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I had meant to set off early in the morning for a walk to fit between the dawn rain and afternoon forecast of showers. I did get as far as switching the alarm off but then went back to bed feeling groggy. Couldn't see any signs of another reasonable weather forecast any time soon so in the afternoon I looked for short walk not too far away where I could possibly tolerate showers. Meall Chuaich seemed to fit the bill, particularly as the BBC had its Dalwhinnie forecast as shower-free.
Started walking at 3.45pm in an on/off warm breeze that at least kept the flies away. It was probably a bit too warm for trying to walk fast but I did fall into that trap a bit as I'd said I would get home by 11pm. Nevertheless I was able to enjoy the fair weather cloud and novelty of the hydro dam that follows the track for part of the way.
I think I got to the start of the hill path after about an hour but I didn't check the time. Anyway, the effect of the heat started to kick in as soon as I started ascending properly. Not much choice but to go at it a bit at a time with frequent stops though I suppose another option would have been to go very slowly with fewer stops.
Thankfully the intermittent breeze kept up and it clouded over a bit too so I was helped a bit by this. But still I struggled. I put this down partly to feeling a little unwell over the past few days but the slight dizziness and headache I had must have been mainly down to the heat.
It was with some relief that I finally made it onto the gently sloped summit area and I was able to enjoy last of the walking to the summit cairn feeling a lot better. Took a few minutes to admire the views with the Cairngorms making a slightly unexpected appearance straight ahead. I was able to pick out Creag Megaidh, Schiehallion and the Fara too from amongst the few nearby hills I've climbed. A wonderful viewpoint though so don't be put off by descriptions of the hill itself being a bit dull. The cloud also played its part, having changed from fair weather to slightly more dramatic bunching and towering forms.
No showers though, thankfully!
Reached the summit cairn at 6.20pm so I phoned home to confirm that I would be home just before 11pm (10.55pm as it turned out) so one less thing to worry about.
As it was downhill and then basically flat all the way back to the car I found the return leg a lot easier and there was no return of the wobbles I'd had on the way up
A beautiful afternoon, if a bit on the warm side. There is a pleasant breeze too though.
A novelty to walk alongside the hydro canal.
Meall Chuaich top left.
It's safe to say I am within the speed limit though I am trying to keep the pace up.
The power behind the throne.
If in doubt.
Obligatory hill path photo. I'm feeling quite energetic at this point but as soon as the gradient increases I start to struggle a bit. Probably a combination of heat, trying to walk fast to this point, not feeling so great recently, no big hill for the last three weeks...
To compensate for my lethargy the views are somewhat excellent.
Glad to see the sky cloud over a bit; cooling me and enhancing the views. Here the Fara far away is prominent mid right.
The Window.
Creag Ruadh and Loch Cuacih just to the west.
At about the 750m contour. Great view but I am really struggling now, having to stop every ten minutes to catch my breath and feeling a little bit light headed.
Normally I'd see a nice easy slope like this and be able to walk up it without stopping but not today.
Good that the cloud has kept the sun off a bit.
Loch Ericht & co.
Clouds are starting to look quite dramatic.
A tamer view south.
Schiehallion maybe.
More unbroken sunshine as I reach the last part of the ascent. I am a bit knackered at this point but I know I'll be ok after a rest, a drink and a bit to eat.
Booyakasha the Ciarngorms massif.
The summit area is comprised of gently sloping, cropped grass. Now I am relaxing, taking in the views and feeling a lot more energetic.
Early evening perfection.
At the summit cairn.
Bouffant hairstyle recipe = take shower, wander round with semi dried hair, get row from wife for risking pneumonia, quick blast with hairdryer.
Cairngorms again -slightly disorienting to see them directly ahead but the very last part of the walk to the cairn does head NE.
Had a break just west of the cairn, phoned home and then descended by this better path that avoids the scree.
View NW.
The cloud formations and light are quite breathtaking.
Cloudbeams and sunbeams.
As much as the big sky demanded my attention this little fellow caught it.
But not for long.
Easy walk back along the track with no sign of my earlier wobbles.
Carn Dearg.
On the way home now. Nice light on the scrambly Fiacaill Ridge.
The showers can start now.
