Beinn an t-Sìdhean

It’s three years since I set myself the challenge of getting to 40 peaks by the time I turned 41. Covid, living in England and an ankle injury put paid to that idea and, in general, slowed things down. But I’ve finally made it to 40 and I’ve got refreshed hope that I can bag a good amount more over the next few years.

At the end of October we moved into our new home in Scotland, finally completing the move from flat old England to the beautiful Trossachs. Once we were settled in, and before the winter started to take hold, we decided to take a hike up one of the local hills, Beinn an t-Sìdhean.

The hill is right behind our new house, so it was quite a novelty to not get in the car and just set off right from the back door. We picked the right day too, the morning mist was still in the valley and slowly rising, while the temperature was low enough that there was frost on the ground.

The sun was blinding at times, but once we got up on to the tops, the 360 degree views of the snow-topped munros all around was spectacular. I enjoyed pointing out all the ones we’d climbed, but secretly was looking at Stùc a’ Chròin, Ben Lomond and the ones that I’ve not checked off yet.

Back down by lunch time. I think I’ll enjoy living here.