Lawers group five third time lucky

[arthuy]

our_route.gpx Open full screen  NB: Walkhighlands is not responsible for the accuracy of gpx files in users posts

This was Our Third attempt at the Lawers Group.

Our first attempt from the vistor centre carpark end was waist deep in snow and 10meters of visablilty so we abandoned at the gate just after the forest. Was a good decision and the group of 5 guys who went on ahead must have been mental. Realistically when we couldnt get the car to the car park and had to walk from the main access road we should have known better.

Attempt 2 was better we maanged to park at the carpark and this time we were armed with crampons. managed to get to around 800/900m just were it becomes a bit steeper before pulling out the crampons. Not wanting to abandon a second time we made it to the summit of Beinn Ghlas with the help of the wind blowing us up. At this point we got hit with fine hailstones which were blasting our faces. stopping only at the summit to take a photo from the lying down postion due to the wind we headed back to the car, having to move slowly due to the previously helpful wind which was now blasting the hail into our eyes. needless to say snow googles were purchased and packed in the kit bags.

So attempt number 3 was important. We decided to go from the Lawers Hotel walking Meall Greigh, Meall Garbh and An Stuc and if we had time and energy would look at Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas.

We got to Killin and decided to pick up a couple of rolls and a cuppa tea. Was surprised that most of the village was closed but the bakers sorted us out. We did have a good laugh when a Tourist came in an asked for some exotic coffee like a latte, he was directed to the cafe which was closed so we can only assume he walked to Aberfeldy in search.

So We set off late at 10:10am and made good time to the first munro.


We plodded on and found the walk to be quite enjoyable and made better time on some stretches.

Meall Greigh



between Mealls seriously it was lunch time


Meall Garbh




The scrabble up An Stuc was ok for me but MD doesn't find them much fun.


Summit An Stuc



We didn't meet many people up until we reached Ben Lawers and then there was loads of folk who seemed to be walking in all directions. I was really cheered up to see the the family who had brought their Beagle up.

Ben Lawers



when we hit the summit of beinn Ghlas it was only us but still able to see people heading home on the low road.

Beinn Ghlas



bit of a dilemas was how to return to the hotel for the car. Looking at the landranger we decided to cut down and follow the stream Allt an Tuim Bhric and pick up the service road.

Then decide where we would head left back to the small dam at the Lawers burn and back the way we came or head right and meet the main road We chose the to head right as the decent had been a bit slow and we still had a lot more to go.

The zigzag road got a bit tiresome but once on the road we made good time and got to the Hotel, changed boots and clothes and managed to order a meal before the kitchen closed.

All in it took 11hrs, we had a great walk and felt good. I managed to muster enough energy to run the last 20-30 meters to the final summit.

Amazing how a hill can change with the weather.

Looking to An Stuc


Back to the Mealls

[ronofcam]

arthuy,

Did you see any patches of snow on the ridge between Meall Garbh and An Stuc? You can see it in this picture, taken on the 28th June.

Thanks,

R.

[arthuy]

No hint of snow this time.

1st Attempt 19th Feb 2011
in the back ground would be Beinn Ghlas

gate just before Beinn Ghlas there is actually 5 guys there, we went back they went ahead!!!!

2nd attempt 8th March 2011

Same spot where the guys were in the other picture.


Just before we broke out the crampons


Colin

[gagfax]

What was the parking like at the hotel? Was there a charge? Thanks in advance

[stevemillar]

Great report... and doing this walk the best way it can be done. It helps if you have 2 cars though and leave one at Lawers car park for the return to the hotel.
In answer to the question about the hotel car park, there are usually plenty of spaces, but they do ask you to spend something at the bar. The meals (and staff) there are also superb, plus one Sunday per month, people come from miles around for their music night. Details are on their Facebook page.

Steve

[Bod]

Great report, love it, well done..........the stretch of road at the end must felt long though. Hope you had time to enjoy a pint at the end

[arthuy]

Thanks Guys,

The Hotel had a decent bit of parking, I don't think they police it bit of a gentlemens agreement.

We ate there and it was lovely grub, I had a Jack D and a pint as MD was driving. Two cars would have been good friends have done it with bikes but think we did the right thing. Plenty of daylight, the road is easy to walk on as you can almost march along at a good regular pace. Saw a few straglers from the Quadrathlon so that was a bonus.

Colin

[retrogear]

Ben Lawers

Is this the new sport of Trig Point Leap Frog?