Ben Vrackie

[mband]

My friend had asked me to dog sit for her for the weekend in Pitlochry so I took the opportunity to have a walk up Ben Vrackie. Unfortunately the dog couldn't come with me as she is pregnant and the puppies are due soon.

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The view of the hill from the bedroom window looked really inviting.

Ben Vrackie from bedroom

Although there was a bit of cloud on the top when I left the house it soon cleared.

Ben Vrackie

Passed Moulin Inn and up through the forest to the open hillside where the views of Ben Vrackie were better.

Soon I was up to the snow line, there seemed quite a bit of snow on the way to the top and I could see people slowly making their way up a snow field to the right of the summit.

Ben Vrackie and Loch a' Choire

Looking back towards Pitlochry

The walk up from Loch a' Choire was quite steep with the path covered in snow. I put on my microspikes which worked really well but I could see above there were a couple of snow fields to climb up and I was worried if they would be enough. There was a lot of people out on the hill and a couple of guys coming down said they had managed with just boots on although some people were wearing crampons. As I climbed up the snow field using steps others had made I could see evidence of bumslides, without an ice axe I didn't dare.

Nearly there!

Once at the top the views were great, although there was still a bit of high cloud you could see for miles.

Looking towards Ben Chonzie

Looking towards Beinn a' Ghlo

I then returned back the same route I missed out the extension round the loch and took the shorter route back home as I knew I still had to take the preggie dog out for a walk! A great day out.

OK Monty, I know it's not a munro but hopefully it does count as a hill

[PeteR]

Great report and some nice pictures. Looks like a good day out, especially with a bit of snow on the hill too Some nice views from the summit, even with the cloud about

[ChrisW]

fantastic, looks like you had some spectacular views from the top...munro or not

[dooterbang]

Nice report and pictures.

I really like this little walk.

Hope you enjoyed a beer in the Moulin Inn afterwards