19th July 2020 : Ben Chonzie &/or Auchnafree Hill

Maps 51 & 52, Grid Ref 773 309 or 808 308

The easiest way up Ben Chonzie is to start at the head of Glen Lednock at Coishavachan. A landrover track heads up from here to an altitude of around 800m, according to the map, but I suspect may go further. From here it is an easy plod up the broad south east shoulder to the summit (931m). The day can be extended by heading back down the south east shoulder to Meall an Seide (757m) and Carn Chois (780m). From here, a return to the col between these two tops finds you at a track leading down to Carroglen. From there continue on to Funtulich and the tarmac road leading back to the start. 19km, 987m, 6-7 hours

Auchnafree Hill can be ascended by heading up Glen Almond from Newton as far as Larichfraskhan. From here a track heads up to the summit (789m). An interesting return can be made by descending past the Thief’s Cave in Coire Chultran to the bridge at GR 844 319 from which return to the start. 21km, 707m, 6-7 hours. An alternative start would be to head straight up from Newton and navigate the complicated ground between Meall Tarsuinn and Achnafree Hill.

Both Hills can be climbed from the car park at loch Turret reached by driving up the Hydro Road in Glen Turret, either individually or together. To ascend both is roughly 21km, 1160m, 7-8 hours