free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
A very cold start with the road up to the visitors centre completely iced over and the car park snowed under (thank goodness for my "chelsea tractor"!). Its quite a steep access road, that doesn't get treated in winter,so be warned.
Another perfect day out, clear skies but very deep, soft snow on the south ridge up to the summit. This meant very hot work to the top.
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- Early morning sun over Ben Lawers, from the south ridge
Clear air gave superb views across to Ben Lawers and north to Ben Nevis.
After 3 years of complete wash outs in Scotland, its nice to be getting some good conditions. (I do most of my Munros in the winter now).
Easy going across the ridge to Meall Garbh. Snow was soft (no ice), so very easy, short scramble up to summit - nothing to worry about.
Ridge across from Meall Garbh is narrow but the drops are not in the least steep. I was surprised by the rock step at the end of the ridge. This was snowed up and did cause concern for a couple of party members. A length of rope and a sling definitely came in handy.
Once down from the rock step, I looked back and could see that we could have cut right down the ridge slope and bypassed the step... ah well, hindsight is a good thing.
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- Looking back to the rock step. Note the bypass slope on the left
A very pleasant stroll back along the track to the car, no knee-jarring descents. The views south, over Loch Tay providing constant distraction.
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- Sunset already? On the way down Coire Fionn Lairige
All-in-all a marvellous walk without problems (if you are forewarned about an "icey" rock step) and certainly not too strenuous. Save it for a clear day,the views are endless.
