The weather looked ideal, a clear day with no rain forecast. Perfect. I called my usual walking buddies to see if they were up for it, but unfortunately neither could make it, one being injured and the other working. Never mind, I thought, I was determined to hit the hills regardless. The dog - a chocolate lab named Oscar - needed a good walk, so he could come.
So, Saturday morning came and we set off around 8 o'clock in brilliant sunshine. It really was a beautiful morning, and as we crossed the Forth I had a great view of the Ochils towering to the North-West. I was surprised and slightly concerned to see that they were distinctly snowy at the peaks - if the Ochils had snow, what was it going to be like at Munro level?? I briefly considered abandoning the trip and turning back, but decided to carry on regardless, thinking that we could always turn back if the walking became too tough. This turned out to be an inspired piece of thinking
We arrived to a very busy car park at Invervar at 10am, and set off through the gates and into the forest.
- Heading up through the forest
After a short time the path left the forest and started to climb alongside the Invervar Burn, then across the burn and towards Carn Gorm. The conditions were great, if a bit wet and boggy in places, and myself and the faithful hound set off with a real sense of purpose, inspired by the sight of the mountain ahead. The ascent of Carn Gorm didn't go without a hitch, though - my heavy new boots were proving very harsh on the heels, and being a bit out of practice the going was pretty tough. These concerns soon dissolved though, as the path climbed to give some cracking views back down into the glen and across to the Lawers range.
- Looking across towards Ben Lawers
- Oscar takes in the scenery
After a couple of hours we could see the summit of Carn Gorm, but we had reached the snowline so I had to decide whether or not to continue and do the full round of four, or to turn around and head back down into the glen. Luckily, the snow turned out to be firm without being slippy, and was easy enough to walk on. We marched on up to the summit, and stopped to get some photos and a friendly chat with some other walkers. The views were absolutely magnificent!!
- Oscar bags his first Munro
- At the summit of Carn Gorm
Once up on the plateau, the walking was fairly straightforward. With no major climbs in front of us, we happily sauntered round, enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful silence. The panorama on view was absolutely terrific, with Ben Nevis clearly visible to the North-West, some great vies of Schiehallion, and the very snowy-looking Cairngorms Massif to the North-East.
- Nevis range
- At the summit of Meall Garbh, looking towards Schiehallion and the Cairgorms visible in the distance.
After stopping at the summits of Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor for a well deserved lunch and some rest, we plodded on, tired, but exhilarated, down the path back into Glen Lyon, stopping for a final few snaps along the way.
- Ben Lawers
- Oscar overcomes his tiredness to do his Elvis impression
- Back down into Glen Lyon
By this point my feet were really aching, and I think I will have to invest in some lighter boots for the summer. All in all, though, it was a superb day's walking, made even better by the fantastic conditions and the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains. The Scottish Highlands eh?!?! Can't wait until next time!
Been meaning to do these for a while. I'll get there eventually. Well done tae Oscar
