Great gosh almighty - third time lucky!
I've posted previous attempts to complete this circuit, losing out to weather and bad luck, but finally seem to have gotten lucky, in a big way, this time.
Following the recommended route I have very little to add to the existing information, except for one or two highlights.
The barn in Invervar that marks the beginning of the trail is on the verge of collapse so there's a little signposted detour in place, easy to follow.
The bouncy bridge is getting more bouncy all the time, and the wooden bridge earlier on the farmer's track is showing signs of increasing wear and tear!
Carn Gorm itself was pretty much as expected, still some patchy snowdrifts near the summit.
As I was approaching the second summit(Meall Garbh) the noise of a jet engine caused me to look back towards Carn Gorm, where I had the surprise of a Eurofighter on it's side climbing up and over An Sgorr. Yes, between me and the summit of Carn Gorm, not overhead! Shame my camera was in my pack at that point as it scurried off to the North.
High winds across all four peaks, making the weird summit cairn on Meall Garbh vibrate ominously!
The approach to Carn Mairg is quite impressive, still collared in snow, but the weather damage to the descending path on the eastern shoulder means this is quite a tense ten minute drop, followed by a very welcome and flat ten minute traverse before the final ascent.
Great views down into Glen Lyon from Creag Mhor, followed by a quad-burning, knee crunching descent to the car park.
1. Fluids consumed - 4 litres mix water & isotonic
2. Pictures taken - 35 plus two short vids
3. Multi-million pound flying death machines sighted - one
Share your personal walking route experiences in Scotland, and comment on other peoples' reports.
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.
Glen Lyon Horseshoe - completed at last
Glen Lyon Horseshoe - completed at last
by tullius0618 » Mon May 20, 2013 4:43 pm
Route description: Carn Gorm, Meall Garbh, Carn Mairg and Creag Mhor
Munros included on this walk: Carn Gorm, Carn Mairg, Creag Mhor (Meall na Aighean), Meall Garbh (Carn Mairg)
Date walked: 17/05/2013
Time taken: 8.5 hours
Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 1400m
2 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).- Attachments
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- Glen Lyon from the bouncy bridge
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- Looking back to Carn Gorm
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- Weird summit of Meall Garbh - Schiehallion beyond
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- Schiehallion in the sun
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- GlenCoe from Meall Garbh
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- Ben Nevis from Meall Garbh
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- View from Meall a'Bharr
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- Schiehallion between Meall Garbh and Carn Mairg
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- Carn Mairg from the west
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- Carn Mairg from the east
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- Looking back from Creag Mhor
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- False summit cairn on Creag Mhor
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- Glen Lyon from Creag Mhor
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- Final descent ridge viewed from Carn Gorm southerly shoulder
Re: Glen Lyon Horseshoe - completed at last
by Munro Madness » Tue May 21, 2013 9:57 pm
Great report with nice pictures. . . . . .so thats what the views are like at the summits!lol I did the same 4 on Saturday 18th and had a battle with high winds especially on the summit of Carn Gorm and all the summits were cloud covered. The little bridge used for the river crossing is certainly bouncy. I was very glad that it sits a small distance above the river and not higher up! 

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Munro Madness - Posts: 13
- Munros:96
- Joined: Oct 19, 2012
Re: Glen Lyon Horseshoe - completed at last
by tullius0618 » Wed May 22, 2013 8:32 am
Thanks MM, it was my third attempt so the views were a bit of a revelation to me too!
With the weather improving now's the time to get out there though.
I did Stucd na Lochain yesterday so now have the complete set of Glen Lyon summits and can move on, fingers crossed the MWIS is right about less cloud, cold notwithstanding!

With the weather improving now's the time to get out there though.
I did Stucd na Lochain yesterday so now have the complete set of Glen Lyon summits and can move on, fingers crossed the MWIS is right about less cloud, cold notwithstanding!
2 people think this report is great. Register or Login free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
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