Meall nan Tarmachan and the Tarmachan Ridge
LOCH TAY AND GLEN LYON
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1. When driving north along the road from the Lawers visitor centre, take the next track off to the left. There is a rough area for parking just across the bridge over the burn. Begin the walk along the track; the National Trust sign may read 'Ben Lawers' but that's the name of the estate – the rocky mountain behind the sign is Meall nan Tarmachan. Go through the gate and continue on the track for around three hundred metres until a cairn marks the start of a clear path heading off to the right. Turn onto this path which leads west up the slopes until it gains a ridge which is followed north to the minor summit at 923 metres.
2. Cross a slight dip and a flat grassy area before the path begins to ascend again, this time tackling the steep and rocky upper slopes. Higher up it comes alongside a small stream and then continues across the slopes to reach the summit plateau of Meall nan Tarmachan a short distance to the north of the cairn, finally turning left here to complete the ascent. At 1044 metres this is a substantial Munro but the high start can make it one of the quickest ascents in the Highlands. It is a great viewpoint, with the nearby Ben Lawers looking very fine across the deep trough of Lochan na Lairige.
Photo ©Nigel Brown, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
3. For some Munro-baggers that is enough and they return the same way. However if conditions are good and you can cope with a little scrambling, a complete traverse of the rocky, winding Tarmachan ridge – stretching away to the southwest – is not to be missed. The next objective is the sharply pointed peak of Meall Garbh. Descent the ridge which leads gently downhill to the south at first slowly curving to the right and passing a tiny lochan – with a larger one down to the right.
Photo ©Ian Mitchell, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
4. The path simplifies navigation in the complex terrain; a minor hummock is passed before a rougher climb up to tiny summit of Meall Garbh. At 1026 metres this qualifies as a 'Top' and is the most exciting summit of the day. The ridge now descends steeply to the west; after a short distance there is a rocky scramble which heads down diagonally to the right. When dry this is not too difficult and best tacked direct, though it is probably possible to avoid it by heading to the right a little earlier down steep grass.
Photo ©Kevin Rae, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
5. Another minor hummock in the bealach is crossed before the ascent to the next top, Beinn an Eachan, which has a very steep south face. Continue along the ridge, bearing right a little to avoid steep ground on the descent to the next bealach which is wide, grassy and covered in hummocks. From here you can include the final Top – Creag na Caillich – by a diversion but afterwards return to the bealach as it gives the easiest route of descent. Head southeast across rough but mostly grassy slopes – boggy in places – aiming for the quarry shown on the map. From here a good track leads all the way back to the start.
Photo ©Pip Rolls, and licensed under this Creative Commons Licence
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Route profile
Accommodation links for this area:
Loch Tay: Aberfeldy & Killin Hotels and Inns
Perthshire B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Loch Tay: Aberfeldy & Killin
Perthshire bunkhouses and hostels
