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This was programmed as a slow walk so we took our time. Starting from the dam at 420m we headed north up moderate slopes heading just to the west of Meall a' Phuill and a short pull up to the plateau at point 917. Then, after a modest 1 km walk the summit is reached.
Despite being quite cold with a snell northerly breeze we loitered as long as possible on the top taking in the great 360 degree views available from this modest munro. Although no count was taken an estimate of 50 + peaks on view seemed to be reasonable.
While the photos give an idea of what was to be seen they don't convey the sheer wonder of a great day on the hills.
- the way up
- The Lawers range
- The summit looking north
- looking north east
- looking south
- Looking west
- Rannoch moor, Glencoe and Ben Nevis
- the way back with Meall Ghaordaidh and Stuchd an Lochain
In my small collection of old photographs I came across this one taken on 13 April 1962 - that week I was at the school's CCF camp at Oakhampton in Devon and we were on a map reading / compass exercise on Dartmoor. I've never forgotten the map reading and compass work done then and always reckon that if you can find your way on a misty Dartmoor you can probably navigate anywhere.
I hope you like the period outdoor gear - leather army boots and spats, camouflage trousers and the 'one size fits all' cagoule. The photograph was taken at Laughter Tor with Bellever Tor in background - a quick look at a modern map confirmed the location. I was 17 at the time.
- Laughter Tor Dartmoor 13 April 1962
Now compare with one from 14 April 2012.
In both shots I'm the titch on the right of the photograph
- Meall Buidhe 14 April 2012, Schiehallion in gap in group