Stay at home

[Gavin99]

Having been put off this walk over the last few weeks by reports of stalking restrictions I decided to have a go now that the main season is coming to an end . I phoned the estate and a charming lady on the phone assured me that I would be more than welcome to visit , could I make it Saturday , stay out of the corries and stick to the ridges ? all sounded fine to me . I set off early from home to make the most of the short day , hoping to be walking for 7.30 or 8 at the latest . The best laid plans .... some imbecile (me) had forgotten to put fuel in the van so I spent a lovely hour and a half stranded outside a petrol station waiting for it to open . I eventually pulled into Invervar and got away up the hill for 9,the pleasant walk up through the woods and beside the burn cheering me up as the sun made an early appearance .The ridge leading up to the first summit is obvious and easy angled and the top was reached without too much effort.

Carn Gorm and An Sgorr

Sun over Lawers

Route of ascent

The blustery wind was blowing a chilly band of low cloud across the summit of Carn Gorm so I didn't stop and carried on towards An Sgorr , on the way meeting some ptarmigan changing into their winter coats .

The shapely peak of An Sgorr

View down Invervar burn

Onwards along the route Meall Garbh is next , a short ascent from the col brings its sculptural cairn into view .As I approached the summit a woodcock sprang up from beneath my feet before darting away downhill , a beautiful sight , although I don't know who got the bigger fright !

Meall Garbh

Onwards to Meall a' Bharr and as I neared the top the sky remained clear to the north , revealing sweeping views and some interesting lens shaped clouds

Lenticular clouds

More ptarmigan

From Meall a' Bharr to Carn Mairg is is lovely section of the route with a scree strewn ridge giving glorious views of Schiehallion and the craggy summit of Carn Mairg itself .

Ridge to Carn Mairg

Cloud capped Schiehallion

The summit of this hill is a great wee spot with a rocky tor to scramble around on and explore .Whilst having a bite to eat here a flock of snow bunting fluttered around but teased me by staying just out of camera range , well my camera anyway !

Crags on Mairg

The route to the final summit of the day heads east to avoid scree and crags before turning south to the bealach , passing what must have been an impressive drystone wall in its prime .

Quality stone masonry

Before long the fourth and final Munro of the day came into view , briefly , before disappearing in cloud again , a quick climb up to the cairn of Meall na Aighean then about turn and off down the long west ridge .

Meall na Aighean

Fir Clubmoss

Route down

Low winter sun over Glen Lyon

I reached the car at 3.30 , not a lot of light left before headtorch time , I must try to get up earlier , Hmm. This was a great day on the hills , lovely views , plenty wildlife and four Munros , magic !

[Bod]

Nice one Gavin, like the ptarmigan on the rock....