Ben Chonȝie, The Boring Munro

 

 2nd June 2022

Ben Chonȝie, also known as Ben-y Hone (Gaelic Beinn a' Chòinnich, meaning 'mossy mountain'), is a Scottish mountain situated eleven kilometres northwest of Crieff. It stands at 931 m (3054 ft).

 

Start the walk from the parking area opposite the old school at Coishavachan up Glen Lednock (not the signed Old School 900m before the parking area). From here walk up the track towards the houses at Coishavachan. Turn right in front of the two low cottages and go through the gate and onto a rougher track. The track curves to the left and passes the buildings and gently climbs uphill.

Keep following the track and go over a bridge and through the gate. As the climb increases the views back improve and the route up the flank of Ben Chonzie can be seen. Pass the small dam on the Invergeldie Burn and climb up the other side. Where the track splits, keep on the main track to head uphill.

Rest stops - it was a hot day!

The track climbs more steeply and fords a stream. Keep straight ahead where a track leads off to the left and continue climbing. Before reaching the crest of the hill ahead, turn off the track onto a path on the left, at a sharp bend to the right, there is a small cairn marking the spot. The path is boggy to start with but then improves although it is indistinct in places. The route follows the easy, broad ridge, of heather and blaeberry plants, with grand views back over the glen.

Far from boring this was a great wildlife walk. We heard cuckoos, found a frog, saw two mountain hares (Lepus timidus) and butterflies etc.

heading out!

That sun!

Snack break!

Keep to the easiest ground. climbing steadily. Soon a line of metal fence posts is seen, these lead to the summit and are an excellent navigational aid in poor weather. Follow the fence posts when they turn NE at a right angle and head up the final slope to the summit at 931 metres and the large shelter just beyond. There are good views down Loch Turret. a butterfly at the summit!

A dog tag found on the descent and left on a cairn for the owner to find!