Hills and old pals always go well together so
when the call came it was never going to be anything other than ‘yes
please’! A week later and Towser Man and
I were on our way to Killin to meet up with Ady and Grahame for a leisurely stroll
over Meall nan Tarmachan.
This fine hill (a mini mountain range really)
always gives an entertaining half-day, especially when you include most of the
ridge that stretches out W from the main Munro summit.
We weren’t about to allow dull and overcast conditions
to spoil our day as we started out from the usual spot high up the Lochan na
Lairige road. As if in recognition of
our positive attitude, the weather gods smiled on us and the sun came out soon
after leaving the summit. But not before Towser claimed his 5th Munro: Meall nan
Tarmachan (1044m; hill of the ptarmigan).
By now, Towser was over-dosing on sniffing opportunities
as he investigated every blade of grass on the well-marked route along the
ridge to Meall Garbh (1026m; rough hill). This pointed promontory mid-way along a short sharp ridge is the natural centre of the range and is worth savouring even
if it’s not the highest point.
An inconveniently exposed band of schist can
give pause for thought on the steep descent westwards, particularly when
wet. Whilst there were no such problems
today, I think Towser appreciated being carried down the steepest bit! Even if he didn’t show it…
Glen Lochay
There just remained the easy traverse over
our final lump of the day, Beinn nan Eachan (1000m; Euchan’s (Hector’s) hill) from where an excellent view opened
up westwards up the full length of a sun-filled Glen Lochay.
We left the ridge at the usual bealach forsaking
the climb up Creag na Caillich for the easy descent into grassy Coire Fionn Lairige. Down in the corrie we intercepted the hydro
track and strolled leisurely back to the car with the sun on our backs and the wee
man in 7th heaven. That tail didn’t stop wagging all day!
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