst on the Erskine Bridge and later towards Luss that the road had been strangely quiet for a Sunday morning but off towards Tarbet and the usual below 30 mph drive through Tarbet as it is very prone to someone standing with a radar gun pointing at you as head towards Arrochar.

The car park was reasonably full as we arrived and I got kitted up and waved goodbye as I crossed the road. I headed up the track through woodland which I knew is infested especially on a still cloudy morning like today with the midge. I got bitten occasionally as I rose in height among the trees not wanting to stop as I knew the consequences. I met and passed a large group from the Glasgow area whom I kept passing and getting passed by on my way up the path which finally leaves the wooded area behind, a fresh cool breeze was coming down the through the airy glen between the Cobbler and Beinn Narnain.

the Cobbler from ascent

After an hour, it was time for to be fed and watered. I looked either side of me and the tops and lower down were shrouded in mist, not what I had hoped for. Roddy had alerted to me that fellow PARC member Craig HCF was heading just to the SW of me on Ben Donich. I started the steady climb up the glen floor on a well maintained path.

I reached the junction of the path at the bealach where routes to Ime, the Cobbler and my target Narnain break off, just under 1,000 ft of height still to gain.

The bealach and path was in a drier condition than I expected especially after the deluge that fell the previous day. A worn and occasionally rocky path headed slowly upwards towards what looked like a very claggy summit but I kept going until I met the more serious of two rocky scrambles over large scree rock, little did I know the after this one, the summit was within reach.

About three-year ago, Euan had originally wanted me to go with him up the direct route from Arrochar and on a day like it was today, I’m glad I chose the what would be called the ‘Tourist Route’ and for once, I never questioned ‘why I was doing this ?’…

The trig point eventually came in sight through the cloud, I had summitted. A quick look at the trig, it is a pity all the trig points were not built in this style. I looked around and found a sheltered bit to the east of the trig and settled down to grab a quick bite and set up for 4m, I chatted with someone who had arrived via the direct route then I called out on 4m and called and called. No takers here today. A hit and miss band lately.

Beinn Narnain Trig point

Whilst calling, I assembled the 5 ele yagi for 2m and then took down the 4m JPole, attached the beam and first call, I worked Craig HCF on Ben Donich which fleetingly appeared and disappeared as it suddenly got cooler, next in the log was Stuart OXQ from Paisley then a third PARC member Roddy 2MØIOB called in from Gourock. The cloud then got thicker and as it chilled down, the rain came on lightly at first so I thought, a quick activation but I called again on S20 and worked Rick CIN from SW Ayrshire. I next worked Jack COX from the Lanarkshire area, I had heard Jack on my way up the last ascent and had wondered if he was out and about but not today. Billy AHJ from Glasgow then Barrie KZX from Dumbarton popped in.

The rain had now started to get heavier and I spent some time trying to cover everything up but I nipped back to s20 and worked Morgan CDW then Eric FSZ from Girvan and after a quick chat about the previous day, it was back to call again and Alan VCV from Greenock answered my call followed by Andy, USU a regular chaser from Falkirk.

Finally I was to work Martin, PXI who was on the summit of Brown Carrick Hill just south of Ayr, Martin wasn’t doing SOTA so a chasing point and a STS lost. I called again on s20 and searched through the band but nothing was heard or answered my call. It was still raining so a quick break down of the station then it was time to head off a wet summit. I looked for the cairn and headed off down the path I had come up. I’d had been earlier asked if I wanted to head back down the direct route but I thought as the rocky parts would possibly be slippy with the rain I would be safer going off the way I had arrived.

A brief glimpse of Loch Long

As I left the summit, possibly about a couple of hundred feet lower I came out of the clag to what looked as if the weather was starting to clear and I could see most of the surrounding hills, Ime was still hidden beneath cloud which was a pity as I intend to return to activate it. The mysterious summit awaits me at some point in the future. I headed down to the bealach taking care as I descended the now damp grass.

I was back on the main path back towards the forest area and enjoyed the descent passing the famous Narnain Boulders, I finally got a signal on my phone and arranged my lift back home.  Dropping steadily I reached the forested area where I again never tarried due to the curse. I met a walker who had rather sillily stopped and was being eaten alive, classic midge attack.

Looking down Loch Long

I reached the car park and waited on Katie then it was off home to dry everything out.

12 contacts on a day which turned for the worse weather wise but I’d bagged another Munro, I’m now about 3% towards compleating them haha. Looking back on it, it was worthwhile getting out and the weather obviously put literally a damper on the day. I’ve decided to go back to the old Bawb activating weather, blue sky and no clouds before I head…

A good day spoiled by the lack of a view from the top but who knows I may return.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and to those I have linked to.

Narnain Facts…

928m (3,044 ft)

a Munro, Marilyn..

translated as ‘the hill of notches’

Munro number 259

GeoHack info HERE

Climbing info HERE

Other info…

Local climbing history HERE ( I think the video links are down)

Click on images to view full size !!

Narnain Ascent route

A brief glimpse of Loch Long

Narnain Ascent route

Welcome sign

This way

the Cobbler from descent of Narnain

The Cobbler from descent

the Cobbler and Ben Donich from descent off Narnain

Fox wooden sculpture

Ben Donich free of cloud

Beinn Narnain from ascent

Arrochar from descent

Looking down Loch Long

Beinn Narnain Trig point

the Cobbler from ascent

The Long Weekend….

With thanks to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who this week celebrates her Golden Jubilee and as they deemed to give us a day off in celebration, it has been a long weekend break from work, thank you Ma’am !

Back to the fun in hand, I had a lazy day on the Friday after walking to work. I thought four days ahead and I’m sure I’ll be out.

Sunday..

I had part arranged with fellow blogger Roddy (blog HERE) to visit and play radio from the Lurg Moor trig point but an early rise had shown that one of the regular activators had declared for three of the Mamores so plans were slightly altered to head to a higher destination at just over 1400 ft but after the original post was changed to activate Meall a Bhuiridh, the ski centre hill at the east end of Glencoe. It was a return to the original plan.

5 ele beam

I set out trying to pre-guess arrival times and arrived 40 mins later having walked to the trig point from my house, just under two miles with a steady rise most of the way, I had the FT 817 and my SLAb in my back pack so much heavier than usual. I quickly erected the beam and settled down to enjoy the day and to await Roddy’s appearance. I knew fellow PARC member Craig HCF would be out on Beinn Ime which I could see to the North of me, the views with the crisp air were superb, the effort of ten minutes walking from the roadside makes this view all worthwhile. Below me and to the west, the urban sprawl of central Greenock with the docks along its waterfront and the vista of hills stretching in a 270 degree direction W to SE and for the other 90 degrees the moorland stretches behind towards Corlic and I could see the Hill of Stake on the boundary of Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.

Roddy soon arrived and it was time to sit and enjoy the radio and talk about this years SOTA expedition to the Lakes. First logged was Craig HCF on Beinn Ime followed soon after by Robin PKT on Meall a’Bhuiridh, eighteen quick points. We decided to sit and enjoy the day and wait for Robin for his move to Creise.

Whilst sitting I heard Neil 2MØNCM working Robin and waited until Neil had got himself organised on Saugh Hill just outside of Girvan, we had a QSO until Neil had to go and help steward a local hill race.  Graeme 2MØGIL was out and about in the Dumgoyne area and called in for a quick chat before he headed off the hill and home, I found out later he had dumped us to head home as it was his wedding anniversary, shocking. Soon after that Jim GLM called in from Stronend to the NE of us so more points in the bag.

There was a slight chill came down just after mid afternoon but Roddy has snuck himself in his bivvy bag and more plans for an overnight stay on a hill somewhere being made.

Greenock and trig point

Robin soon arrived on the summit of Creise and this was a unique for me as I find the hill is snuck in behind higher hills which blocks the signal for me at home. I heard Robin talking to Iain WJZ, Ian was on Sgurr nan Gillean on the Isle of Skye, I could occasionally hear Ian but very weakly so I asked to call him but sadly I wasn’t to be heard, the earlier idea of 1400ft+ would have helped. Oh well !

A good day ‘chasing’ wise and to spend the day just yattering away.

We broke down the antennas and headed the short distance off the hill, Roddy to his car and me ? the long way home (by foot).

Monday…

More SOTA chasing with a newcomer or a station surprised at the response he got, Stewart STU had called from Ben More in the Crianlarich Alps and later appeared on Stobinnean and in-between his summitting, Robin PKT appeared on Bidean nam Bian the highest of the Glencoe hills, more chaser points in the bag and the push to get 2,000 gets nearer.

Tuesday…

Left home slightly after 7 am and headed with the intent of just doing a round walk of approx 7 ml but I looked west as I walked along the B788 and saw Corlic ‘calling’ me so at the substation, I leapt the gate and headed towards the summit and summitted just under 30 mins later, I had sent a text to Roddy IOB who then gave me a call on s20 and we chatted until he had reached his place of work. I called on both 2m and 70cms but no takers, I assumed this was because of the earliness.

The Arran Hills in the distance

I headed off the summit after taking in the views, the outline of Goat Fell was just showing above Garvock Hill, the distant sky to the west and east had a light brown tinge to it this morning whilst to the north it looked dark and threatening, I had seen light rain sweeping across to the south of me but I later headed in that direction passing through the ruined farm of Glenbrae before heading across the dam wall which separates the Higher and Lower Gryffe reservoirs.

I met one of the rangers from the local Centre at Cornalees and spent 15 mins talking about the fly tipping which sadly gets dumped in these out-of-the-way areas, soon I was on my way as the ‘scourge’ appeared and before I could get eaten alive I headed to find someone had ‘removed’ part of a recently erected stile, what can I say ?

Heading now towards home, I now made good time on the tarmac track and as I came out on to the B788, I could see a model (?) airplane doing all the turns and acrobatics so I had to be nosey.

Ready for take off

I walked down and watched whilst a bigger plane than I expected took off and did its thing. Very interesting. The video below runs for over four mins but rather than editing I just left it intact.

Time to finally head back home along the B788 and along to the base of the Green Rd, up over the golf course and dropped down to home. 10 ml in the bag.

I prefer the old ‘Stobinnean’ instead of the present use.

The Trig Point details are HERE

I would like to thank Wikipedia and other sites I have linked to and of course, you…if you haven’t dozed off by now.

Rural vandalism with Corlic Hill in the distance

Looking North

Loch Thom and Dunrod Hill

Gryffe Reservoirs

Ready for take off

The Arran Hills in the distance

Greenock and trig point

5 ele beam on Lurg Moor

(April) Radio Days………

Once again, I’m running late with these monthly round ups. This time of year is a busy time not only radio wise but in other things esp with the improving weather and as I write this we are in the midst of a heat wave with possible water restrictions being mentioned. Long may it continue, the rain to fill the lochs can fall overnight. One useful side effect is that the dreaded midge is taking its time to appear in numbers and this is one side effect that we want to definitely continue .

SOTA….

I did my first activation of the year on the nearby 2 pointer, the Hill Of Stake. I was later than I normally am as this is one hill in which I usually grab the winter bonus. Four STS’s (summit to summit) on the day, one NW to Sidhean Na Raplaich in the Morvern area, one to the NE Carleatheran, 5 mile to the SW of me to Blaeloch Hill and finally one to Muckish Mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains in Donegal. A total of 15 contacts on both 4m and 2m FM. Blog post HERE

Meall Nan Tarmachan summit

Chasing…

The month started off with a bang as I worked first fellow blogger Graeme 2MØGIL who was in the Lawers area on Meall Nan Tarmachan then quickly following was Robin PKT who was to the west of Graeme on Beinn Chaorach in the Tyndrum area. Next in the log that day was Bob AWV who activated Ben Bowie on the opposite bank of the river estuary to me, I scanned the hill and summit with binoculars but could see nothing. Neil 2MØNCM was next to appear on Meall an Fhudair, his first hill of the day, I was later to work him on a smaller hill Beinn Damhain. A good start to the month and definitely not an April’s Fool day.

Five days later, Adrian DHY was to turn up on the aforementioned Meall Nan Tarmachan, a hill I would recommend plus not much later that afternoon Gerald AQU appeared on the tongue-twister Beinn Bhreac-liath (the speckled grey hill), Scots Gaelic is such a poetic language, the hill is to the N of Tyndrum. Just as an aside, there are 11 Beinn Bhreac’s ‘in the ‘Marilyns’ list and our previous mentioned one’ -liath’ would make it twelve, the most popular name in the entire list.

Two days later on what was a miserable cloudy day, Gerald AQU appeared on Beinn Odhar another Corbett in the Tyndrum area whilst our good friend Neil 2MØNCM was ascending Beinn Bhuidhe from Glen Fyne, another Munro to his collection.

The following weekend, I worked Robin PKT on Meall Buidhe not on the usual 2m FM but this time on 6m SSB before I set out on a local walk where I heard and worked Bob AWV on Beinn Lagan.

The following Saturday, Jack COX was just to the N of me on Beinn Dubh whilst the following day, I caught four STS from the Hill of Stake ( see above)…

The last weekend of the month finished as it started with first working Bob AWV on Corse Hill, Robin PKT on Beinn Fhionnlaidh in the Glen Etive (or Glen Creran as it depends from where you access the hill) and finally that day, Jack COX appeared on The Stob.  The following day I worked Robin PKT this time on Beinn Leamhain followed by Graeme 2MØGIL on the Brack in the Arrochar area and finally to close out the month, Jim GLM on Beinn Dearg.

A very busy month indeed….

Other miscellaneous …

Occasionally working the HF data modes mostly JT65, PSK and on occasion, WSPR. The sunspot cycle isn’t hitting the heady heights yet but I’ll keep monitoring the higher frequencies for openings.I now have a 4m FM mobile radio which I am hoping to rig up in the shack but more to the point it is down to the choice of antenna I decide to use with it…

Sorbus Aucuparia growing in the top of a fence post

Still scanning the VHF and UHF bands but not much activity to report, I take my wee Baofeng dual band handie out on my local walks but mostly PMR traffic with the odd use of the 2m and 70cm FM frequencies.

I’m still using the 5 ele yagi beam at home when needed for chasing, I can set it up and get on air in about 8 mins and drop and pack it away in much less. Very handy !!!

No visits this month to the local hills but I look forward to when I do…..

Walking…

Still plodding away trying to build up my fitness and enjoying taking in the sights and smells

( farms!!) of the local area. I’ve set high totals for myself and are achieving them.

One other bit of news to pass on, I have been reluctantly accepted into the Second Class Operators Club (SOC), a fine recognition for my poor radio operating skills and I am now SOC #1008, I’m pleased to be a member of such a mediocre bunch. More Info HERE

This month’s nostalgia bit…

My personalised Alfa Tango card from 11m days (I’ve digitally removed the P.O.Box number just in case)…I used Bob as it was easy to do phonetically and in some of pile ups, the shorter the better but the AT group issued an excellent directory of all members annually so the information was there.

Bob AT 459

My thanks go to all the linked content esp Wikipedia and Peakbagger.

Till next month, slainthe mhath !!!

Oot For A Wee Roam

and I met these guys…

XVII Legion

The soldiers of the XVII Legion……

This is a sculpture by David Kemp consisting of foot soldiers and a centurion which you can find between Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm on the Cycle 75 track.

I was out Friday afternoon and did a short jaunt of just over 5 ml with Ailsa my youngest so I took a chance to go further afield on Saturday morning, Roddy IOB had mentioned getting dropped off in Bridge of Weir and returning home via the cycle track. I thought this would be an ideal leg stretcher and as Katie was heading NE for the weekend, I asked her to drop me  off. I had estimated I would be home before any of the lads would be out on the hills.

Packed my wee rukkie with the usual scran and off we headed and not long until I was saying goodbye as she went on her way and I on my return trip.

I accessed the recently relaid tarmac track and headed west, this part of the cycle track was new to me so I wandered along taking in everything and surprisingly it being an early start the track was busy.

River Gryfe

There are many ‘sculptures’ placed at intervals along these area of tracks which show a great use of old railway routes.

Leaving Bridge of Weir behind as I crossed over the River Gryfe, noting the man-made structures to slow down the water flow and of course to hold returning salmon. I headed out into open countryside as the track steadily rises all the way to Port Glasgow but I had pre-thought what route home I would be taking.

I walk at a good pace passing  a few ‘sculptures’ then I arrived at the lost ‘Legion XVII’ which is the most impressive I have come across. I took some photos which I found out lately I had used the wrong app DOH, another Homer moment. It’s a good excuse to walk this route again.

There is mention of a Roman Bridge pool on the Gryfe and I had a quick scan through Canmore and I could only find mention of some unidentified Roman pottery found at a motte on nearby Castle Hill although Roman forts were to be found at nearby Barochan and Vanduara/Vanduaria (Roman name for Paisley) , no remains of the rumoured larger Vanduara fort (possibly HERE ?) has been found although various Roman items have been found in the Paisley area. This Wikipedia entry on the Damnonii people help explain more HERE. Worth a read ! Also scroll down to page 167 HERE

Not long after leaving the Legion you now see Quarriers Village spread out on the south bank of the Gryfe, this was originally built as the Orphan Homes of Scotland, I’ll let Wikipedia tell you the history HERE.

Centurion

Heading quickly towards Kilmacolm, I left the cycle track just south of the Knapps area and headed southwards for 400m until I met ‘Walkers Avenue’ (signposted ‘Walkers Welcome’) which heads along a tree-lined rough track towards the centre of Kilmacolm, I met more than a few folk out dog walking and as i crossed a footbridge I noticed calves in an adjacent field literally racing around chasing each other (I later came across this again as I headed towards the Green Rd), it must be spring madness. There is a proposed development in part of this area and I could see a rallying call poster for objections to be raised against this. It affects the east part of the track.

I crossed and headed past the old Kilmacolm railway station which is now the local pub using the original sandstone building, a quick walk through a housing estate and I met the track again. After the storms we suffered this winter, I had spent a couple of days cutting and removing fallen trees in this section between Kilmacolm and Netherwood Rd,there is now little sign that we had been there.

This was now familiar territory to me as I have walked here on many occasions, I decided as I reached Penny’s Arch (the local farm is Pennytersal) and left to join the back road which would take me to the south side of the Green Rd. The road steadily rises and was to add a bit of uphill work for me, I passed more calves running around a field opposite Priestside, twice in one day ? it must be something in the air.

I reached the foot of the Green Rd and this lets me know I have just under a mile and a half from home, the golf course was busy as it was the Saturday medal. The views north were pretty clear today and Ben Lomond still had a dusting of snow down to about 3,000 ft but this soon disappeared as the day went on.

Back home and just over eight miles walked, a good walk which I reckon I’ll do again…if even to take some photos again…

Right Turn

New Laid Track at Bridge of Weir

Man Made

Cast Signpost

Bridge of Weir

16

Shovel sculpture

Centurion

River Gryfe

XVII Legion

Colm’s Fort

Duncolm, the Fort of Colm (St Columba), the highest of three adjacent volcanic plugs and the highest point in the Old Kilpatrick Hills.

Yes, another ‘boomerang’ hill although this was the first return visit since 2009.

Activation of Duncolm GM/SS 222 12/5/2012

This was one of my early SOTA activations during the tentative ‘can I make the top of these hills’  days. It was brilliant sunshine on that day and I was accompanied by my son Euan. A day remembered for the brightness and the heat of the sun. This time ? I started in bright sunshine but with a slight nip in the air, alone.

I ‘cheated’ this time and got Katie to drop me at NS 464737 although not technically ‘cheating’ but good use of your vehicle although as I trudged up the steep first part of my walk in I thought that the usual car parking area at NS 470731 900m away might have been a better idea to ‘warm up’ my legs for the grind up this steep section.

I took it from the many signs staked to the side of the road that the Forestry Commission were doing major works in the area as a signposted walkers diversion route was in place but as one sign informed no Sat or Sun working so it was off up a recently scraped and relaid aggregate surface. It was busy as more than a few cyclists passed and struggled to blurt out ‘good morning’ as they attacked the steep incline. As you rise the views back to Glasgow and down the river to Langbank unfold, I can see why it is a busy area for walkers. I’ve added a extra video of the view from the ‘Braes’.

From the Kilpatrick Braes

Heading through a gap where the old quarry is and noticed a new track is being cut into the right hillside, more coniferous woodland methinks. The track now starts to ease but still ascending to reach the top part of the road where Loch Humphrey and the Duncolm trio appear.

The track ends just after the dam area when you strike NW along a visible but very soggy track, I had to make more than one diversion to avoid some of the boggier bits but still making good time as I rounded the back of the smallest of the three volcanic plugs, obviously their names tell you everything  Little, Middle and Duncolm. The track narrows at the back of these hillocks and as you reach the target hill you notice a slight more direct track but I carried on and found the easier ascent track and within minutes I was standing at the trig point wondering ‘Where did that strong breeze appear from ? ‘. I was early really early as I had posted an alert for 13.00 (12.00 UTC) , I had used my previous walk in time but I had tried the direct route that day which was pretty boggy. Just over 80 mins to ascend, I was most pleased with that time !

I sat and had a scran break first but keeping my 2m handie on 145.500 just in the off-chance one of the other lads were early. I had literally just sat down when I heard Robin PKT calling from Sgiath Chuil so a call back and first contact was in the log. I found out on my walk in that Neil 2MØNCM was to activate Knockdolian near Ballantrae,I wonder if Neil saw a mermaid ? (story HERE).  My intention was to go on to 4m FM first, I looked around for a less breezy area but just erected the mast and JPole near the trig.

I called out and first, I worked Eric FSZ from Girvan then Steve UAU from Greenock popped in whilst I waited for Neil to appear on 4m. I built up the 2m beam in readiness, I was still monitoring s20 on the handie. Neil duly appeared and a 4m STS was in the bag and after a quick QSO, I headed back to next work Colin TFN in the Kirn area which was almost line of sight. The 360 views from this hill are excellent, the vista from the NE to the W are fantastic, I could see a coating of snow on many tops, the main summits are too many to mention but the Crianlarich two, Ben More and Stobinnean looked good with their white tops although sadly during the short time I was on Duncolm, two people lost their lives in a microlight accident on Ben More.

Looking North

It was now time to head on to 2m so off came the 4m JPole and on with the 2m 5 ele beam. The wind had picked up slightly and I pointed the beam south. I called on s20 and next station in the log was Andy USU in the Falkirk area and whilst heading back to the calling frequency, I heard both Iain WJZ and Jack COX, I knew Iain was on Beinn na Gainmh in the Glen Almond area which when I checked the line from my home QTH was plumb behind Ben Chonzie so I swung the beam in his direction and noticed that Jack had started to come in stronger as well, I then found out Jack was on Creagan nan Bienne just south of Loch Tay. I first spoke with Iain and then Jack who gave me the hill I had missing from the top 20 SS hills. This made four summit to summit contacts for the day.

I next hooked up with Neil this time on 2m then Niall SXV called in from the Roseneath area quickly followed by Bob AWV who was in the Greenock area.

I knew fellow blogger Roddy 2QØIOB was out the east coast somewhere and would be looking for me and finally I worked him as he headed westwards on the A8 at the Kirk O’Shotts as soon as Roddy left, I saw threatening clouds and rain heading quickly my way from the west, the wind now picked up to more than a strong breeze whilst I spoke to Neil, Vic VTB popped in from just to the east and I decided with the short showers and strengthening wind it was time to head off. I broke down the station and packed everything away, a quick bite and drink and off I headed down the path to the base of the hill and started the walk out and as you would believe, the sun returned and wind dropped noticeably on the open ground.

I had seen a few walkers bypassing the hill on my time at the top but now a steady stream of walkers, cyclist and runners were ascending up from the dam. I think if I ever visit the hill again, I’ll maybe access it from the Burncrooks dam area.

I headed towards the dam and noticed  a couple of anglers fly fishing in what was a good ripple, the angling club has vehicle access but as I said in my last blog post on here, I had visited the area more than a few times in the old 11 meter days and the track up then was not an easy drive.

Looking East

The knees were feeling the last section as I headed down steeply towards my starting point and with everything loaded, it was home across the bridge then right.

A good day out with 13 contacts on both 4m and 2m.

Duncolm is an old volcanic plug and you can see why its possible use as a fort to fend off the marauding hordes from the north, there is mention of a defence ditch just to the N of the summit, I had a good look at this area and I could see the reasoning behind this theory but once again, I saw that someone from the  OS ( I assume this means Ordnance Survey) thought differently. Having trawled through a lot of the local archeology stuff on ‘Canmore‘ and others, I see this happening on more than one occasion.

I also came across this intriguing information of Duncolm being on a PSA (Prehistoric Sight Alignment) and I had a further look as this on-line , I’ll refer you to read more into this plus the inference of Duncolm looking like a cousin of Ayers Rock (?).  This is loosely all referred to Glasgow’s own ‘Da Vinci Code’, I think I will read Harry Bell’s  pamphlet ‘Glasgow’s Secret Geometry’ first and make up my mind on this but it is a mystery worth looking at.

I had links here but the site now carries a Malware warning….take care if acccessing

Mary Miles Thomas’s interpretation HERE

An entertaining look at Glasgow’s Enchanted Landscapes HERE

Just use Google for more info… A bit off topic but interesting nonetheless !

Summit to Summit

GM7PKT/p	Sgiath Chuil	54 Kms(34 ml)
2MØNCM/p	Knockdolian	99 Km (62 ml)
MM3WJZ/p	Beinn Na Gainmh	68 Kms (42 ml)
GM4COX/p	Creagan Nan Beinne	65 Kms (40 ml)

Duncolm is 401m ( 1,315 Ft) ASL…

Info on hill HERE

Two videos again…

First is the panorama from the top of Duncolm, the second is showing the view from the Kirkpatrick Braes.

Panorama NE to W

Looking West

Looking to Cochno

Looking East

Loch Humphries from the ascent

The river narrows here

Looking to Loch Humphries from summit

Looking North from Duncolm

From the Kilpatrick Braes

The Monk’s Hill

Or to give its proper title….Beinn a’Mhanaich.

The Luss Hills one.

This first weekend of May is now the annual ISW (International SOTA Weekend).

SOTA Activation of Beinn a’Mhanaich GM/SS 066 5th May 2012

This year Roddy 2QØIOB and myself decided each others company was boring and decided to work adjacent hilltops plus I think he gets tired waiting on me. The ideal candidates literally stare us in the face each day, Beinn a’Mhanaich and its sister hill across the glen, Beinn Chaorach. Both are four points on the SOTA scale but Roddy would have 11 ft height advantage over me from Chaorach HI.

This would be my fourth activation of this hill and I think I should get to keep it now but as it translates from the Gaelic as ‘ The Hill of the Monk’  I’ll pass, I have already related the story of this in a earlier blog post HERE, there is a strong ancient religious presence in Glen Luss within sight of the summit, the nearby ruins of St Michael Chapel and the farm of Edentaggart which has a religious connection in its name.

The usual preparation, an early Fri evening alert on the SOTA website and I printed off the usual route.

We arrived on the ‘new’ Glen Fruin road and after some pointing of fingers of this way that way etc. I got dropped off to continue my (lonely) ascent on well trodden (by me) ground. This hill hits you hard from the very start as it’s a mile long uphill slog alongside the ‘Keep Out’ markers following a rough quad track, the use by farmers of quad bikes in the hills is now a handy help of ascending on what were before featureless grassy hillsides.

The start and most of the ridge has warning signs to ‘Keep Out’, war games occasionally break out to the west of these.

Onward and upwards, pausing for breath almost at each marker when after 40 mins it started to ease slightly and soon I was on the ‘Strone’, a wide ridge track heading N.

I watched some live ammo target practice down in the glen to the west of me but headed on to what I know now as ‘the Pitstop’ where some scran and water is taken, I started looking back eastwards as I headed slowly upwards and kept an eye for Roddy whom I soon saw approaching the bealach between Auchengaich Hill and Beinn Tharsuinn. We were in contact via PMR radio on the ascent. I crossed the bealach before the next steep rise and for once, it was dryish ground.

The Pitstop

Slowly but surely I neared the top of this second rise in height and just as you are about to top, the proper summit and small cairn come into view. A welcome sight as only a quick flat stretch with a short, sharp ascent and you are there.

As you head across the last flat section, you pass a flat, shaped stone I have often wondered that by its shape if it could have been an altar or maybe I am putting two and two together to make five.

A climb over the gate and within minutes you are standing on a relatively large summit plateau, I wandered over to the cairn and set up the station just to the lee of the summit to escape what was a coldish breeze from the North.

I called to Roddy on PMR as I saw him summiting just under two miles away.

I decided to try 4m first but after more than a few calls, nothing was heard and now set up the 2m station, I called and worked Roddy 2QØIOB on the adjacent summit for a STS (summit to summit) and then worked Bob AWV, Eunice UVL, Kai AUF and George YUI all portable in the Inverkip area..

Next in the log was another STS to Jack COX down in the East Ayrshire region on Blackcraig Hill. I next heard the STS call from Robin PKT who was on Chno Dearg just to the south of Glen Spean, a cracking contact.

I was next contacted by two Edinburgh stations in Christine YMM and Ken AXY before a chat with Alan XXP in Larkhall. I decided to have a break and just enjoy the views and sunny weather, I had seen a Geograph photo that shows Ben Nevis from this hill and on my previous trips I hadn’t seen this but today I could see Nevis bathing in sunshine through a gap over the Rest and Be Thankful area, sadly as I use only  my mobile phone camera I couldn’t get a decent image but have linked to the photo in question (see below)

Altar stone ?

I started calling again and worked Allan MWX based just to the NE of Largs, a quick chat and then I was called by Billy, a 2IØ station who lives just outside Coleraine in Northern Ireland, conditions were not too good but we managed to have a quick chat. Just shortly afterwards, I spoke with Steve UAU in Greenock first on 2m and later on 4m. Fred GOV in Dunlop was next with an excellent signal followed by John OIN near Ayr with whom I had a chat about the local area. I worked fellow PARC member Stuart OXQ from Paisley followed by another Paisley station in Joe MTJ on 4m FM.

Contacts were quieting down by this time and I noticed a slight chill started so it was time to keep just slightly below the summit and work two more stations, the ubiquitous Brian HMZ a fellow PARC member and finally Terry VFC who was mobile to the SE of Glasgow. The wind has now swung to the SW and still had a sharp chill about it, I contacted Roddy and it was decided  that it was time to head off the hilsl.

Quickly packing up all the equipment and a last check of the immediate area, I started to head off the summit returning the way I had ascended, I had looked at descending into the head of Glen Luss and walking down to the Auchingaich Reservoir but as the glen in this area is reputed to be soggy, I decided to descend the usual route.

I moved quickly down the faint track descending into the main bealach and finding the quad track, I reached the top of the first push and noticed a lot of activity on the road, police van, a motorcycle and an ambulance. I thought at first it was a sponsored walk but as I neared the start of my walk, I noticed it was military personnel.

A Welsh yomp

Being nosey I asked one of the marshalls who told me it was part of training that they have to do 100 miles in four days and this was the longest day at 31 mile for them. I exchanged greetings with them as they passed. They had full kits so I was glad it wasn’t me!

On a signpost nearby was a warning sign  ’ Danger Marchers’, mmmmm, they didn’t look dangerous.

I must have looked a bedraggled soul as twice I asked if I was okay…I explained I was waiting on my lift home…

Roddy soon appeared and off we headed back to civilisation, a good day was had by all.

Previous blog posts on this fine hill are 2009 2010 2011

The quality of my photos is not as good as I would have liked due to my altering a setting…lesson learned.

This image below is showing Ben Nevis showing from Beinn a’Mhanaich ( see accreditation below)

© Copyright Stan Campbell and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Thanks go to the sites I have linked to, SOTA, Wikipedia and also to Geograph and Stan Campbell.

At one point you can hear live ammo being fired

Summit to Summit

GM4COX/p	Blackcraig Hill	95 Kms(59 ml)
2QØIOB/p	Beinn Chaorach	2.8 Km (1.8 ml)
GM7PKT/p	Chno Dearg	80 Kms (50 ml)

The Pitstop

Altar stone ?

A Welsh yomp

Looking down the Firth of Clyde

Looking down to Finnart

Looking North

Panorama S to W

Take from this what you want

the Arrochar Alps

The start of the walk in

Cnoc Coinnish and the Brack

Glen Luss

(Mar) Radio Days ’12

Doesn’t time fly, folks…

I thought ‘It’s now May’ and did I ‘do’ a March Radio Days ? Nope, mind you I’ve been pretty busy on other projects lately.

SOTA…

Still no activations to report as everything keeps not happening. My fault 99% of the time…

On the ‘Chaser’ front, things have livend up or more to the point, I have reverted to the old working around what is alerted. I was missing too many points.

First contacts of the month were Neil 2MØNCM and Iain WJZ, Neil was my first contact that day from Lamington Hill, I had headed that day to Corlic, more for the exercise than radio. I left the hill but knew Iain WJZ was out on Meall Gainmheich so as I was heading home I heard Iain and after getting everything all tangled up (you needed to be there) I managed to work Iain on what was a lowish point with higher ground between us. I listened in for part of my journey home. A good start to the month.

Beinn Dubh and Mid Hill from Eich

The following weekend, I had been out on the trail with Roddy 2MØIOB on our trip to visit the area to the south and west of Hardridge Hill to see the remains of the Grouse Railway (Blog post HERE) when we heard Bob AWV out on Cairn Table to the south of us in Ayrshire. The next day, fellow Paisley club member Craig HCF appeared on Beinn Dubh west of Luss.

I was out on my now regular Sat walk near Kilmacolm when I heard and worked Craig, this time he was on Tinto,  I managed to catch him before I headed back home. On the Sunday both Neil NCM and Robin PKT appeared within minutes of each other, Neil was on Beinn Ruadh in Cowal and further to the North, Robin was on Beinn Odhar, a hill near Tyndrum which has good take off to this area. I worked Neil this time on 4m FM, it’s good to see Neil trying out 4m on FM…

The following weekend, it was all systems go as five activators appeared on the same day. First out the blocks was Robin PKT with two hills over the day, first on Am Bodach then Stob Ban, both in the Mamores area. Craig HCF was on Corse Hill to the SE of me whilst fellow blogger Graeme GIL activated two Rannoch Wall hills, Beinn a’Chreachain and Beinn Achaladair and  Iain WJZ was on what is one of Scotland’s best-loved mountains, the Cobbler or Ben Arthur to give it its lesser known proper name and finally Jim GLM turned up on Meall Reamher. A busy day indeed with plenty points on offer,  gratefully accepted.

The Cobbler (with Beinn Narnain)

On the last weekend , Robin PKT activated one of the Grey Corries, Sgurr Choinnich Mor, a hill with a cracking pyramidal summit. Craig HCF, a busy man in March finished the month off for me with his trip to Ben Venue.

Once again, thanks go to those who ventured out.

HF..

Still working between 30m and 10m but good propagation is hiding from me, I read of improved conditions some days but I cannot seem to find it. I’ll stick with it.

Alternating between PSK and JT65, one day success with one and the next day the other. Time to keep an eye on the 6m band I think.

Other Stuff…

As you may have read HERE, I built myself a 7 element 2m beam but in true Bawb fashion, I haven’t tuned it in yet. To be honest, I need to build a bracket for mounting this on to the pole I use for the 5 element beam as it is heavier plus the wind load will be greater.

Antenna work has been the norm, after email activity between myself and Neil NCM of delta loops, I thought to knock up a ‘very rough’ 3 element quad for 2m, initially I tuned in a two element but was surprised to add that first director with no problem, I had cut the pipe to roughly fit the 3 elements only sadly so no more elemnets unless I pick up a longer piece of piping.

On the subject of antennas, I have started using my 5 ele 2m beam from the home or more precise, the front garden. I can rustle it up and working in less than ten mins and of course  it out does my colinear.

Yesterdays Memories…

Alfa Tango

Back to late 80s and the 7th Annual Alfa Tango UK Radio Group meeting in Dunfermilne, I had travelled on my trusty motor bike to this and met many faces who I had spoken to from yep, you have guessed it… local hilltops, Corlic ? did anyone say ? no LiPO’s in those days just good old car batteries and my first foray into homebrew beams.

I also proceeded to take home a backpack full of raffle prizes,  a good day out and it was well attended.

Yep, I was 108 AT 459 in those great freeband radio days ( I had passed my RAE earlier but sssh!).

AT is still going strong and you can find their website HERE.

The Patch shown is a scan of the original which I still have…

My thanks to all those web sites I have linked to for further information.

A Boomerang Hill

Hill of Stake…

also known in SOTA circles as GM/SS 155 is a ‘Marilyn’ and is split between the counties of Renfrewshire and Ayrshire. It is the county top of Renfrewshire although whilst discussing this with Jack COX, I leant over the fence and spoke to him from Renfrewshire. I was of course in the Ayrshire side. Banality over.

The post title ‘Boomerang Hill’ ?

I activate this hill and say that is the last visit but I keep coming back..

This is the fourth successive year I have activated this hill SOTA style although I did more than once carry radio gear here in the early/mid 80s. This hill has many memories for me, I sat down early one Sunday morning in clag so thick in the middle of the swampy area just to the N of the summit and thought ‘Sod this, time for a cuppa’ and miraculously the mist lifted immediately then later, our antenna was halved by what was literally a full blown gale, all in 60 mins.

Four maps all printed ready to go, three ‘Marilyns‘ and one local walk sitting on my printer desk.

I’d given up hope of getting out this weekend due to snow levels and almost hourly changing weather forecasts. I grabbed the 3rd map for this hill, HoS, The Stake or Hill of Hell, Soggy Hill and many none too complementary names.

Mine heritage info

I had woken early and put everything on extra charge three hours before I had scheduled to leave. I decided to take extra clothing and for a change, the FT 817 so a larger rucksack was needed. This all added extra weight but I was hoping my regular walks would now pay dividends except I’d walked a total of 14 mls the previous two days including some off-road across the Side Hills ridge which was still boggy in parts.

Off through Kilmacolm until we reached the right turn which would take us the three miles on a single track road to Muirshiel Country Park Centre, the starting point. It was a crisp start to the day and the weather looked better than the forecast.

Katie dropped me off before heading back home, a quick ‘Cheerio’ then out the familiar by now ‘Mines’ track which rises steadily heading towards the ruins of an old Barytes mine, the track is excellent and with it being in regular use is easy walk-able. A steady pace passing the remains of an old water management system and crossing a newer bridge across the Calder burn. Just before this bridge is a path heading northwards towards Hardridge taking in the old Grouse railway remains, this is pencilled in for this summer.

Heading out you pass the remains of grouse butts which sadly now are more often only a single 4×4 wooden post, the moor was used for shooting parties which according to articles I have read, travelled up from down south to the big house that once stood near the Ranger Centre. Such luminaries as the Fitzalan Howard once owned the shooting rights to this area which is classic Grouse country and even Winston Churchill himself was a guest.

I was looking for a white post at the left side of the track which used to signal that it was time to head up the hill to Queenside Loch which I have fished before, cracking small brown trout chasing every gold bodied fly you threw at them, there was no size in the fish but allowed great sport on light tackle. The post sadly isn’t there any more but I do remember it was a fair haul to the ‘Queenie’ and the swarms of midges as you walked back down the track in the gloaming.

The track now descends slowly as you approach the mine area, the mine buildings became unsafe and were demolished a few years ago only concrete bases remain but there is still many signs of works activity. Sadly ‘Health and Safety’ has gone bananas with all sorts of fenced off areas and warning signs every 10m. Overkill ? you decide.

Looking down towards the mining area

A metal ‘container’ (with a nest built just inside the door) is placed here so a welcome seat in one of the chairs for some scran then it was up a path along the east side of fenced off mine area. This is where it all starts, one and a half mile through marsh and knee-deep heather but I now head towards a top at NS 273638 then head across a marshy area then strike out for the summit along a fence, easier than going ‘direct’.

I received word from Neil 2MØNCM that he was on 4m FM so I set up my handie and made the contact but it was poor quality but there were more than a few high hills between us. I picked up my rukkie from against the top mine fence and headed slowly but surely and finally reached the top of my target spot, the summit of the Stake was now in sight, I walked across and joined a slight path which heads up the fence line and soon I was standing at the trig point. I had hopes of heading to the trig point at Burnt Hill to the west but I decided it would be better just to head home after the activation, I’ll do a lightweight visit out to this later in the summer.

I quickly set up the FT 817 and the 5 element yagi and sought out those who I knew were on 2m, I spoke with Robin PKT who was on the summit of Sidhean na Raplaich situated on the Morvern area north of Mull. Next in the log was Roddy 2MØIOB at home in Gourock, I had internet problems before I left and had to ask Roddy to post an alert for me, thanks !!

It was off round 2m FM and I snagged Neil 2MØNCM who was portable to the SW of me on Blaeloch Hill, another STS (summit to summit) was in the bag, I was later to have a good long chat with Neil.

Jack COX called in, I had worked Jack the previous day when he activated Beinn Dubh near Luss but he was home in the Lanarkshire area today. I moved back to S20 and heard an EI portable station calling so a quick swing of the beam and I worked Victor a GI station who had crossed the border and he was on Muckish Mountain in Donegal, a contact of approx 135 mls with no problems at all. A good one !!

Bob AWV called in from the Greenock Cut next then after quick words it was time for some scran then whilst looking for fellow Paisley club member, Brian HMZ I hooked up with Stuart OXQ in Paisley, Stuart was the third PARC member in the log today.

Neil called and I had a quick word with Cat, MM6CNC who was enjoying the sunshine while Neil worked away on the bands. Fred Eric FSZ called in from Girvan, apologies must go to Fred Eric whom I kept calling Fred.

Hill of Stake trig point

I had pulled over a post and was using this to keep my rear off the wet grass, I was having a check through my log when I could hear the familiar sounds of a trail bike, I thought ‘local farmer’ but no, just to the S is West Girt Hill and I saw a biker arriving up at the top and another then another, the three sat astride, I thought ‘Bandits at 12 o’clock’, I stood up and felt my thigh for my trusty Colt 45, damn I’d forgotten it so it would have to be the SOTA pole used ‘Kendo’ style. I’m sure I could hear Ennio Morricone playing the theme from ‘The Good, Bad and the Ugly’. It was just like a movie, one by one they headed off the top heading to the Stake, I was wishing the Lone Ranger was with me…

The lads soon appeared and they had said they had travelled up from Largs, I fancy that as it would save a lot of effort but alas it goes against the ethics of SOTA.  I had a good chat with one about all the plane wreckage which lay in nearby hills (another thing to mark on my list).

I returned to the radio and spoke to Jim GLM who was to the NE on Carleatheran in the Kippen area, another STS in the log. I next spoke to Steve UAU who was nearby in Greenock, the HoS is my nearest Marilyn although I can see Ben Bowie from the shack window. Joe MTJ called in from Paisley and this was my last contact on 2m, S20 was busy with the EI and a couple of GM stations calling out.

It was time to try 4m FM, Neil had said he had tried 4m for a wee while and only raised 2 contacts so I thought, I’ll just use the helically wound ‘duck’, I called and Duncan AHL in Dumbarton was first to call and Fred Eric FSZ called in next, a quick word with both then I thought I better try to find Brian HMZ, I got Brian on S20 plus he was mobile in Gourock so not bad on my wee Baofeng handie and 2 watts.

The wind started to pick up from the NE and had a chill to it, it was time to think about heading home. I packed all the radio gear away and made sure I had left nothing behind as I had mislaid two bungee cords on my first HoS activation which were recovered by Roddy IOB some months later.

Static Cable Winder, I think

Time to head, Endomondo switched on and off to return the route I had come in and as I reached the bottom of the hill, I headed back across the marshy area heading for the previous named top when I saw a couple appearing on that top, I knew this time I had no gun. I met and chatted to them for a few minutes before heading downwards, I heard IOB calling on S20 so a quick QSO as I was quickly losing height.

I met the main burn and followed it down the side of the mine workings and reached the ‘container’ and a swig of water and a healthy(?) option sugar laden biccy and off along the track.

The weather had been excellent and it made for a pleasurable day, I walked back to the Ranger Centre and then headed home. The total distance from car park to hill and back was just under 8 ml, 5 mls on the mines track and 3ml of pathless terrain, great fun.

I’ve not done a wee history bit as the Clyde Muirsheil Park have excellent PDF files on-line and below are the three I would recommend reading, click on the subject.

Muirshiel Baryte Mines

Muirshiel House

Aircraft Crashes in the Country Park

I said I may make this my last activation of the HoS but who knows ? You either like the hill or you don’t, it’s a Marmite type of place. See I’ve said it again !

It was good to be back out giving STS’s back to those I chase, hopefully the start of more hills this year.

If you haven’t been, go…

If you right click any of the images they will open in a new window in a fuller size…

Water divert

Static Cable Winder

Piping far upstream for mine area

Old Grouse Butt

Mine track info

Mine heritage info

Man made dam

Looking down towards the mining area

Left this time

Info boards

Hill of Stake trig point

High above the mine area

County boundary fence

An old path along water feed

Full Circle

Fri started with work and as lunchtime approached the sun rose high in the sky and it was decided another local stroll. Work was relatively interesting (huh?) as in the space of 10 mins, we had watched a woodpecker doing its thing, a treecreeper doing what it does best and a pair of grey squirrels playing what I assume was ‘Catch’ all over the nearby branches. Rushing home from work, throwing the boots on and a grab of my wee ruckie and off I headed. Yep, you have guessed it, first the Green Rd or to give its Google Map name, the Devol Rd. I had quick words with two of the golfie greenkeepers and as I dropped down the 5th fairway, a quick exchange of greetings with someone I have played a few rounds with, it would have been out for a round today but ole Bawb’s back is still a bit tender so a good walk is a good alternative. As I left the golf course area, I saw no work has started on the wind turbine that had been originally refused planning permission by our local council but recently won its appeal so soon a 200ft high single turbine will be a regular pass by.(UPDATE..work not due to start on this in the near future). The views looking north from the top of the Green Rd were spectacular with a clear look to the north and north-east, Bens Lomond, Venue and Donich among many others still showing a fair dusting of snow. On a personal preference, it would have been a nice day to be sitting on Donich’s summit, a favourite of mine. A right turn and off along a familiar stretch of road and joining the usual small flocks of sheep were new-born lambs who kept running towards the fence wondering at what was going past. Me ? I just thought of a good Rogan Josh with a naan.

Pylon workmen

A decision as it usually is when I reach any junction, right or left? and in this case I headed left (SE) towards Kilmacolm on what is  known as the ‘back road’ to Kilmacolm from Greenock, the B788. The road was busy as it was early afternoon and I had to move to the verge on many occasions as I walked along. I passed local farms which populate  this area and as I came over the rise between Auchenfoyle and Faulds, I could hear voices coming from the field on my left, it was workmen working on one of the pylons, I thought that I’d nip across the field and see what they were up to. The bottom half of the pylon being prepared and painted, I asked what the red flags high above them were for. It is the limit to which they can ascend the pylon, which was live I was informed. I noted all the work was done by hand. 400,000 volts and not an electric tool in sight. Back on to the road and I headed past Faulds farm and next was Cairncurran farm which has what seems to have an old quarry nearby, I took pictures of what may have been a fuel storage area there is mention of the quarry in these two links HERE and HERE. Walking on, I resisted the temptation to head over the Clachers to Mathernock track, Clachers if you have been a regular reader of the blog means ‘a stony place’ and could be the old name for ‘the hill with no name’ plus the Chapel Farm at the start of this track is possibly the site or near the lost site of the  ’Chapel of Syde’. Off towards Kilmacolm it is, the road stayed relatively busy and as I passed Margarets Mill (old name Maulsmill(which was a corn mill, I’m led to believe), I remembered playing on a rope swing in the small barn many moons ago.

B788 daffodils

There is very little room at the side of the road as I start dropping down towards Kilmacolm and as I passed the road which takes you down to Duchal Castle, I thought ‘another day’, someone, possibly the nearby farm had planted daffodils on the road verge and although they were going back they were still a colourful scene. I reached the bend where I decided to head along the Blacksholm Rd to Netherwood and paused to take some photos of Balrossie (old name Bulrossie), a Grade B list building which now sadly lies in a neglected state whilst a buyer is found to develop the area, the house was built around 1899 as an orphan home for sailors children and later in the 1930′s was taken over by the Boys Brigade and was described as an outdoor training centre and in the 1960′s it was bought and used as a residential List ‘D’ school which closed in the mid ’90s. During the second world war, it served as the HQ for light AA. A many varied use over the near century it was in use. Richard H. Hunter (quick bio HERE) was the main benefactor of the original use as a Sailors Orphan Home along with a large donation from one of the Cayzer family whos family pile is outside the village of Newtyle where my XYL came from.

Heading along this road, I remembered reading a story about two of the local ‘farms’, Slates and Netherwood who had a ‘to do’ in the early 18th century in which the entire households including servants took part, I quote the piece ”To it they went ‘tuilzing and fighting’ with might and main, and, according to the indictment, ‘comeing together upon the said tuilzie, fell upon aneother and beat, bruized, and abused ane another most barbarouslie and inhumanelie upon the head, breasts, and oyr parts of their bodies, to the great effusion of their blood..

Balrossie House

The Sheriff did not deal lightly with the accused fining each of them 50 Scots pounds and the wives 10 Scots pounds, the servants got off lightly with a 10 pound fine. ” Who says Kilmacolm was a genteel place ? Aye  a right tuilzie indeed., leaving the scene of all that violence behind I dropped down and headed down towards  Netherwood Rd and made for the cycle track where it was time to head homewards and as I arrived at the highest spot, I could see the snow-covered hills of Ben More, Stobinnean in the distance. In just under a mile, I arrived back home a bit foot weary but having enjoyed another local wander. The historical mentions on this blog post have been pieced together from varying sources and hopefully historically correct. The meaning of the word ‘tuilzie’ is broad as in quarrels, brawls, debates.

As an aside, I have noted a recent application for 50m high anemometer in the same Green Rd area. I found the earlier applicants for the wind turbine Landscape Statement which makes for interesting reading HERE

plus, I found this whilst doing some further research on Duchal castle, sadly it all became undone not due to any paranormal activity but by a plague………………………….of midges LOL HERE

All images will open out fully if you right click etc….

Quarry building at Cairncurran

Balrossie main entrance

Pylon workmen

Kilmacolm TV mast

Kilmacolm from Blackholm Rd

Balrossie main gate

Unknown building at Cairncurran Quarry

Balrossie House

B788 daffodils