With its single track roads and remote spaces, I’ve always been a fan of Highland Perthshire. So when by a total fluke I found an article online about Loch Con, it’s bothy and the walk in, I immediately added it to my ever-growing wish list of places to visit and waited for the ideal opportunity.

The near perpetual sunshine of the last few weeks gave me that opportunity so I picked up my map, packed up my bag and parked up near the village of Trinafour.

The walk in to the bothy is fairly short at about 4km and the vehicle track makes for easy ambling with only a light amount of ascent. As the sheep monitored my presence, the views along Loch Errochty became more impressive. As my eye followed the loch into the distance I could see the Glencoe ski centre and its surrounding mountains, blotchy with snow patches which gave away their Munro status.

Loch Errochty disappeared behind me and I started to look out for Loch Con. Much smaller than the first loch, but definitely prettier. It was pleasing to see it come into view so quickly after setting off. The red tin roof helped the bothy stand out from a fair distance away and I arrived at its doorstep sweaty but excited to be at my destination.

It’s pretty basic, as most bothies are.

Good to see Iain visited in 1952. One of many to make a mark.

It was time for a snack before heading off to explore some more of the loch edge.

I walked round to the south and got to admire the bothy from afar.

After getting back to the bothy, I had a decision to make. Sleep under a tin roof, or sleep under canvas in the trees. The faint path towards the trees along the north edge of the loch had to be explored, as pictures online of the tree area looked pretty special.

And so it proved, what a lovely setting for a camp. A tree covered finger of green pointing into the water with old walls or a shieling at its entrance. Lots of space and water to drink. The decision was an easy one really.

The loch is on the Auckleeks Estate and later I discovered Auchleeks possibly comes from the Gaelic meaning “Field of the Flat Stones” and this wall shows why it might have got its name. These big, flat rocks could be found in different spots around the loch.

It appeared to be some kind of shieling or fank although I couldn’t find any record of it online. I do wonder if the flatness of the stones made it easier to build?

My tent was pitched nearby on a nice flat spot, near the loch edge, shaded from the sun initially but in a position to hopefully take advantage of any evening sun.

Hot dogs and pot noodles were my tea of choice so I heated some water and had a cuppa and something to eat.

The sun came and went a little as the night wore on but the breeze helped keep the midgies away. And eventually the cloud cleared and my little peninsula was bathed in warm sunshine.

The sun continued to shine as I sat on the waters edge and it was a lovely evening. The cloud eventually returned and so no glorious sunset to enjoy. But I really couldn’t have asked for much better an evening.

The next morning was one of the finest camp wake ups I can remember. I missed any sunrise as I was still snoozing. However the mixture of sun and rolling mists was stunning.

Porridge and tea for breakfast was followed by a speedy camp takedown as the midgies appeared in force.

I headed back to the van the way I came, admiring Schiehallion and the Glen Lyon mountains under the cloudless, blue sky as I passed Loch Errochty.

I didn’t get the chance to swim in the loch. And by the time I was back at the van, I was a bit hot and smothered in dead midge. A dip was irresistible.

I crossed the River Garry at Struan and parked up near the bridges. The water left me tingly but clean. And drying in the sun was easy as it was so warm.

I can’t wait to go back to Loch Con. or anywhere else in Highland Perthshire for that matter.